Passing, along with catching, should be one of the first sports skills learned. There are a range of passes that are used in most games, using one or both hands.
Chest Pass
- Passer starts with their hands on the sides of the ball with their thumbs behind the ball and elbows out (a medium sized ball is suggested)
- Eyes should be focused on the target, or eye contact should be made with the receiver
- If the pass is going to someone else, the passer should ALWAYS call their name first
- When the pass is thrown the fingers are rotated behind the ball and the thumbs are pointed down
- Return the body to the ready position with both hands at the 12:00 position
- When passing stationary, the chair may drift backwards after the ball is released
Bounce Pass
The same technique is used for a bounce pass as a chest pass but the ball is aimed at the floor rather than the chest. Be careful to avoid bouncing the ball off the front of the frame or the knees of the receiver.
Baseball Pass
In order to throw a one handed baseball pass the child may need to support themselves by holding onto the frame of the wheelchair with one hand and throwing the ball with the other.
- The passer should get comfortable reaching back without seeing the ball in their hand (a smaller ball is suggested)
- The chair will need to be at an angle
- When throwing a hard baseball pass, the chair may spin slightly away from the target
- The hand without the ball should grasp the opposite wheel at the 3:00 position
- The other hand should hold the ball up and behind the body
- Using a baseball type motion move the hand with the ball forward while simultaneously pulling the other hand backwards to the 12:00 position
- Return the body to the ready position with both hands at the 12:00 position
Hook Pass
In order to throw a hook pass the child must hold the ball in one hand and lean to that side with their arm straight out - as they straighten up their arm should remain locked in position until level with the head as they release the ball (the elbow should finish up near the ear).
Depending on the child's level of function they may need to use their opposite hand to grip the wheel to help them straighten up and to increase the distance of the pass.
- Hold the ball straight out to one side parallel to the ground, cupping the ball
- Using the opposite hand, grasp the wheel at the 12:00 position
- Extend the arm over the head in the direction of the target
- Release the ball when it is right over the head
- Return the body to the ready position with both hands at the 12:00 position
Understanding the Range of Skills
- The best place to start is with the chest pass in the stationary position
- A bounce pass between two seated players is a good second pass to learn
- Passing while moving can come next
- A child will need to learn to have the ball in their lap and push first before thinking about passing
- The next step is to introduce baseball passes and hook passes
- Developing accuracy and introducing barriers (other players) can follow