Pass and Relocate Drill

🎒 Gear Needed: 1 x basketball, partner (or wall), 1 ring
⏱ Suggested Time: 5 - 10 minutes
👥 Participants: Partner (Passer/Relocator and Feeder) or Solo with Wall
📍 Space: Backyard / Half-Court
📊 Difficulty: Beginner

📝 Instructions

1. Setup: Player 1 starts at the top of the key holding a basketball in triple-threat stance. Player 2 sets up on the right wing, roughly 5 metres away.
2. The Initial Pass: Player 1 delivers a sharp chest pass to Player 2 on the wing.
3. The Relocation Rule: In modern motion basketball, a player who stands still after passing is essentially playing defense against their own team. The instant the ball leaves Player 1’s hands, they must relocate to a new open spot on the perimeter.
4. Perimeter Drift: Player 1 sprints or executes a rapid lateral slide 3 to 4 metres along the three-point arc toward the right corner (or flashes into the opposite slot), creating a completely fresh passing angle.
5. The Return Pass: Player 2 catches the initial pass, squares to the ring, and immediately delivers a crisp return chest or bounce pass to Player 1 arriving at the relocated corner spot.
6. Catch and Shoot or Drive: Player 1 catches the pass in stride with knees bent, squares their shoulders to the ring, and finishes with a balanced jump shot or an attack dribble into the key for a layup at the ring.
7. Rotate: Player 1 rebounds their shot and takes the wing feeder position; Player 2 rotates to the top of the key. Complete 10 repetitions to the right wing/corner, then 10 repetitions to the left side.

💡 Coaching Cues

• Pass and Move in One Motion: The moment you let go of the pass, your feet must be in motion; never admire your pass or watch from a stationary position.
• Show 10 Fingers on the Relocation: As you sprint or slide to your new spot, have your hands raised at chest height with fingers spread wide, ready to catch and shoot instantly.
• Square Feet in the Air: When receiving the return pass on the relocation, catch the ball on a balanced two-footed jump stop or 1-2 plant, squaring your feet and hips directly to the ring.
• Stay Behind the Three-Point Line: Relocate along the perimeter arc to maintain optimal spacing; drifting inside too early crowds your teammates and brings help defenders into the key.

🔄 Variations & Progressions

• Make It Easier: Run the drill solo in a driveway or backyard: throw a chest pass against a brick wall from the top of the key, immediately slide 3 metres to the wing, catch the rebound off the wall, and shoot at the ring.
• Make It Harder: Add a closing-out defender: when Player 1 relocates to the corner, a defender sprints from the split line to contest the catch; Player 1 must read the closeout and decide whether to shoot or pump-fake and drive to the ring.

📺 Video Demonstration