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Quizzes > Sports

Basketball Pass Test: Types of Passes and When to Use Them

Quick, free quiz on types of passes in basketball. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Chloe WalshUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
paper art illustration of basketball players showing chest bounce and overhead passes on sky blue background for free quiz

This quiz helps you practice the types of passes in basketball - chest, bounce, and overhead - and choose the right option for timing, targets, and spacing. Want to broaden your skills? Try our basketball iq test, take a quick basketball quiz, or check your basics with a basketball knowledge quiz.

Which type of basketball pass is delivered directly from chest level to a teammate's chest?
Bounce pass
Chest pass
Baseball pass
Overhead pass
The chest pass is the fundamental two-handed pass delivered from the passers chest directly to the receivers chest, offering both speed and accuracy. It is ideal for close to mid-range distances and is taught at all levels as a primary passing technique. Proper execution involves stepping toward the target and snapping the wrists for a crisp delivery.
Which pass involves bouncing the ball on the floor so it reaches the receiver below chest level?
Bounce pass
Overhead pass
Outlet pass
Chest pass
The bounce pass is executed by forcefully bouncing the ball once on the floor so that it reaches the teammate around waist to chest height, making it harder for defenders to intercept. This pass is especially useful in tight defensive situations or when passing through congested areas. Proper technique includes using two hands and stepping into the pass while aiming for a spot about two-thirds of the way to the receiver.
Which pass is executed by bringing the ball above the head and throwing it to a teammate?
Bounce pass
Baseball pass
Chest pass
Overhead pass
The overhead pass is thrown from above shoulder height using both hands, which helps the ball clear defenders arms or hands. It's effective for long or mid-range passes when a higher trajectory is needed. Players must extend through the wrists and arms to keep the pass accurate and forceful.
When trying to quickly initiate a fast break, which pass type is most commonly used?
Overhead pass
Chest pass
Bounce pass
Outlet pass
The outlet pass is typically used by the rebounder to quickly launch the ball to a teammate up the court, starting a fast break. It's generally a one-handed pass thrown with speed and accuracy to reach the first break player. Using an outlet pass minimizes transition time and helps teams capitalize on defensive mismatches.
What is the primary advantage of using a bounce pass against a tall defender?
It travels faster than a chest pass
It allows more backspin on the ball
It is easier for the passer to perform
It reduces the risk of interception
A bounce pass keeps the ball at waist level, making it harder for tall defenders to reach and intercept. The lower trajectory also allows the ball to go under the defenders hands and into the receivers chest area. This technique is especially effective when defenders have their hands raised high.
Which pass is best for covering a long distance across the court with one hand?
Baseball pass
Chest pass
Bounce pass
Overhead pass
The baseball pass is a one-handed pass thrown similarly to a baseball throw, delivering maximum velocity and distance in a single motion. It's commonly used to quickly advance the ball in transition or when teammates are spaced far apart. Proper mechanics require stepping toward the target and using shoulder and wrist snap for accuracy.
To improve the accuracy of a chest pass, players are advised to:
Keep their elbows tucked close to the body
Bend their knees fully before passing
Use only one hand during the pass
Follow through above the head
Tucking the elbows in and keeping them close to the body helps direct the force straight toward the target, improving pass accuracy. Players should also step into the pass and snap their wrists for a crisp delivery. While bending the knees helps generate power, the key accuracy tip is the straight elbow alignment.
In a pick-and-roll scenario, which pass is often used to deliver the ball through tight spaces to the roller?
Baseball pass
Pocket pass
One-handed pass
Skip pass
The pocket pass is a low, quick pass thrown through the space between the screener and defender (the pocket), allowing the ball to reach the roller before help defense can rotate. Timing and accuracy are critical, as the window for the pocket pass is often small. This pass keeps the offense moving and prevents the defense from setting up.
Which pass type can be used to bypass multiple defenders by sending the ball over them in a single motion?
Bounce pass
Lob pass
Chest pass
Baseball pass
A lob pass is thrown in a high arc over the defenders to a teammate, often near the basket for an alley-oop or quick catch. This pass is effective when defenders are crowding the ball side and there is an open player above them. Proper execution requires judging the arc and timing with the receivers movement.
Which advanced passing technique involves faking in one direction and passing in another to mislead defenders?
No-look pass
Reverse pass
Off-hand pass
Behind-the-back pass
The no-look pass is a deceptive technique where the passer looks one way to draw the defenders attention while passing the ball in another direction. This misdirection can create open passing lanes and catch defenders off guard, leading to easy scoring opportunities. Mastery of timing and court awareness is essential for executing a successful no-look pass.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Core Pass Types -

    Recognize and describe each of the primary basketball types of passing - chest, bounce, overhead, and sweep step - for foundational knowledge.

  2. Differentiate Passing Techniques -

    Compare key basketball passing techniques to understand their distinct mechanics and optimal use in varied game scenarios.

  3. Demonstrate Proper Form -

    Execute correct hand placement, footwork, and release to learn basketball passing fundamentals and increase on-court accuracy.

  4. Analyze Game Scenarios -

    Evaluate in-game situations and choose the most effective type of basketball pass to beat defenders and maintain offensive flow.

  5. Correct Common Errors -

    Identify frequent mistakes, such as telegraphed passes or poor grip, and apply targeted drills to refine your passing skills.

  6. Reinforce Learning with a Quiz -

    Test your retention through a dynamic basketball passing quiz, track your progress, and level up your passing proficiency.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Chest Pass Mechanics -

    Grip the ball with thumbs down, elbows tucked in, and step into your target to push the ball through a straight line. This fundamental basketball passing technique, highlighted by USA Basketball's training guide, maximizes speed and accuracy for close-range feeds. Tip: imagine opening a door directly in front of you to maintain power and precision.

  2. Bounce Pass Technique -

    Aim to bounce the ball at a 30° angle, hitting the floor about two-thirds of the way to your teammate to clear defenders. NCAA coaching manuals recommend the "30/70" rule - 30° launch, 70% distance - to maintain speed and limit interception risk. Drill idea: practice against a wall, adjusting your angle until the pass returns straight to your chest.

  3. Overhead Pass Fundamentals -

    Raise the ball above your forehead with both hands, snap your wrists forward, and follow through toward your target for long, accurate feeds. FIBA guidelines emphasize this pass for breaking press defenses or delivering cross-court strikes. Memory trick: think "bird in the nest" - keep the ball high before launching.

  4. Sweep Step Pass Strategy -

    Use a lateral "sweep" step to open hips, then pivot and deliver a quick, flat pass around defenders. Basketball coaches at top universities cite this move for wing-to-cutter feeds in motion offenses. Practice tip: mirror John Wooden's footwork drills, focusing on balance and hip rotation for consistency.

  5. Communication and Timing -

    Lock eyes, call your teammate's name, and signal readiness - an often-overlooked basketball passing technique that turbocharges teamwork. Research from the Journal of Sports Sciences shows verbal cues boost pass completion rates by up to 20%. Build chemistry by running "give-and-go" drills with clear, loud calls for the ball.

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