What is the entry pass in basketball?
The entry pass occurs when an offensive player in possession of the ball throws it from the top/slot to the wing area and/or from a perimeter area of the court towards a post area, especially the low post area.
What are the primary types of entry passes?
The primary types of entry passes are the wing entry pass and the post entry pass.
Essentially, when the ball gets thrown from the top to the wing, this is generally considered to be a wing entry pass.
Likewise, when the ball gets thrown from the perimeter, particularly the wing area, to the post area, this is often referred to as a post entry pass.
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 basic wing entry pass?

This is an example of a basic wing entry pass when the ball is initially at the top beyond the three-point line. To begin, 2 receives the ball near the right side wing by way of the wing entry pass from 1.
Following that, 1 executes a face cut to the basket, receives the ball again from 2, and scores at the rim. Also, as a side note, this sequence is known as give and go action or pass and cut action.
What is an example of a basic post entry pass?

This is an example of a basic post entry pass, which also includes 1 at the top, 2 near the right side wing, and 5 near the right side low post block. To begin, 2 receives the ball via the wing entry pass from 1.
Next, 5 receives the post entry pass from 2 and after that, 5 could attempt to score by way of a low post move.
What is an example of a post entry pass featuring a Laker cut?

This is an example of a post entry pass featuring a Laker cut, which could lead to a scoring opportunity at the rim.
To begin, 2 receives the ball by way of the wing entry pass from 1. Next, 5 receives the ball via the post entry pass from 2.
Afterwards, 2 executes a Laker cut on the low side, receives the ball from 5 via a handoff, and scores at the basket with a layup or dunk.