What is a behind the back pass in basketball
A behind the back pass consists of offensive action that occurs when a player in current possession of the basketball throws it behind their back to an open teammate for a possible scoring or playmaking opportunity.
Also, a behind the back pass is usually an air pass but there is also a variation that happens when the ball bounces one time to the floor behind the player’s back and afterwards, it is received by a teammate.
Additionally, there is yet another type of behind the back pass, generally known as an elbow pass, which was popularized by former NBA point guard, Jason Williams, particularly during the 2000 NBA Rookie Challenge (now known as the Rising Stars Challenge), while he was a member of the Sacramento Kings basketball team.
The elbow pass variation is comprised of offensive action that occurs when a player moves the ball behind their back but then as the ball gets released from the throwing hand, that same player hits the ball with their opposite elbow.
When is a behind the back pass generally effective
Generally speaking, a behind the back pass is usually effective against transition defense and ball screen defense in certain situations.
The main reason that a behind the back pass could be feasible in those instances is because defenders will typically look at the player in possession of the ball or they will observe the ball itself as offensive action such as dribbling or passing occurs.
So, when a player with the ball executes a behind the back pass, this could deceive the eyes of a defender because the ball is initially in one hand but after that, it would be thrown to an offensive receiver on the opposite side of the throwing hand.
As a result of that sleight of hand and misdirection, this could potentially cause one or more defenders to momentarily pause which could then lead to a possible scoring or playmaking opportunity for the receiver of that behind the back pass.
In addition, a behind the back pass could potentially be even more effective especially when the player with the ball utilizes it as a no look pass.
However, it should also be noted that a behind the back pass as well as the no look pass are generally advanced types of basketball passes so players should first learn and master the basic passes such as the chest pass, bounce pass, and overhead pass.
Against transition defense
A behind the back pass could be effective against transition defense, particularly when the offensive team has a significant numbers advantage such as a 2-on-1 or 3-on-1 during primary break.
For example, let’s say a fast break occurs within transition offense that involves an offensive player in possession of the ball dribbling down the middle of the court towards the basket and two additional offensive players on each wing also sprinting towards the basket as well.
Furthermore, let’s say that there is only one defender that successfully gets back to protect the basket.
Following that, the player with the ball could briefly look towards one of the offensive wing players as if to pass in that direction but then execute a behind the back pass quickly to the opposite wing player.
When that happens, there is probably a high likelihood that the defender protecting the basket would momentarily pause because of that same behind the back pass.
As a result, that would give the offensive player receiving that pass enough time to score quickly via a layup or dunk at the rim.
Against ball screen defense
A behind the back pass could be effective against ball screen defense, particularly against drop coverage or perhaps even the defensive hedge to a degree.
Basically, when an offensive player utilizes an on-ball screen, the screener’s defender will generally try to contain the ball and/or hinder the possible roll action with the drop coverage or prevent feasible dribble penetration with the defensive hedge.
If the screener’s defender executes the drop coverage or defensive hedge, then the screener could counter it by popping to a perimeter area that is away from the ball.
At the same time, let’s say that the on-ball defender successfully stays in front of the player in possession of the ball by fighting through the on-ball screen or going under it.
When that occurs, the player with the ball could pass it behind their back to the screener that popped away from the defender (i.e. the screener’s defender) executing the drop coverage or hedge.
From that point, the screener could have an opportunity to take an open perimeter jump shot before the defender guarding that same screener is able to execute a sufficient defensive closeout.
Also, a behind the back pass could be favorable because in this specific case, the offensive player with the ball would be able to move it quickly to the receiver before the defense is able to react swiftly.
In other words, if the offensive player with the ball uses the on-ball screen but then executes something such as a basic chest pass or another similar type of pass, that same offensive player would have to turn their body towards the receiver, either by pivoting or simply dribbling back towards the receiver.
The issue is that the turning action of the player with the ball slows down the overall offensive sequence.
This, in turn, gives the defense, and more specifically, the screener’s defender enough time to react and possibly closeout when the same player in possession of the ball executes a different type of pass that is not behind the back.
What are the general steps to execute a behind the back pass
Generally speaking, to execute a behind the back pass, the player in possession of the ball should initially be in the correct stance, use the proper grip, move the ball behind their back, and release it towards a receiver.
Moreover, it is possible to execute a behind the back pass immediately after dribbling the basketball. Yet, for these particular steps, it is assumed that the player executes the pass from a stationary stance without dribbling.
Furthermore, it should be noted that even though the steps are broken down into a progression format, the actual behind the back pass should be performed as one solid and smooth motion.
Also, in terms of the bounce pass variation, the player will start in a stance that is similar to the standard behind the back pass action.
From that point, the player will bounce the ball directly behind them at an angle with enough strength so that it bounces back up towards a potential receiver.
Essentially, when executing the bounce pass variation, the ball should bounce behind the player’s back and form a downward and upward motion that is similar to the letter V.
Be in the correct stance
The player in possession of the ball should stand sideways from the receiver as opposed to directly facing the receiver.
Additionally, the player with the ball should have their feet about shoulder width apart, their knees slightly bent, and their back straight.
Use the proper grip
The player should hold the ball by cupping it with one hand while bending the adjacent wrist inwardly.
The primary reason why cupping the hand and bending the wrist is essential is because this helps the player to continuously hold the ball as the player moves it behind their back.
In addition, the player should have their fingers slightly bent so that the ball does not touch the palm of the hand.
The palm should not touch the ball because that could affect the speed, velocity, or power of the pass in a negative manner.
Move the ball behind the back
While still cupping the ball with one hand and bending the wrist, the player should move it behind their back, particularly near their lower back region. Moreover, the player’s elbow should be slightly bent during this action.
Release the ball
The player should release the ball and throw it to the receiver once the ball is behind their back. It should also be stated once again that each of the steps should be executed as one fluid motion.
Furthermore, as said earlier, a behind the back pass is an advanced type of pass so the player has to execute it quickly to generate an adequate amount of speed, velocity, and power.
Essentially, the pass could be inaccurate or simply not reach the receiver swiftly enough if the overall passing action, specifically with the throwing arm, is too slow.
What is a simple drill to practice a behind the back pass
A simple drill to practice a behind the back pass is for a player to stand sideways about four to six feet from a wall, pass the ball behind their back by throwing it to an area of the wall that is approximately parallel to the player’s non-throwing shoulder, and then catch the ball as it bounces off the wall in front of them.
This basic wall passing drill could be performed continuously until the player is comfortable and confident executing behind the back passes.