Central Themes of Valence Bond Theory Basic Principle of Valence Bond Theory:a covalent bond forms when the orbitals from two atoms overlap and a pair of electrons occupies the region between the nuclei. 1)Opposing spins of the electron pair. 2)Maximum overlap of bonding orbitals. 3)Hybridization of atomic orbitals. Pauling proposed that the valence atomic orbitals in the molecule are different from those in the isolated atoms.We call this Hybridization! Central Themes of Valence Bond Theory 1) Opposing spins of the electron pair. 2) Maximum overlap of bonding orbitals. 3) Hybridization of atomic orbitals. Pauling proposed that the valence atomic orbitals in the molecule are different from those in the isolated atoms. We call this Hybridization! Basic Principle of Valence Bond Theory: a covalent bond forms when the orbitals from two atoms overlap and a pair of electrons occupies the region between the nuclei