How to Get a Basketball Pass in the Lane

The most effective position to score is in the lane. With this in mind, the main objective of most every defense is to prevent dribble penetration and catches in the lane. To be an effective offensive team, every offensive player must be skilled in the proper way to get open and make catches in the lane. This article focuses on some tips for getting more catches in the lane.

Things You'll Need

  • Basketball offensive system
  • Players in good physical condition
  • Players with good catching ability
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Instructions

    • 1

      With almost every offensive system there are screens that are being set to free up players to cut through the lane. The team must focus on setting effective screens. In addition, the player receiving the screen must take his/her defender away from the screen and then run the defender into the screen by rubber shoulders with his/her teammate.

    • 2

      When coming off the screen the player should be at full speed with his/her eyes on the player with the ball. The playing should be cutting through like they are on fire--with a strong sense of urgency to beat the defender to the spot in the lane.

    • 3

      The cutter's body should be wide open to the passer in order to provide a large passing target while keeping any defenders out of the passing lane. Too often cutters go through with narrow body posture, which allows the defender to get into the passing lane easily.

    • 4

      The cutter should have his/her hands approximately shoulder width apart and at chest level. With hands in this position, they are prepared to react quickly to a bounce or chest pass. In addition, they can quickly adjust left or right, as every pass will not be deadly accurate.

    • 5

      When the pass is made, the receiver must go to the ball to secure the catch. This will ensure that the defender does not step in front of the pass.

    • 6

      Once the catch is made, the player must quickly determine the best course of action:
      • Take an open shot
      • Dribble to the basket for a shot or pass
      • Make an immediate pass to an open teammate with a better scoring opportunity