What is a kick pass in basketball?
The kick pass, also known as the kick out pass, features action that generally occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball while already near the basket or at least moving towards it, throws it to a teammate who is near one of the perimeter areas of the court.
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.
Essentially, 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.
What’s more, in terms of a quick 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.
What is an example of a kick pass to the corner?
In reference to this example, 1 starts off near the right slot with possession of the ball. From there, 1 beats X1 off the dribble and begins to drive towards the basket.
While X1 chases behind, X2 stunts at 1 in an attempt to slow down the dribble penetration that is happening while X5 protects the rim.
From there, as a counter to the stunt tactic, 1 executes a kick pass towards the right side corner with 2 as the recipient.
What is an example of the kick pass to the top?
For this example, 2 starts off near the right side wing with possession of the ball. Afterwards, 2 beats X2 off the dribble and drives towards the middle of the lane.
This influences X1 to drop back to provide off-ball help defense, mainly to slow down the dribble penetration. As a result, 2 kicks the ball out with 1 as the receiver of that pass.
What is an example of the kick pass to the opposite corner or wing?
For this basic example, 3 begins with possession of the ball near the left side wing. Next, 5 lifts up toward that same wing to set a step-up screen.
Following that, 3 uses that screen and quickly drives baseline while X3 fights over the screen and 5 pops to the vacant wing.
Next, due to the dribble penetration, X4 as well as X2 collapse into the lane, ultimately to try and prevent a high percentage field goal such a layup at the rim.
Therefore, as a response, 3 has the option to perform the kick pass, which is also a drift pass in this instance, with 4 or 2 as possible receivers, respectively.
When should a player consider using the kick pass?
A player could consider using the kick pass after dribble penetration happens, especially near or within the lane area.
However, it could also be carried out by a player who receives the ball after initially cutting to the basket or by an offensive player near a low post area who would be in current possession of the ball.
In essence, the player cutting to the basket could receive the ball and then immediately kick it to another teammate, especially as a counter to off-ball help defense.
In terms of the low post player in possession of the ball, the kick pass may occur as a response to a double team or some other defensive tactic, which could hinder low post productivity and/or efficiency.
The kick pass is also commonly utilized within the dribble drive motion offense, primarily due to the drive and kick action.
Why is the kick pass 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.
As a brief example, let say that an offensive player in possession of the basketball is able to get around the on-ball defender who is currently guarding them and move towards the basket with dribbling moves or with a tactic such as the pick and roll action.
When that typically occurs, it generally influences the other off-ball defenders to rotate with help defense, particularly by sliding 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.
Related: The Kickout Pass May Be the Most Important Pass in the NBA – NBA.com