Passing at Full Speed: How Serbian Passing Can Transform Your Team’s Offense

Passing is one of the biggest gaps I see in youth and high school basketball. It sounds simple, but how many times have you seen a player slow down to make a pass, or worse, travel because they couldn’t pass on the move?

That’s where the Serbian Basketball Passing Drill comes in. It’s a simple, game-speed basketball passing drill that teaches players to pass and catch while sprinting down the court.

Oh, and once you’ve checked out the Serbian Basketball passing drill, here are a few more passing drills you may want to check out…

1. 2-on-2 Entry Passing Drill: Mastering Ball Pressure and Clean Entry Passes
2. Post Pass Progression: Train Smart Passing from the Post
3. Train the “One Extra” Pass: A Simple Drill to Build Unselfish Teams

What is Serbian Passing?

Serbian Passing is a fast-paced, two-player basketball passing drill that challenges players to pass on the move, using different types of passes at full stride.

Here’s how it works:

• Start Position: Two players line up near the lane and 3-point line.
• Movement: They sprint down the court side-by-side.
• Goal: Execute different types of passes at full speed without stopping or traveling.

Progression & Pass Types

1. 1. Outside Hand Pass (Cross-the-body)

Great for simulating transition passes and keeping spacing.
Focus:Pass with your outside hand across the body while running.

1. 1. Inside Hand Shuttle Pass

Builds confidence in tighter windows and quick reactions.
Focus:Snap it with your inside hand while maintaining pace.

1. 1. Two-Hand Shuttle Pass

Adds strength and control while teaching proper ball transfer across the body.
Focus:Deliver it on time, across your midline with balance.

1. 1. Around-the-Back Pass

We use this to stretch skill and creativity.
Focus:Timing, accuracy, and keeping your eyes up under movement.

Encourage players to experiment with these—yes, even the flashy ones. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s growth in game-like decision-making and skills.

Why We Love This Basketball Passing Drill

1. 1. • Game Speed Reps – Your players learn how to pass at game speed.
      • Spatial Awareness – Forces players to read their partner’s speed and spacing.
      • Creativity & Confidence – Expands their passing toolbox.
      • Efficient Warm-Up – It’s a low-coach, high-rep activity to kick off practice.

See the Serbian Basketball Passing Drill Video in Action

If your team struggles to pass under pressure or throws sloppy transition passes, this is a drill you should be running often. It’s not flashy on paper, but it pays big dividends in real games.

FAQ: Serbian Passing Drill for Game-Speed Passing, Creativity, and Confidence

This FAQ covers the “why” and “how” behind Serbian Passing, offering practical guidance for adapting and maximizing this high-tempo passing drill for all levels of basketball.

Q: What is the Serbian Passing Drill?

A: The Serbian Passing Drill is a full-speed two-player drill that teaches athletes to pass while sprinting. Players move down the court side-by-side, executing a series of passes (outside hand, inside hand, shuttle, and around-the-back) without stopping or traveling. It’s a dynamic drill that blends passing mechanics, footwork, and game-speed movement.

Use this drill to teach passing in motion—one of the most undertrained skills in basketball.

Q: Why is passing on the move important for player development?

A: In games, players rarely pass from a standstill. Transition, drive-and-kick, and press-break scenarios all require on-the-move decision-making. The Serbian Passing Drill trains players to maintain speed and balance while delivering accurate passes. It develops real-game readiness, not just technical form.

Incorporate this drill to reduce turnovers and improve offensive flow in transition.

Q: What types of passes are taught in Serbian Passing?

A: The drill includes:

1. 1. • Outside Hand Pass – great for spacing and avoiding defenders
      • Inside Hand Shuttle Pass – quick, short-range passes for tight windows
      • Two-Hand Shuttle Pass – builds strength and accuracy
      • Around-the-Back Pass – encourages creativity and timing

Each variation challenges a different aspect of control, confidence, and body awareness.

Rotate pass types based on player level and desired focus for that session.

Q: How do I structure Serbian Passing in a practice?

A: Use it as:

1. 1. • A dynamic warm-up to start practice with tempo
      • A transition segment to simulate game-speed decision-making
      • A competitive challenge (e.g., most clean passes in a row without a drop)

It’s low-maintenance for coaches and high-rep for players.

Kick off practice with 3–5 minutes of Serbian Passing to set the tone for pace and focus.

Q: What coaching points should I emphasize?

A: Focus on:

1. 1. • Timing the pass with your partner’s stride
      • Staying in rhythm—don’t slow down to pass
      • Eyes up to simulate game awareness
      • Controlled but assertive delivery

Encourage communication between partners to adjust spacing and tempo.

Reinforce passing cues with real-time feedback during each trip down the floor.

Q: Can this drill be modified for younger or less experienced players?

A: Yes. For beginners:

1. 1. • Use half-court instead of full-court
      • Start with walking or jogging pace
      • Focus on just one or two pass types initially

Once players build confidence, increase speed and add advanced variations.

Scale down speed or simplify passes to match your team’s skill level.

Q: What are the benefits of using Serbian Passing as a warm-up?

A: It activates:

1. 1. • Full-court movement
      • Ball-handling and hand-eye coordination
      • Communication and spacing awareness

The drill requires little explanation and immediately raises practice energy and focus.

Start practice with Serbian Passing to get players engaged and moving early.

Q: How can I make this drill more competitive?

A: Add elements like:

1. 1. • Time challenges (e.g., number of clean passes in 30 seconds)
      • Error limits (restart after two dropped passes)
      • Group relays with points for consistency

Competition increases focus and gives players ownership.

Track pair or team scores to create energy and accountability.

Q: Does this drill help with transition offense?

A: Absolutely. Serbian Passing builds:

1. 1. • Passing confidence at full speed
      • Decision-making on the move
      • Communication in fast-break situations

It directly impacts transition flow, reducing hesitation and improving scoring efficiency.

Use this drill to reinforce transition principles with skill and tempo built in.

Q: Where can I find more drills like Serbian Passing to improve team communication and passing under pressure?

A: For advanced passing drills, situational training, and video breakdowns, check out the PGC Transformational Coaching Community. With a 7-day free trial, you’ll access hundreds of tools to elevate your team’s offensive tempo, decision-making, and chemistry. It’s a trusted resource for serious skill development.

Start your free trial of the PGC Coaching Community today to access drills like Serbian Passing and beyond.

Develop Game-Speed Passing with Serbian Passing

Whether you’re training youth players or varsity athletes, Serbian Passing helps turn sloppy passes into sharp, confident decisions. Build it into your weekly workouts to create smarter, faster-moving teams.

Mano Watsa

Check out all of our offensive drills and strategy resources here.

About the Author

Mano Watsa

Mano is the visionary leader of PGC Basketball which serves more than 20,000 players and coaches each year through camps, clinics, and online coaching. Mano has coached at nearly every level of play from youth teams to college teams. And he inspires countless coaches each year in the PGC Community and beyond.