What is a Dime in Basketball? Everything You Need to Know
In basketball, a dime is a highly regarded pass that directly leads to a basket being scored by a teammate. The player who makes the assist is credited with one assist. The number of assists a player has is a measure of their passing ability.
In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about dimes in basketball. So, let’s get started.
What is a dime in basketball?
In basketball, a dime is an assist. An assist is a pass that directly leads to a basket being scored by a teammate. The player who makes the assist is credited with one assist. The number of assists a player has is a measure of their passing ability.
To qualify as an assist, the pass must meet the following criteria:
- The pass must be made to a teammate who is in a scoring position.
- The teammate must make the basket within a reasonable amount of time after receiving the pass.
- The pass cannot be a rebound or a tip-in.
There are many different types of assists, but some of the most common include:
- The no-look pass: This is a pass that is made without looking at the teammate.
- The behind-the-back pass: This is a pass that is made behind the passer’s back.
- The alley-oop pass: This is a pass that is made to a teammate who is jumping in the air for a dunk or layup.
- The bounce pass: This is a pass that is made by bouncing the ball off the ground to a teammate.
- The wraparound pass: This is a pass that is made around a defender to a teammate.
Nevertheless, it doesn’t really matter what type of assist it is. The only thing that matters is that the basketball players are dropping ‘dimes’ (giving assists) to their teammates.
Why is an assist called a dime?
There are a few different theories about why an assist is called a dime. One theory is that it comes from the fact that a dime is a small, round object, like a basketball. Another theory is that it comes from the fact that a dime is worth 10 cents, and an assist is worth 1 point.
Yet another theory is that it comes from the phrase “drop a dime,” which means to make a phone call. In the early days of basketball, payphones were used to call in plays, and a good pass was like a “phone call” to a teammate.
However, the most common theory is that the term “dropping dimes” comes from the fact that payphones used to cost 10 cents to use. So, when a player makes a great pass that leads to a basket, it’s like they’re “dropping a dime” on their teammate.
This theory is supported by the fact that the term “dropping dimes” was first used in the early 1900s when payphones were still in common use.
No matter where the term came from, it is now a popular way of describing a player who is making great passes that lead to baskets.
What does it mean to drop a dime?
The phrase “drop a dime” is an American slang term that means to make a phone call, especially to inform someone. The term is thought to have originated in the early 1900s when payphones used to cost 10 cents to use. So, when someone said they were going to “drop a dime,” they were literally saying they were going to spend 10 cents to make a phone call.
Over time, the phrase “drop a dime” came to be used more figuratively to mean to inform someone, especially the police. This is because making a phone call to the police was often seen as a way of “ratting someone out” or “snitching.”
Today, the phrase “drop a dime” is still used in both literal and figurative senses. In a literal sense, it can mean to make a phone call, but it is more commonly used figuratively to mean to inform someone.
How To Drop Dimes In Basketball
Dropping dimes in basketball is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. However, there are some things you can do to improve your passing ability and become a better playmaker.
1. Develop your court vision.
One of the most important things you can do to become a better passer is to develop your court vision. This means being able to see the entire court and anticipate where your teammates are going to be. You can improve your court vision by playing more basketball, watching film of yourself and other players, and practicing passing drills.
2. Be accurate with your passes.
Once you have good court vision, you need to be able to make accurate passes. This means being able to put the ball in the right spot, at the right time, with the right amount of power. You can improve your accuracy by practicing passing drills and paying attention to the feedback you receive from your coaches and teammates.
3. Be creative with your passes.
There are many different types of passes that you can make, so don’t be afraid to be creative. The more creative you are with your passing, the harder it will be for the defense to stop you. Some of the most effective passes include no-look passes, behind-the-back passes, and alley-oop passes.
4. Be patient.
It takes time and patience to develop the passing skills necessary to drop dimes in basketball. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep practicing and working hard, and eventually you will be dropping dimes like a pro.
Best Players to Drop Dimes in the Basketball Court
There are many great passers in NBA history, but some of the best at dropping dimes include:
- Steve Nash: Nash is widely considered to be one of the best passers in NBA history. He averaged 10.3 assists per game over his career, and he won two MVP awards. Nash was known for his ability to make accurate passes, even under pressure. He was also a master of the no-look pass and the behind-the-back pass.
- John Stockton: Stockton is the NBA’s all-time leader in assists with 15,806. He was a pass-first point guard who was always looking to get his teammates involved. Stockton was also a very accurate passer, and he had a knack for finding open teammates.
- Magic Johnson: Johnson was a triple-double machine who averaged 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 12.3 assists per game over his career. He was a gifted passer who could see the court like few others. Johnson was also a very creative passer, and he was always looking for ways to get his teammates open.
- LeBron James: James is one of the most versatile players in NBA history, and he is also a very good passer. He averaged 7.4 assists per game over his career, and he has led the league in assists twice. James is a very accurate passer, and he is also a very creative passer. He is not afraid to make the difficult pass, and he is always looking for ways to get his teammates open.
- Chris Paul: Paul is one of the best pure point guards in NBA history. He is a very accurate passer, and he is also a very creative passer. Paul is not afraid to make the difficult pass, and he is always looking for ways to get his teammates open.
These are just a few of the best players to drop dimes in the basketball court. There are many other great passers who could have been included on this list.
Final Thoughts
In basketball, a dime is a highly regarded pass that directly leads to a basket being scored by a teammate. The term “dropping dimes” is a popular way of describing a player who is making great passes that lead to baskets.
The exact origin of the term “dropping dimes” is unknown, but it is likely a combination of the factors discussed above. Regardless of its origin, the term is now a popular way of praising a player for their passing ability and their contribution to the team’s offense.
I hope this blog post has helped you learn more about dimes in basketball. Thanks for reading!
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