Ball SkillIntermediateAnimatable

Kickout Pass

A pass from a player who has penetrated into the paint back out to a teammate on the perimeter, typically a shooter on the wing or corner.

When It's Used

When the ball handler drives off the screen and draws help, creating an open shooter on the perimeter. Also when the roll man catches in the paint and kicks to the weak side.

What It Creates

Converts a driving advantage into an open three-point shot, exploits the defense's commitment to stopping the drive.

About This Action

The Kickout Pass is a fundamental offensive action where a player who has driven deep into the interior, typically past the free-throw line or into the restricted area, delivers the ball to a teammate positioned on the perimeter. This most commonly occurs when a primary ball handler attacks off a screen or a `dribble-drive`, drawing the attention of one or more help defenders from the strong side wing or corner. The pass is then directed to that now-uncovered perimeter player, creating an immediate numerical advantage and a high-percentage shot opportunity, often a three-pointer. This action is a cornerstone of modern offensive basketball, designed to convert a driving advantage into an optimal shot. When a defender is forced to `tag` the penetrator or `stunt` to deter the drive, they momentarily abandon their assigned perimeter player. The kickout pass exploits this defensive rotation, leveraging the threat of the drive or interior finish to generate an open look from beyond the arc. The quality of the pass—its velocity, accuracy, and timing—is paramount; it must arrive in the shooter's `shooting pocket` to allow for a fluid `catch-and-shoot` motion, maximizing the `shot clock` advantage. The Kickout Pass is deeply integrated into `dribble-drive motion offense` and `pick-and-roll` schemes. For instance, after a `pick-and-roll`, if the `roll man` catches the ball in the `short-roll` or deep in the paint and draws a weak-side `tag` defender, they can execute a kickout to that now-open weak-side shooter. Furthermore, perimeter players must anticipate this pass, often performing a `drift` or `relocate` action to create an optimal passing lane and a clear `shooting window`. It is the ultimate expression of reading the defense and converting defensive commitment into offensive efficiency.

Connections

Catch-and-Shoot, Dribble-drive, Drift | Chain: Dribble-drive → Tag → Pass" class="inline-link">Kickout Pass → Catch-and-Shoot

Defensive Counters

Stunt, Close Out, Rotate

Common Mistakes

One of the most frequent errors in executing a kickout pass is poor pass quality. Players often deliver passes that are too slow (lobbed), too hard, or off-target (behind or above the shooter). This typically stems from being off-balance due to defensive pressure, attempting a one-handed pass, or lacking the vision to accurately assess the shooter's exact position. The correction involves developing passing mechanics under duress, prioritizing two-handed passes when possible, and aiming for the shooter's `shooting pocket` to facilitate an immediate shot. Penetrating players must practice maintaining body control and scanning the perimeter even as they attack the rim. Another critical mistake is mistiming the pass. Some players kick the ball out too early, before the help defender has fully committed to stopping the drive, allowing them to recover and contest the perimeter shot. Conversely, others hold the ball too long, allowing the defense to `rotate` back to their assignments, or even resulting in a shot clock violation. This error points to a failure in reading the defense effectively and understanding the `shot clock` situation. The key is to wait for the primary help defender to unequivocally `tag` or `stunt` at the penetrator, creating a momentary but clear window of opportunity for the kickout. A quick, decisive read and release are crucial. Finally, a common issue involves the synergy between the passer and the perimeter shooter. Shooters sometimes fail to `drift` or `relocate` to the optimal `shooting window` or are simply not `ready to shoot` upon receiving the pass (e.g., hands down, feet not set). This negates the advantage created by the drive and kick. The correction requires constant communication and anticipation. Perimeter players must always be in an `athletic stance`, hands up, and prepared to `catch-and-shoot` as soon as the drive commences, creating space and a clear target for the penetrator. This collaborative effort ensures the kickout pass translates directly into a high-percentage scoring opportunity.