Outlet Pass
What is called an “outlet pass”?
What is meant by an outlet pass in basketball?
What is considered an outlet pass?
Outlet pass is a pass used by a team to trigger a fast break following the opposing team’s made basket, defensive rebound, or steal. The pass is usually from a forward or a center to the guards.
- Kichenok L. / Ostapenko J. – Saville D. / Yuan Y. / 03.07.24
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- Grey S. B. / Moore T. – Melichar-Martinez N. / Perez E. / 03.07.24
An outlet pass is crucial to the fast break. In order to move up the ball as quickly as possible after a rebound, the ball has to be given to the fastest player on the court, which is typically the point guard. The best outlet passer attempts to get the ball to their fast-breaking teammate as quickly as possible in order to catch the defense off-guard. Some of the best outlet passers in the history of the NBA include Bill Walton, Wes Unseld, Bill Russell, Dennis Rodman, and Kevin Love.
Examples of how Outlet Pass is used in commentary: Jordan boxes out his opponent, snatches the rebound out of the air and throws the perfect outlet pass to Paul who leads a 2-on-1 fast break.