Over & Under

Skill drill

Coordinate a simultaneous pass and catch while keeping two ball paths separate.

6 min 2+ (pairs) Half court
PassingTeamworkU10U12U14U16

Watch the setup, action and rotation in order. Pause at any step.

Player / attackBasketball Pass

Equipment

2 balls per pair

Setup

Partners face each other about 4 metres apart, one ball each. Agree who passes over the top and who bounces underneath. Adjust the distance to the players’ ability. For six players, set up three separate passing lanes with six balls; no queues are needed.

Steps

  1. 1On an agreed signal, one partner passes overhead while the other bounce passes underneath at the same time.
  2. 2Both catch their partner’s ball, reset their hands and repeat together.
  3. 3After four exchanges, swap who passes overhead and who bounces underneath.
  4. 4Continue in pairs. The coach watches timing, accuracy and catching; additional pairs need two balls and a clear lane.

Coaching points

  • Release together so both players can prepare to catch.
  • Keep the overhead pass above the bounce-pass path.
  • Show a target and watch the incoming ball into your hands.
  • Start with controlled two-hand passes and catches before adding hand variations.

Why kids love it

Two balls at once creates a shared timing challenge: partners have to work together to keep the rhythm going.

Variations

Easier

Move closer and use two hands for passing and catching.

Alternate passing hands

Alternate right-hand and left-hand passing while keeping the over/under paths separate. Begin with two-hand catches.

Alternate catching hands

Alternate right-hand and left-hand catches, starting with controlled passes.

Combine

Combine alternate passing and catching hands once each variation is controlled.

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