Kick Pass in Basketball: Basic Information Explained

What is the kick pass in basketball

The kick pass, also known as the kick out pass, includes offensive action in which a player that has possession of the basketball while already near the basket or at least moving towards it, throws the ball to a teammate that is near one of the perimeter areas of the court.

The kick pass is generally used after dribble penetration, especially into the lane area, but it could also be executed by a player that receives the ball after initially cutting to the basket or by a low post player initially in possession of the ball who is then highly influenced to execute the kick pass, particularly because of double team action by the defensive team.

The kick pass is also a type of basketball pass commonly utilized within dribble drive motion offense, primarily due to the drive and kick action.

What is a general reason why the kick pass is potentially effective

The kick pass is potentially effective because it can create scoring opportunities, especially from three-point range or even additional offensive playmaking opportunities such as more ball movement, particularly around the perimeter or dribble drive action towards the basket.

Essentially, if an offensive player with the ball is able to get around the on-ball defender that would be currently guarding them and move towards the basket with dribbling moves or with a tactic such as the pick and roll action, then this generally causes the other off-ball defenders to respond with defensive rotations in which they would move towards the ball and/or towards the basket.

When the defensive rotation occurs, the offensive player in possession of the ball could then execute a kick pass towards the perimeter, which could then lead to a possible open jump shot or some other type of playmaking action.

For example, let’s say that the offensive team implements a basketball strategy which emphasizes actions that could be beneficial for undersized teams such as the 4 out 1 in motion offense.

Next, let’s also say that player A at the top has possession of the ball and that same player is able to use an explosive first step to blow by their primary defender towards the rim.

Once that happens, other off-ball defenders may move towards the ball and/or basket in an attempt to limit or prevent further dribble penetration.

Off-ball defenders near the strong side of the court may attempt to stunt at the ball, execute an impromptu defensive switch, or even try to help one pass away, the latter of which, commonly being detrimental for the defense.

Off-ball defenders near the weak side of the court might slide towards the lane and/or drop back to protect the basket.

Either way, the initial dribble penetration caused the defenders to move towards the ball and/or towards the basket.

As a result, the offensive players without the ball that were initially being guarded by those defenders near the perimeter areas are left open, at least momentarily, as potential passing targets for the player with the ball.

Continuing with the example, let’s say that player A is able to execute the kick pass to player B in the left side corner.

Afterwards, upon receiving the ball, player B has the opportunity to take a jump shot if that is open.

Moreover, let’s say in another instance that once player B receives the ball in the corner, a defender that initially slid near the lane and/or near the basket might sprint too quickly towards that same corner, which could then lead to a poor defensive closeout.

When that happens, instead of shooting the ball, player B could perform a pump fake, also known as a shot fake, to either get the defender to jump in the air or at least, keep the defender off-balance during the closeout action.

Following that, player B could then dribble between the gaps of the other off-ball defenders, thereby penetrating towards the basket for a layup, dunk, or even additional kick out action if that is feasible.

What is an example of a basketball play that uses the kick pass

Part 1

This is an example of a basketball play that use the kick pass initiated from a wide 4 out 1 in alignment.

This play also involves an on-ball screen and an off-ball screen which could lead to a scoring opportunity near the perimeter or near the basket.

To begin, 1 dribbles toward the basket via the on-ball screen set by 5.

Also, as that happens, X5 does not execute a defensive hedge but instead utilizes drop coverage in the lane to mitigate the effectiveness of the roll by 5.

Furthermore, X2 stunts at the ball to slow down the dribble penetration of 1. Additionally, 3 cuts to the top via the down screen set by 4.

As that happens, 2 receives the ball via the kick pass from 1 and begins to dribble towards the right side wing.

While that occurs, 1 fills the vacant right side corner, 5 fills the left side low post area, and 4 fills the left side corner.

Part 2

Next, 2 dribbles toward the basket via the ball screen set by 5. At the same time, X2 fights through the screen and X3, near the nail, stunts at the ball to slow down the dribble penetration.

While that happens, 3 cuts away to the left wing area. Following that, 3 receives the ball from 2 via a kick pass and then, 3 could take the jump shot if open.

Moreover, after 5 rolls to the basket following the on-ball screen, 5 could then cut across to execute a self-replace near the left side low post area.

From there, 5 could possibly receive the ball from 2 and score with a quick low post move.

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What are examples of simple basketball drills that use the kick pass

Example 1

This is an example of the kick pass within a simple basketball drill. The initial alignment is similar to the 5 out motion offense and it is effectively a 5-on-0 shell drill.

However, it is possible to add defenders to make the drill more challenging if necessary. Moreover, in the 5-on-0 setting, it is recommended that players execute at least three passes before taking a jump shot or layup.

Conversely, if the drill was to also include defenders and specifically, five defenders, then players would generally dribble, penetrate, and kick out until an open shot becomes available.

A similar drill to that end could be observed in My Favorite Drills for Basketball Practice by Nathan Davis.

To start the drill, 1 dribbles toward the basket and then 2 receives the ball via the kick pass from 1.

Following that, 2 dribbles towards the basket while 1 fills the vacated spot near the right side wing.

Afterwards, 4 receives the ball from 2 via a kick pass and then dribbles toward the basket to score at the rim while 2 fills the empty left side corner.

It should also be noted that when executing the drill, players should try to kick pass laterally or kick ahead.

Generally speaking, for the purposes of this drill, players should not turn and pivot to pass directly behind them.

Example 2

This is another example that is similar to the previous drill involving the kick pass. This time, however, 1 dribbles toward the basket and then 5 receives the ball via a kick pass from 1.

Next, 1 follows behind 5 to fill the vacant right side corner while 5 dribbles towards the rim. Afterwards, 3 receives the ball via a kick pass from 5 and then, 3 dribbles toward the high post area.

Following that action, 5 fills the vacant left side wing while 3 takes the mid-range jump shot.