Blueprint on Chest Passing Travis Terry

Determine the Objectives of the Skill The prime objective of a chest pass is to transfer possession of the ball from one teammate to another. It helps to get the ball up the court faster than dribbling. To achieve these objectives arm strength and timing are very important as well as accuracy in directing the ball. The chest pass is the safest and most accurate pass in the game.

Note any Special Characteristics Nonrepetitive – has a definite beginning and an end. Open – performed in an unpredictable environment Executed in Sagittal Plane

Study Top-Flight Performances Wayne Henry PG, London Towers (BBL) Nathaniel Floyd PG, Sumter County High School

Divide the Skill into Phases Preparatory Begins when the athlete eyes both the target and defenders and establishes timing for the pass Ends when athlete brings ball in to chest

Phases continued Wind-Up Begins when athlete brings the ball in close to the chest Ends when athlete begins step toward target

Phases continued Force-Producing Begins with forward step, simultaneously arm extends and ball is pushed toward target Ends when ball is released

Phases continued Follow-Through Begins when ball is released Ends when next movement is made

Key Elements Preparatory -Eyes on the target; find defenders -Fingers spread across ball with thumbs pointed in Wind-Up -Bring the ball in close to the chest Force-Producing -Step forward towards the target -Extend arms sharply; push toward target Follow-Through -Finish with wrists snapping; finger flick

Kinesiological Analysis BrachioradialisTriceps Brachii Aconeus Brachialis Biceps Brachii Bring the ball close to the chest Abductor Pollicis Longus Adductor Pollicis Palmer Interossei Abductor Pollicis Brevis, Abductor Digiti Minimi, Dorsal Interossei Fingers spread across ball N\A eyes on the target, find defenders AssistingAntagonistAgonistKey Element

Kinesiological Analysis Iliopsoas Tensor Fasciae Latae Gluteus Maximus Biceps Femoris Quadriceps Femoris Sartorius Step toward target Pronator Quadratus Extensor Carpi Radialis (Longus & Brevis) Supinator Biceps Brachii Flexor Digitorum Pronator Teres Extensor Digitorum Wrist snap inward, fingers flick AconeusBiceps Brachii Brachialis Triceps Brachii Pectoralis Major Extend arms sharply;pushing toward target AssistingAntagonistAgonistKey Element

Mechanical Reasons Each Key Element is Performed as It Is Eyes on the target; find defenders to maintain possession of the ball Fingers spread across ball with thumbs pointed in to apply high velocity athletes should use as many body segments as possible Bring the ball in close to the chest provides additional distance over which force can be applied the closer the ball is to the athlete the more force he can apply in the opposite direction

Mechanical Reasons Each Key Element is Performed as It Is Step forward towards the target increase accuracy in directing the ball in applying velocity use as many body segments as possible in sequence from largest and most massive to apply high velocity to a lightweight object Extend arms sharply; push toward target apply optimal force in the opposing direction to move objects in a direction Finish with wrists snapping; finger flick Law of Energy Conservation Culmination of whip sequence

References Mechanics of Sport: A Practitioner’s Guide Special thanks to Nathaniel Floyd