Does an Off The Backboard Pass Count as an Assist in Basketball?
In the NBA there are many statistics that players can be recognized for during an entire game. From the most popular ones like points scored and rebounds accumulated, as well as assists given, to lesser-known stat lines that could include blocks and steals.
For anyone who is an NBA basketball player seeking to add increase their statistics, knowing what qualifies as a rebound, point as well as assist, steal or block could be the distinction between a double-double, triple-double or other stat.
So below, we’re going to look at what an off-the-backboard pass is considered assistance for the NBA. We will also look at what an off-the-backboard pass is and how you can do it successfully.
What is an Off the Backboard Pass?
In the NBA and in general Basketball players can choose to attempt the field goal or transfer the ball to an open player. In some very rare circumstances in which an offensive player is required, they may prefer to throw the ball off the backboard and swivel the ball so the ball bounces off of the backboard, and then to a player who is willing to accept it.
In general, the off of return of the backboard passes is acceptable and not prohibited by or NBA and other league.
A pass off the backboard is like an event in which an offensive player who has possession of the ball to a teammate, using the basketball’s backboard for the pass.
The backboard pass one of the most difficult passes to make and perform. In addition, the pass needs to be executed and angled in such a way that allows an offensive player to hold the ball and keep the ball in its possession.
Why do NBA Players Pass the Basketball Off the Backboard?
Although, in the traditional sense basketballs are transferred from one player to another via backboard pass or overhead pass, passing backboard pass another option that is at the basketball player’s available.
Typically an off-the-backboard pass is used as a way to transfer the basketball to a willing player and is usually performed to confuse opposing players and teams into believing it was actually a shot made on the backboard.
When the opposition team thinks that the pass was actually shot it is more likely to enter an ebb and wait for the outcome from an “shot” attempt. Therefore, an off-the-backboard pass is a fantastic option to give the basketball to a willing player and get a better shot or dunk the ball.
Additionally, and possibly more often an off-the-backboard pass is generally performed in a quick break. When one player is dribbling a ball across the court and there are no other players nearby and no defenders nearby, the player who dribbles will then pass the ball off the backboard onto a teammate to get a better dunk.
Additionally, similar to the previous point the basketball player can make an off-the-backboard pass to themselves. It is generally used to add more emphasis on the upcoming dunk and is considered to be something more exciting than just a simple dunk.
How to Conduct an Off the Backboard Pass?
As mentioned above the off the backboard pass is among the most difficult passes to make in basketball. Since the ball must be correctly angled and in a way that permits a quick intercept in the event of a bounce this type of pass, it’s rarely performed and is not often witness.
If you’re planning to make an off-backboard pass, it is best to transfer the basketball from the backboard on either side and ideally just at least a few inches higher than the rim of the basketball.
Once you’ve started, throw the ball with enough force the ball to rebound off of the backboard before bouncing again in the direction of your player.
In general, when trying to execute a off-the-backboard pass the player who is in possession of the basketball must make sure that the teammates are within close proximity from the basketball’s rim, permitting them to take control of the basketball after the pass has been made.
Does an Off the Backboard Pass Count as an Assist?
For those NBA player who is concerned about whether or not a pass off-the-backboard pass is counted in the same way as an aid, it isn’t. According to the current NBA scorers’ manual, a play off-the-backboard pass is not considered to be an assist.
Perhaps more demoralizing for the NBA player, a missed pass off-the-backboard pass will be considered field goal attempts and taken into account as an incomplete field goal.
Although not a huge issue however, it must be considered for anyone who is an NBA or player hoping to boost their stats in the course of a game.