Was wondering if anyone has any drills or ideas for improving passing off the dribble? Thanks for any responses.

I'm not big on "passing off the dribble" at the younger age levels. Simple reason is they don't have the coordination to make a good solid pass. I've seen more turnovers when younger players aren't in a position to make a good strong pass.

Having said that, here are a few drills. First one is good for just the basic coordination and rhythm of passing. Second one is more what you're looking for, but not sure younger players could hang with this type of drill.

#1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoRfH-1FXds

#2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sxs05yRd-8

Here's a real simple one.

Player get in a box or rectangle formation... put players in each corner. We either use the entire full court and split into half court (two groups). We want a really big box (aka: 4 corners). .

To first learn, use one ball. You need at least 5 players in each box. The ball starts at the corner where you have to players. Player makes pass counter clockwise. Then they follow the pass and stand in the next corner.

This is the most basic 4 corner passing drill. You just pass one direction and follow your pass. Each players does the same thing and the ball goes around the box. You can use 3 balls if you have at least 7 players.

Now what I didn't mention is players dribble and make a pass off the dribble. This is great for developing "ball pick up" skill off the dribble. We go counter clockwise for a while dribbling with right hand. Then we switch directions and players must dribble with left hand.

Another drill. We also play 3v3 full court. Must take ball out on each possession so players have to go full court. Defense matches up full court. Rotate PGs each possession. If PG picks up their dribble it's a turnover. So the PG must always make the initial pass off the dribble.

There are other games like this... you just make up rules to modify the game and get players work on the skill they need to work on.

Good luck!

Just read Coach Rob's reply. We almost always have the same response and opinion. This is one of the very few times I have a different opinion.

I teach kids to pass off the dribble starting in 2nd/3rd grade. My thinking is that the "ball pick up" skill is important to develop and my goal is to develop every single player on my team to have PG skills.

I would agree it's hard to do and can result in turnovers. But since we practice that box drill and lots of competitive drills... almost every one of our young kids are pretty decent at it and we don't turn it over much.

Some coaches say you gotta jump stop. I teach jump stops so kids are able to do it... but I think a higher level of ball is to be able to make a great pass with your eyes up off the dribble (ex:high level point guards). How often do you see Steve Nash doing a jump stop in a game? I know lots of great coaches think I am probably nuts teaching my little kids this stuff (that is the NBA!!!) but our youth kids are pretty darn effective. Lots of different ways to go about things. :)

Thanks for both your responses. All I know is when you have players that can pass off the dribble it puts a lot pressure on your defense. I have 3rd graders so maybe I will try those drills. Thanks again

Jeff and I usually agree, but he's just wrong on this one. ;p Seriously though, I think it depends on the group of kids you have and their abilities. If you see that your players can handle passing off the dribble, I don't see a problem with teaching that.

Passing off the dribble is definitely an asset, but this is what I like to see in my players. Crisp, solid ball movement:
:23 - :37

https://youtu.be/URTMAkXnh3c?t=21s