TEX WINTER PASSING PRINCIPLES

Before getting further into the offense, we want to emphasize one essential skill to make it work. Passing is underrated these days, but it's the key to executing the triangle offense. Players must understand and adhere to the following principles when passing the ball.

PASS WHEN THE DEFENDER IS THREE FEET FROM THE BALL OR CLOSER
The closer the defender covers the offensive player with the ball, the less time the defender has to react to the passer's movement. This principle of good passing is violated more than any other.

SEE THE PASSING LANES AND THE RECEIVER, BUT DON'T STARE AT THE TARGET RECEIVER
Use peripheral vision without making a blind pass

USE FAKES WITH A PURPOSE WITHOUT OVERFAKING
Purposeful fakes allow a passer to get the ball past an opponent based on how the defender reacts. The passer should keep poised and attuned to all passing lanes while executing the fake

ELIMINATE ALL UNNECESSARY MOVEMENTS
Use quick wrist and finger action, shortening as mus as possible the action of the pass.

PASS QUICKLY TO AN OPEN TEAMMATE, who will typically have no more than three seconds after he receives the ball to make a play. For ever second under the three seconds it takes for the receiver of the pass to execute the play, the better basketball player he becomes. For ever second over three seconds, the poorer he becomes. Moving the ball so quickly makes the defense adjust and might force them out of position, increasing the chances of passing lanes and scoring opportunities.

PASS THE BALL TO A TEAMMATES' OPEN SIDE is another rule often violated by the best players. The passer must have a view not only of his defender but also of the passing lane and the receiver's defender. The receiver should help the passer by becoming a good target and keeping the defender from the passing lane with an effective seal off.

ANTICIPATE RECEIVING THE BALL AND BE THINKING AHEAD WHERE (TO WHAT TEAMMATE AND LOCATION) TO THROW THE BALL NEXT.
This is a skill the best players share. If players don't have this ability, you need to build an offensive pattern that ensures the quick movement of the ball to keep the defense busy.