20 Insider Basketball Plays

10 Quick Hitters & 10 Out of Bounds Plays from Hoops U. Insider

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20 Insider Plays - pg. 1

20 Insider Plays

Table of Contents

1. Set Plays 2

2. Baseline vs. Man-to-Man 13

3. Baseline vs. Zone 19

4. Sideline Out of Bounds Plays 24

All Contents Proprietary 20 Insider Plays - pg. 2

Set Plays

Table of Contents

Middle Drive Staggered Kickout 3

Laker Lob 4

Baseline Cross with Double Downscreen 5

Double Rub Play 6

Drive Staggered for 3 7

4-Out Handoff Dive 8

5-Out Wing Cut Give-and-Go 9

Flex Lob Play 10

1-4 Blue Devil Handoff 11

Basic Zipper Set Play 12

All Contents Proprietary 20 Insider Plays - pg. 3 Set Plays Middle Drive Staggered Kickout

Quick Hitters Quick Hitters

4 5 4 5

2 3 2 3 1 1

This set play utilizes an on-ball screen so the point guard can After handing the basketball back to 1, 3 will set a diagonal penetrate into the lane, creating either a shot for the point guard downscreen across the lane for 4. 4 flashes to the basketball. or a kickout for 3 should the defense over-help. 1 does have the option of passing to 4 in the lane if he is open. 1 begins by passing to 3 on the wing and following his pass for a handoff from 3.

Quick Hitters

5 3

2 4 1

4 then sets an on-ball screen for 1, who penetrates into the lane. 5 and 4 set a staggered screen for 3.

1 looks to score with a pull-up jump shot or layup. If a shot isn't available, 1 looks to hit 2 spotting up or 3 coming off the screens.

All Contents Proprietary 20 Insider Plays - pg. 4 Set Plays Laker Lob

Quick Hitters

5 3

1 4

This set play was executed by the Los Angeles Lakers against the Orlando Magic during a game on 2/13/11.

The point guard, 1, has the ball on the left side. 1 passes to 4, who then passes to 3 on the right wing. On the pass to 3, 2 cuts hard to the ballside corner.

After passing to 3, 4 uses a backscreen set by 5 and breaks to the basket, looking for the lob pass from 3.

This is a pretty simple play to run but it is key that 2 times his cut properly. If he cuts too soon, the defenders might recognize the lob option. If he cuts too late, he'll be in the way of the lob.

All Contents Proprietary 20 Insider Plays - pg. 5 Set Plays Baseline Cross with Double Downscreen

Quick Hitters

3 2

5 4

This is great play for getting the basketball into the low post or for creating an open jump shot opportunity for a shooter.

The play starts with 1 dribbling to the wing as 2 sets a cross screen for 3. After setting the cross screen, 2 uses a double screen being set by 4 and 5.

1 can pass to 3 in the low post after the initial cross screen. If 3 is not available, he will look to pass to 2 at the free throw line / top of key area for a jump shot.

All Contents Proprietary 20 Insider Plays - pg. 6 Set Plays Double Rub Play

Quick Hitters Quick Hitters

3 4 2 1 4 3 5 5

2 1

The Double Rub Play is a quick hitter that utilizes a couple of If player 1 does not receive the pass from 5 as in the previous 'rubs' to create an open scoring opportunity. The term rub is used phase, he will pop out to the wing to receive the pass. to describe when your 'rub' your defender off of a screen. It is more of you using your screener rather than your screener He will then look for the weakside guard, 2, who has rubbed off of seeking out your defender to set the screen. player 4. (Notice in the first diagram, 4 and 2 are already setting up for this option as well as keeping their defenders occupied so The Double Rub Play starts in a 4-out, 1-in set as shown. The they will not be able to help as easily). '1-in' player, 5, starts at the free throw line while the other four players are all on the perimeter. If 2 does not have an option, proceed into your normal offensive system. This set play is initiated when 1 passes to 3 on the wing. After passing, 1 rubs his defender and cuts off the far side of 5. Once 1 cuts past him, 5 slides toward 3.

3 may be able to pass to 1 as he cuts toward the basket. If that is not available, 3 passes to 5 who has cut near the elbow.

After passing to 5, 3 screens for 1 who will rub his defender off of 3's screen. 5 passes to 3 for the short jump shot.

All Contents Proprietary 20 Insider Plays - pg. 7 Set Plays Drive Staggered for 3

Quick Hitters

2 5

4 3

1 passes to 3 on the wing while 2 runs up from the low post and screens for 4 cutting to the basket on the weakside.

3 dribbles hard to the corner to draw the defense. As 3 dribbles, 1 and 5 set a staggered double screen for 2 who cuts out to behind the three-point line on the ballside. 3 throws a quick pass to 2 for the three-point shot.

All Contents Proprietary 20 Insider Plays - pg. 8 Set Plays 4-Out Handoff Dive

Quick Hitters

4 5 3

2 1

This set play from a 4-out, 1-in set utilizes a handoff and basket cut to get a potential layup opportunity. It's a simple play to run that forces the defense to help from positions they may not be accustomed to helping.

The play starts with 4 players on the perimeter and 1 player at or near the low block on the ball side.

O1 passes to O3 and follows his pass to receive a handoff from O3. O1 then dribbles as O3 rolls and dives to the basket. O1 passes to O3 diving to the basket.

To help clearout the baseline / low post area, O5 should flash to the high post as O1 passes to O3.

All Contents Proprietary 20 Insider Plays - pg. 9 Set Plays 5-Out Wing Cut Give-and-Go

Quick Hitters Quick Hitters

Use screen 5 4 5 high or low 2 4

3 2 3 1 1

The 5-Out Wing Cut Give-and-Go can be run as a simple quick Secondary Options: hitter or it can be used as an option in your 5-Out motion offense If O2 does not receive the pass from O4, he will continue cutting system. through and out to the weakside. O1 should cut to replace O2's original wing position while O3 cuts to the top of the key, replacing The five offensive players begin as shown in the diagram. O2 O1. O2 will set a baseline screen for O5 who will cut into the lane receives a pass on the wing from O1 (O2 may need to perform a for a pass from O4. v-cut to get open). O4 will v-cut and then receive the pass from O2. O2 will step toward the lane and then cut hard to the basket If nothing is available, reverse the basketball and continue with for a return pass from O4. your offense.

All Contents Proprietary 20 Insider Plays - pg. 10 Set Plays Flex Lob Play

Quick Hitters

3 2

The Flex Lob Play is run out of a flex offense set, however, you are by no means required to run the flex offense to run this play.

If you don't run the flex, this is a good set to get a layup or dunk off of a lob pass. If you do run the flex, this can be a great counter to use against defenses that anticipate the backscreen. Defenders that begin to go over the top of the flex backscreen can be set up for the lob pass.

The Flex Lob Play begins with the O1 passing to the wing, O2, and then cutting through to the weakside corner. It should be noted that O4 must be on the ballside low block.

O2 then passes to O5 at the top who reverses to O3 on the opposite wing. After passing to O5, O2 sets up his defender to go over the screen. O4 should step out to create space behind for the lob pass.

As the basketball is being passed from O5 to O3, O2 cuts off the backscreen and O3 throws the lob pass.

All Contents Proprietary 20 Insider Plays - pg. 11 Set Plays 1-4 Blue Devil Handoff

1-4 Set Plays 1-4 Set Plays

3 or Penetrate

2 5 4 3 2 5 4 Shot 1 1

This play from the 1-4 high set was executed to perfection by the After making the pass to O4, O1 slides down the right wing and Duke Blue Devils in their comeback win against UNC on February stays wide outside the three-point line. 9, 2010. A 3-point shot was converted by Seth Curry while Duke was working their comeback from a 16-point deficit. O2 runs his defender into the screen set by O5 and comes behind O4 for the dribble handoff, using O4 as a screener as well. O2 will The 1-4 Blue Devil Handoff play starts with the players in a 1-4 have a couple of options based upon how his defender attempts high set as shown in the diagram. O1 has the ball on the right side to get past O4. of the court. O3, on the right wing, cuts through the lane to the weakside. O4 steps out from his position at the elbow and In the Duke/UNC game, the defender went underneath O4, receives a pass from O1. As the pass is made to O4, O5 sets a allowing space for O2 to shoot the three-pointer. If the UNC screen on O2's defender. defender had attempted to trail O2 and go over the top of O4, O2 will have the opportunity to penetrate. Once O2 penetrates, he'll have the option to drive all the way, shoot a pull-up jumper, kick it out to O1 if his man helps, or dump it to O3 if his defender helps. O5 could also be an option in the middle of the lane if he rolls back to the ball after setting the screen.

As mentioned, in the game, Seth Curry was open and able to shoot the 3. As you can see, there are several other options should the 3-point attempt be taken away. This is a great offensive play and with several options, is difficult to defend.

All Contents Proprietary 20 Insider Plays - pg. 12 Set Plays Basic Zipper Set Play

Offense - Box Set Plays

2 3

4 5

The Zipper Set utilizes a zipper cut and is generally run out of the box set formation.

The 'zipper cut' is a cut used off of a downscreen from the elbow to low block. It is a straight cut from block to perimeter. In the play below, O2 and O3 are both performing zipper cuts.

In this Basic Zipper Set Play, O1 dribbles to the wing while O4 sets a downscreen for O2. O2 cuts directly up the lane to the top. Depending upon how O2 is being guarded, he can cut off of either side of O4. O1 passes to O2 at the top.

O5 sets a downscreen for O3 on the weakside as O2 is receiving the pass. O2 passes to O3.

O3's options: -shoot -penetrate -pass to O5 in the low post / short corner area

All Contents Proprietary 20 Insider Plays - pg. 13

Baseline vs. Man-to-Man

Table of Contents

3 Across High Pass Cut Option 14

Baseline Clear 15

Corner Give-and-Go Play 16

High Box Double Clear 17

Step In Triple Screen Option 18

All Contents Proprietary 20 Insider Plays - pg. 14 Baseline vs. Man-to-Man 1 2 33 Ac4ross 5High Pass C1ut O2ption3 4 5

Inbounds Baseline vs. Man Inbounds Baseline vs. Man

2 2

3 4 3 4 5 5 x5

1 1

This out of bounds play sets up with three players lined up across This play also has a second option that can be called specifically the free throw or mid-lane area, with O5 in the middle. O2 starts at or O5 can utilize if he is not open for the initial inbounds pass. It the top of the key. can be specifically called once a team has seen the first option, as they possibly won't let that high pass be thrown. O5 starts approximately 5-10 feet away from the basket. O1, taking the basketball out of bounds, throws a high pass to O5 if he In this option, O5, instead of receiving the pass, takes a step is being faceguarded so that X5 cannot see the basketball. O5 will backwards while still facing the basket. He holds his position while jump to catch the ball and can either shot as he catches (if he's O2 runs his defender into O5's back and then breaks to either close enough to the basket) or lands and then shoots and/or side. O1 passes to O2 for the layup. makes a move to score. As in the first option, O3 and O4 cut and move to keep their If O5 does not have an available shot after receiving the pass, he defenders occupied. may pivot and hand off to O2 as he cuts down the lane.

O3 and O4 make hard cuts to keep their defenders occupied and to get open if necessary.

All Contents Proprietary 20 Insider Plays - pg. 15 Baseline vs. Man-to-Man Baseline Clear

Inbounds Baseline vs. Man Inbounds Baseline vs. Man 1 1

5 4 5 2 4

3 3 2

This inbounds play can be run against either a man-to-man or As O2 is cutting to the basket, O4 goes up to screen for O3. O3 zone defense, however, it will probably be most effective against a cuts to the weakside block and O4 rolls down the middle. man-to-man because of the initial cut clearing out the space near the basket. If O2 isn't open in the initial option, it is usually because O3's defender helps on his cut. When that happens - and if O4 sets a When the official hands the ball to O1, O5 clears out the layup slot really good screen on O3's defender - O3 will often be open for on the ballside by cutting hard to the corner. the weakside pass and layup.

As O5 makes his cut, O2 cuts off of O3 and into the open area. If open, O1 makes the pass to O2. If the pass isn't available, O2 will slide toward the short corner or corner...again clearing the space behind him.

All Contents Proprietary 20 Insider Plays - pg. 16 Baseline vs. Man-to-Man Corner Give-and-Go Play

Inbounds Baseline vs. Man 1

3 5 2

The 'Corner Give-and-Go' is an effective baseline inbounds play to have in your basketball playbook for those times you have to take the ball out of bounds from deep in the corner.

The players set up as shown. When the official hands the ball to O1, O5 flashes across the middle of the lane looking for the pass. O2 and O4 fake in as if to receive the throw-in but instead screen for O3 and O1, respectively. O3 curls around the screen and cuts to the opposite wing area. O1 throws the ball in, uses O4's screen, then cuts hard to the opposite low block. O5 looks to pass back to O1 for the layup.

Coaching Points: -Be aware that the initial pass from O1 to O5 will be difficult if the defense collapses in the middle. For this reason, O1 should be a good passer and smart enough to recognize when that option is not available. -If O5 is not open, the pass to O2 is usually available either right on the wing or as a safety valve. -O5 may also make the pass to O3 as he reverses to the wing, but O1 should be the first option. -If O2 receives the inbounds pass, he has options to O3, O5, and even O4. If he can pass to either O3 or O5, they can still look inside to O1, if their own shot isn't available.

All Contents Proprietary 20 Insider Plays - pg. 17 Baseline vs. Man-to-Man High Box Double Clear

Inbounds Baseline vs. Man 5

Option 2 Option 1

3 4

1 2

This out of bounds play sets up in the same type of box formation you have probably used many times. The difference is that it is set up higher so that the players closest to the basket are free throw line high at the elbows. The two 'top' players are now about 5-8 feet outside the three-point line.

When the official hands the basketball to 5, 1 and 3 clear from the ballside to the weakside. 3 cuts close enough to use 4 as a screen to potentially lose his man. 3 is the first option for 5. 1 clears all the way across and then drifts back to be the safety valve.

Player 2 makes a cut to set up his defender in one direction and then cuts off of 4 down the lane as the second option.

If 3 or 2 are not available, 4 might be an option if his defender sinks to help on the cutters. Otherwise, 1 is always available as the safety valve.

All Contents Proprietary 20 Insider Plays - pg. 18 Baseline vs. Man-to-Man Step In Triple Screen Option

Inbounds Baseline vs. Man Inbounds Baseline vs. Man 2

2 5 4 5 4

1 3 3 1

In this out of bounds play from a box formation, the player passing As O2 steps into the lane, 3, 4, and 5 move in to set a pick on 2's the ball inbounds should be your best scorer. defender. 2 can use any of the three screens and cut anywhere, looking for a pass from 1. When the official hands the basketball to O2, players 1, 3, and 5 pop out to get open. 2 passes to 5, who then passes to 3, who All three 'pickers' should open up to the ball after 2 cuts away. Any passes to 1. After passing, O2 should start walking his defender one of them may be open for a pass from 1. If 2 receives the pass into the lane. from 1, he should look to shoot or score. The objective is to get a shot or attack the defense from this inbounds play. Should nothing come immediately available, simply begin running your offense.

All Contents Proprietary 20 Insider Plays - pg. 19

Baseline vs. Zone

Table of Contents

Read the 2-3 Inbound Options 20

T Set Options 22

All Contents Proprietary 20 Insider Plays - pg. 20 Baseline vs. Zone Read the 2-3 Inbound Options

Inbounds Baseline vs. Zone Inbounds Baseline vs. Zone 2 2

x3 3 x4 3 1 x3 x4 1 x5 x5 x1 x2

x1 5 x2 5 4 4

The Read the 2-3 Inbound Options play is designed to be run When the official hands the ball to O2, he should read the against a team that defends the baseline inbounds play with a 2-3 defensive guards. If x1 and/or x2 stay at the top, he should make zone defense. A smart passer and smart receiver will almost the inbounds pass to O1 or O3. guarantee an open shot opportunity. If the defensive guards slide down to defend the corners, O5 This diagram shows the base formation of the Read the 2-3 should screen the middle defender while O2 inbounds to O4. The Inbound Options play. One player stands in each corner outside pass to O4 will most likely need to be a lob pass. the 3-point line. Both players should be threats to shoot the '3'. The other two players line up at the free throw line in a doublestack formation. The player in O5's position should be good at setting screens while O4 should be able to shoot the mid-range shot as well as finish at the basket.

All Contents Proprietary 20 Insider Plays - pg. 21 Baseline vs. Zone Read the 2-3 Inbound Options

Inbounds Baseline vs. Zone 2

1 x3 x4 3 x5

5 x1 x2 4

If the defensive guards stay back and one of the defensive forwards jumps the corner, O4 should cut down the lane for the inbounds pass. O5 should still be screening the middle defender.

Coaching Points: -The inbounds passer should be adept at making pass fakes. A simple pass fake to the corner can make a defender jump to defend that corner, thereby creating an open lane down the middle. If a defender doesn't jump to the corner, then the corner player is wide open. A pass fake to the middle may also create an opening for the corner player. -The offensive player at the top (04 in these diagrams) should also be able to read the defense properly. If the defensive guards defend the corners, he should recognize the opening at or near the elbow areas. If the guards stay high but the defensive forward jumps the corner, he should recognize the block is wide open.

All Contents Proprietary 20 Insider Plays - pg. 22 Baseline vs. Zone T Set Options

Inbounds Baseline vs. Zone Inbounds Baseline vs. Zone 1 1

4 2 5 4 2 5 3 3

This out of bounds play from a 'T' formation can be run against If you have run this play a couple of times, the defenders man or zone defenses and has a couple of options or (especially 2's defender) might begin to cheat. If the defender counterattacks to utilize when the defense attempts to make does cheat, 2 and/or 3 should curl back around the screen instead adjustments. of cutting out to the corner. If this option occurs, 5 should pop out to the short corner. When the official hands the ball to 1, 2 will run off a screen being set by 5 and 3 runs off 4's screen. 2 or 3 may be open for three-point or perimeter jump shots.

After setting the screens, both 4 and 5 should seal their defenders as they may be open for a pass or lob from 1.

All Contents Proprietary 20 Insider Plays - pg. 23 Baseline vs. Zone T Set Options

Inbounds Baseline vs. Zone 1

4 2 5 3

This option can be used if the defenders are able to adequately guard 2 and 3's cut and 4 and 5 are not open.

If 1 can't make the initial pass to 2 or 3 and 4 or 5 are not open, they should step out to back screen for the guards. 2 and 3 will then use the back screen and cut to the basket looking for a pass from 1.

In case those cuts aren't open, 5 becomes the safety valve in the corner. He might also need to 'post up' so 1 can throw him the ball over the top.

All Contents Proprietary 20 Insider Plays - pg. 24

Sideline Out of Bounds Plays

Table of Contents

Cut off the Flash 25

Double Screen Clear Out 26

Reversal Read 27

All Contents Proprietary 20 Insider Plays - pg. 25 Sideline Out of Bounds Plays Cut off the Flash

Inbounds Sideline

5 1 4

2 3

The 'Cut off the Flash' sideline inbounds play is a good play you can use to get an easy layup.

Having a player cut off the player that is flashing toward the inbounder creates an opening because the flash defender is defending the pass and not prepared to help on the cut. The cutter's defender will get hung up on the screen.

When the official hands the ball to O1, O4 flashes as though he is going to receive the pass from O1.

As O4 is flashing to the ball, O2 sets up his defender by taking a couple of steps toward O3 (as though he is going to set a screen for O3). O2 then plants and cuts hard in front of O4, using him as a screen.

O1 passes to O2 for a dribble and shot.

Note: If O2's defender trails through the screen, the layup should be wide open. Potentially X4 and X5 could be of help and if that is the case, O4 and O5 should cut toward the basket for a pass from O2.

If O2's defender goes around the screen to cut off the drive, O2 should still be open for a pull-up jump shot.

All Contents Proprietary 20 Insider Plays - pg. 26 Sideline Out of Bounds Plays Double Screen Clear Out

Inbounds Sideline

5 4

Double Screen Clear Out is an inbounds play from the defensive sideline. It can be used in the last few seconds of a quarter, half, or game when a score is needed.

Depending on the amount of time left, it is helpful to inbound the basketball as far up the court as possible and advanced quickly so that time isn't wasted having to dribble the full length.

In setting up the play, 1 should be your best one-on-one guard. He also must be able to get open without the help from a teammate.

The best shooter will be 3, who will be clearing out from one side and attempting to run his defender into a double screen set by 4 and 5.

As 1 advances the basketball, he will look for 3 coming off the screen or he will look to penetrate all the way to the basket. If 1 does choose to penetrate, he should be ready to shoot a pull-up jumper or dish the ball off in case one of the defenders guarding 4 or 5 drop off to help.

The time remaining will ultimately determine which opportunity has the best chance for success.

All Contents Proprietary 20 Insider Plays - pg. 27 Sideline Out of Bounds Plays Reversal Read

Inbounds Sideline Inbounds Sideline

5 4 5 4

3 2 1 3 or 1 2

The Reverse Read sideline inbounds play can be used most O1 now has the ball and quickly reverses it to O2, who has effectively when taking the ball out of bounds near the free throw popped out high after setting the screen. line extended. The objective is to make the defense move by reversing the basketball. After passing the ball inbounds, O3 cuts down to the low block area and then flashes up the lane. O4 slides out to the In this diagram, O3 is the inbounds passer and the other four corner/wing area while O5 steps into the low middle and seals his offensive players set up in a box formation on the lane. defender.

O3 takes the ball out of bounds. When the official hands him the O2 looks to pass to either O3 or O5. If they are not open, O2 can basketball, O2 screens for O1 and O4 screens for O5. O3 passes swing it to O4 or pass it back to O1. O1 might have a penetration to O1. opportunity or you can simply get into your regular offense.

Coaching Point: When you get the ball inbounds, reverse it to the weakside as quickly as possible. Force the defense to move and react quickly.

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