Out-Of-Bounds Plays | www.basketballcoaching.net

The most commonly used out-of-bounds plays are attempted on the end-line under the offensive basket. Such plays are more difficult to defense and more often result in a score. Plays from further out along the end-line toward the corner are used less often. However, since the in-bounds passing area is reduced the nearer to the corner the ball is put in play, it is very important for a team to have some type of play from this area to facilitate the throw-in.

Sideline out-of-bounds plays in front-court are used by many teams while others simply make the throw-in and proceed with their regular man-for-man offense. Sideline plays can be very effective since they allow an easy opportunity for such a play to be called and set up. A play that is not a part of the team's regular half-court offense can present a situation that the defense is less ready to meet and thus result in a quick score.

Most situations when a special out-of-bounds play is needed occur late in the game when the defense is using pressing tactics in an effort to get the ball. Plays for making the throw-in from the defensive end of the floor have been discusssed fully in Chapter 9. Sideline out-of-bounds situations may arise late in the game when the defense is pressing and a special out-of-bounds play is in order to assure a successful throw-in. Mistakes made when desperately pressing for the ball can be turned into easy baskets by special out-of-bounds plays. Chart 126 diagrams a special play for these situations that has been used by Ohio State utilizing the speed of Jerry Lucas.

Many sound out-of-bounds plays have been developed and a number of them are diagrammed in the following charts. In executing any out-of-bounds play, the importance of a good passer taking the ball out-of-bounds must be remembered. A weak passer can cause many mistakes, missing open teammates and making bad passes that result in interceptions.

The coach should select the out-of-bounds plays he considers most sound and fitted to his material. Only a few should be used. Too many out-of-bounds plays will result in none being well learned.

Special Plays

CHART 126. Special out-of-bounds play. 2 cuts to sideline. 3 screens for 4 who cuts for possible pass. 5 fakes a cut into back-court and cuts hard for the offensive basket taking pass from 1 if he is open. Ohio State used a play similar to this to utilize the speed of Jerry Lucas at the 5 position.

CHART 127. Special out-of-bounds play. 2 cuts around 5 and into backcourt as 3 steps back to set screen. 5 cuts off screen set by 3. 3 cuts to offensive basket as 4 breaks to sideline. I may pass to any of the four inbounds players.

CHART 128. Special out-of-bounds play. 3 cuts into backcourt. 2 sets screen for 5 who cuts for offensive basket as 4 cuts to sideline. 1 may pass to either 3, 4 or 5.

CHART 129. Special out-of-bounds play. An offensive player with a slower defensive player guarding him should be at the 2 position. As the other players hold their position to keep the floor cleared, 2 fakes toward the ball and breaks hard down-court for a pass from 1. Though simple, this play can score an easy basket against the press when executed properly.

End-Line Plays

CHART 130. 2 sets screen for 3 as 4 screens for 5. As 3 cuts off 2's screen, 2 rolls out under basket. If defense switches, 2 should be open for pass. 5 cuts off screen set by 4 for another throw-in opportunity.

CHART 131. 3 cuts off 2. As 3 cuts by, 2 cuts toward ball. If defense switches, 2 should be open. 4 screens for 5 for another possible open receiver.

CHART 132. 5 sets screen for 3 who cuts to free-throw line for possible pass. 4 cuts outside 2. As 4 cuts by, 2 breaks toward corner for pass from 1. 2 will often be open for shot.

CHART 133. 2 and 3 set screen for 5 who cuts for basket. As 5 cuts by, 2 cuts around 3 and to basket for pass from 1.

CHART 134. 5 cuts close by 2. As 5 cuts by, 2 cuts down center of lane. If defensive player guarding 2 switches to 5, 2 should be open. 4 cuts to top of circle for another throw-in opportunity.

CHART 135. 3 steps forward to set stationary screen for 2 and 4 splitting off the screen. 2 cuts first.

CHART 136. 3 sets screen for 2 who cuts down middle. 4 delays a count, then sets screen for 5 who cuts off 4 and 2 for pass from 1.

CHART 137. 4 cuts toward endline. 2 cuts toward free-throw line to set screen for 5. 5 breaks off screen set by 2 as 3 cuts toward sideline.

CHART 138. 1 passes to 2 who passes to 5 at the top of the circle. 4 and 3 set double-screen along lane. 1 cuts off double-screen for pass from 5.

CHART 139. Special end-line out-of-bounds play when ball is in corner. 4 cuts to a position beside 2 to form double-screen for 3 who cuts for basket. As 3 cuts by, 4 cuts hard toward corner for pass from 1.

Sideline Plays

CHART 140. 1 passes to 5 cutting to meet pass. 3 sets rear screen for 1 who cuts for basket. 5 may pass to 1 or to 3.

CHART 141. 1 passes to 5. 3 fakes screen and cuts to basket looking for pass from 5. 1 and 2 split-the-post with 1 cutting first.

CHART 142. 1 passes to 2 and cuts off 2 for return pass. 4 and 5 set double-screen along baseline for 3. 1 passes to 3 for shot behind screen.

CHART 143. 1 passes to 2 and cuts off 2 for return pass. 1 passes to 4 and cuts to a position beside 5 to form double-screen for 2 who cuts for basket.

CHART 144. 2 screens for 3 who cuts to receive, pass from 1. 3 passes to 4. 5 and 3 form double-screen for 2 who cuts off screen for pass from 4.

CHART 145. 1 passes to 2 who passes to 3. 2 fakes a cut down the middle, changes direction, and cuts to a position beside 4 for a double-screen for 1. 1 cuts for basket and a pass from 5.

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