In basketball, what is the term for a pass thrown ahead to a teammate near the basket?
VerifiedAnswer: Lead pass.
Explanation:
A lead pass is one of the most fundamental and exciting plays in basketball. This term describes a pass that is thrown ahead of a moving teammate, specifically targeting their anticipated position rather than where they currently are on the court. The pass is designed to reach a teammate who is cutting toward the basket or moving into scoring position.
The beauty of a lead pass lies in its timing and precision. When executed correctly, the passer must read the movement of their teammate and anticipate exactly where they will be when the ball arrives. This requires excellent court vision and understanding of the game's flow. The teammate receiving the pass is typically running toward the basket, making a backdoor cut, or breaking free from their defender in the paint area.
Lead passes are particularly effective in fast-break situations where players are sprinting down the court. The passer throws the ball ahead of the running teammate, allowing them to catch it in stride without slowing down. This maintains the momentum of the play and often results in easy scoring opportunities like layups or dunks before defenders can recover.
In half-court offenses, lead passes are equally valuable. When a player makes a quick cut to the basket or posts up near the rim, a well-timed lead pass can catch the defense off guard. The key is that the pass leads the receiver to where they're going, not where they currently are, creating a seamless connection between passer and receiver that maximizes scoring chances near the basket.
