Drift Pass in Basketball

Table of Contents

What is a drift pass in basketball?

A drift pass occurs when a player in possession of the basketball dribbles toward the baseline near one side of the lane, which is then followed by a pass to an opposite corner or opposite wing.

From there, it’s possible to create a scoring opportunity, especially near a perimeter area of the court.

Why is the drift pass potentially effective in basketball?

The drift pass is potentially effective because once the player in possession of the ball achieves baseline dribble penetration, that action could pull in one or more help defenders, who would typically try to stop a high percentage shot such as a layup.

Due to the defensive collapse towards the ball, at least one off-ball offensive player will most likely be left open to receive it for potential scoring opportunities, typically from three-point range.

How to understand the player roles and diagrams on this page

In reference to any diagrams below, each of the offensive and defensive players are generally represented by the standard basketball positions, unless otherwise noted.

Additionally, offensive players are signified by numbers such as 1-5 while defensive players are indicated by the letter X, which is then followed by numbers such as X1-X5.

In essence, 1 and X1 indicate the respective offensive and defensive point guards. 2 and X2 signify the respective offensive and defensive shooting guards.

3 and X3 denote the respective offensive and defensive small forwards. 4 and X4 designate the respective offensive and defensive power forwards.

5 and X5 represent the respective offensive and defensive centers.

Moreover, in terms of a brief legend for the diagrams:

Black Dot or Small Circle: The black dot or small circle represents the basketball.
Solid Arrow: The solid arrow indicates movement or a cut on the basketball court.
Dotted Arrow: The dotted arrow represents a basketball pass.
Wavy Arrow: The wavy arrow indicates dribbling.
T-Shaped Symbol: The T-shaped symbol signifies a screen, also known as a pick.
Double pipe symbol: The double pipe symbol denotes handoff action.

What is an example of a drift pass to an opposite corner?

To start, 1 attacks the rim and drives toward the baseline via the on-ball screen set by 5. When that occurs, X4 slides into the lane to protect the basket.

From there, 4 receives the ball in the left side corner by way of the drift pass executed by 1. Afterwards, 4 can take the jump shot if open.

What is an example of a drift pass featuring hammer action?

This is an example of a drift pass when the ball is on the wing which also includes a hammer screen on the weak side. To begin, 2 receives a step up screen from 5 and then dribbles toward the baseline.

As that occurs, 3 executes a drift cut to the left side corner via the hammer screen set by 4. Following that, 3 receives the ball from 2 by way of the drift pass and then 3 takes the open three-point shot.

What is an example of a drift pass basketball drill?

This is an example of a drift pass basketball drill derived from End-of-Game Winning Strategies & Plays by Kevin Boyle.

The drill comprises three lines near the left side wing, the top, and the right side wing. Moreover, the players on the left side wing execute baseline dribble penetration with a drift pass.

As that occurs, the players near the right side wing execute a drift cut followed by additional dribble penetration and a pass to the top. From there, the players at the top simply swing the ball to the players on the left side wing.

Furthermore, the players that begin near the left side wing will move to the right side wing after executing the proper action. Also, the players that start near the right side wing will move to the top.

Similarly, the players that begin at the top will follow the pass to the left side wing after receiving the ball.

To demonstrate, 1 executes baseline dribble penetration toward the basket. As that occurs, 5 performs a drift cut to the right side corner and then receives the ball from 1.

After that, 5 dribble penetrates into the gap between the right side wing and right side corner while 1 cuts to the back of the line near the right side wing.

Upon reaching the right side lane near the mid-post but prior to dribbling into the actual paint, 5 executes a pass to 3 at the top and then moves to the back of the line at the top

Next, 2 receives the ball from 3 and then, 3 follows that pass to the back of the line near the left side wing. From that point, the drill continues until each player completes the cycle.

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