How to Do a Chest Pass in Netball
Chest pass technique in netball: hand position, release, and when to use it over shoulder or bounce passes.
The chest pass is thrown from just below chin height with both hands, pushing the ball out flat and level — it's the most accurate pass over short to medium distances but is easy for a defender to intercept if telegraphed.
The chest pass is netball's most common pass — quick, accurate, and the one most players default to over short and medium distances.
Technique
Hold the ball with both hands, fingers spread on either side, at roughly chin height and close to the body. Step toward your target, and push the ball out flat with both hands and a snap of the wrists, extending your arms fully on release. The ball should travel in a straight, level line to a teammate's chest height — not high, not bouncing.
When to use it
The chest pass suits distances of roughly 3–7 metres where there's a clear lane to the receiver. It's fast to execute, which matters given the three-second held ball limit, and it's easy for a teammate to control the catch.
When not to use it
Over longer distances, or when a defender is positioned directly between you and the receiver, a chest pass is easy to read and intercept — a shoulder pass or bounce pass is usually the better option in those situations.
Common technique errors
Winding the arms back before releasing gives defenders a visual cue to react to — keep the movement compact and quick. Pushing purely with the arms, without stepping into the pass, also reduces both accuracy and power, especially for younger or smaller players still building strength.
Practising it
Start close, stationary, and unopposed, then progressively add distance, movement, and finally a defender to build a pass that holds up under match pressure. See passing drills for structured practice.
Common mistakes
- Winding up too obviously before the release, giving the defender time to react.
- Pushing the ball with the arms alone instead of stepping into the pass.
- Releasing too high or too low, making the pass harder to catch cleanly.