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How to Teach Kindergartners How to Pass a Basketball

Kindergarten students love to play games with balls because it makes them feel like their older siblings. Explain that passing the ball helps the ball move down the court quickly and lets other players get a chance to participate in the game. Encourage students in their hand-eye coordination and basketball skills by teaching students how to do the most common pass in basketball ---- the chest pass. Demonstrate the pass first, and then let the students practice using appropriately sized basketballs, such as 27-ounce youth-sized balls. Practice passing in an enclosed gym, when possible, where the students won't waste time chasing lost balls.

Basketballs

Instructions

- 1
  Demonstrate a chest pass with the help of an older student or adult.
- 2
  Point out proper hand position, with your hands pointed together and thumbs pointed down, about chest height.
- 3
  Explain how to push the ball forward into a gentle toss towards your partner, without letting the ball hit the floor. Show students that the ball should ideally reach his partner at about the chest area.
- 4
  Divide the class into partners and space them about 4 to 5 feet apart. Let them practice chest passing to each other with basketballs.
- 5
  Encourage students who pass well, and help students struggling by repositioning their hands or giving them individual tips.
- 6
  Move kids farther apart as they get better at chest passing.
- 7
  Stagger kindergartners in a zigzag pattern and let them pass the ball diagonally down the line, making sure each student gets the ball.

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