How to Throw an Alley-Oop Pass Like Steve Nash

One-handed. Two-handed. Behind-the-back. Off-the-backboard. No matter how he gets it near the rim, Steve Nash always seems to throw a perfect alley-oop pass. You will likely never receive multiple MVP awards or lead the NBA in assists, but you can throw the alley-oop pass like Steve Nash.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Basketball
• Great vision
• Passing ability
• Teammates that can slam dunk

1. Make eye contact with a teammate that is approaching the rim.
2. Look at the defenders near this teammate to make sure they cannot steal or break up the alley-oop pass.
3. Lick your fingers in between dribbles to get a better grip on the ball.
4. Find an imaginary spot 1 to 2 feet away from the rim where the alley-oop pass will be delivered.
5. Throw the pass with enough speed and height that it reaches this imaginary spot at the moment your teammate's hand or hands reach that point.
6. Watch your teammate throw down a slam dunk and pose for the cameras as your team adds two more points to the scoreboard.
7. Give your teammate a high-five, head nod or finger point to celebrate this accomplishment.

Tips & Warnings

• Never throw an alley-oop pass into a group of defenders. Your teammate could get their legs taken out from underneath them if they try to jump over the defenders.
• Never throw an alley-oop pass to someone who can't dunk. A layup off an alley-oop pass just doesn't seem right.
• Avoid an alley-oop pass in games where your team is winning by 30 points in the second half. Opponents will frown on that.

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