Nation and Zoom Passing are two 3-player passing actions that help players develop offensive movement, timing, and stickwork through repeated reps.

The drill focuses on teaching players how to execute each action, recognize the timing of the pass, and smoothly transition from one action to the next.

What This Drill Works On

  • 3-man actions

  • Offensive strategy fundamentals

  • Stickwork

Setup

Set up groups of 3 players on either side of the 8M.

Each group should practice one action at a time on both sides of the cage.

Once players are comfortable with both actions, have them alternate between Nation and Zoom quickly and seamlessly.

Make sure players communicate which action they are performing before starting each rep.

Nation Passing

The Nation action uses a 2-man game with a third player involved in the passing sequence.

Keys to Nation Passing

Move the ball early.

Move the ball before the picker fully sets the pick in the 2-man game. This allows the third player to be ready to pass as soon as the picker rolls.

Be a threat to drive.

The ball carrier needs to look like they could attack the cage. Show this with your posture.

The defense should have to respect the possibility of a drive.

Catch with your stick to the middle.

When receiving the feed, catch with your stick positioned toward the middle. This puts you in a better position to continue the action.

Nation Action

The diagram shows the basic sequence:

  1. A player sets a pick.

  2. The ball is moved early during the 2-man action.

  3. The picker rolls.

  4. The third player is ready to make the next pass.

The timing of the pass is important. Moving the ball early allows the action to continue without waiting for the picker to fully complete the movement.

Zoom Passing

Zoom Passing is another 3-player action and is noted in the drill as a very popular action in the NBA.

The action uses a flip between teammates while maintaining the threat of a hard drive.

Keys to Zoom Passing

Be a threat to drive.

The ball carrier needs to look like they are ready to drive the ball hard.

Don't make the flip pass without first creating the threat of an attack.

Stay between the cage and your teammate.

When flipping the ball, the ball carrier needs to be positioned between the cage and their teammate.

This positioning helps create the proper angle for the action.

Catch with your stick to the middle.

The player receiving the flip should catch with their stick to the middle.

This allows them to be ready for the next movement and keeps the action moving.

Zoom Action

The diagram shows the basic sequence:

  1. The first player carries the ball.

  2. A teammate sets a pick.

  3. The ball is passed.

  4. The player receives the ball on the flip.

  5. The player continues the run.

The key is to maintain the threat of the drive throughout the action.

Combining the Actions

Once players understand both actions individually, combine them.

Have the group alternate between Nation and Zoom as quickly and seamlessly as possible.

Players should communicate which action they are running before beginning the movement.

This progression helps players move beyond simply memorizing a passing pattern. They have to recognize the action, communicate with teammates, and execute the correct pass and movement.

Equipment

  • Balls

  • Cage

The drill is designed around fundamental repetitions, so focus on clean passes, proper stick positioning, communication, and timing before increasing the speed of the actions.