Basketball Plays: Find the forgotten inbounder

From Geno Auriemma, head coach of the University of Connecticut Huskies women’s basketball team.

Slip the baseline inbounder to the opposite block as you attack the strong side with the dribble to create a high-percentage layup opportunity vs. a man defense

Why use it

Many times when the action is on the side upon which the ball is inbounded, the weak side isn’t covered as well. Compound that with teams typically leaving the inbounder alone and you have an opportunity to score a quick bucket off a baseline inbound play just like the U.S. women did in the Olympics.

Set up

Your point guard inbounds the ball from the baseline. Have 5 post up just in front of the ball. 4 is on the opposite lane line. 3 is positioned on the ball-side wing with 2 on the weak-side wing.

How to play

As 5 attempts to establish post position, 3 takes a jab step toward the lane, then pops free on the wing to create enough of an opening to receive an inbound pass from 1 [1]. With the slight advantage on the defender upon receiving the ball, 3 dribble-attacks the baseline as 5 elevates to create space. This also draws 1’s defender to help on 3, so 1 slips to the weak-side block [2]. 3 zips a pass across to the open 3 for the layup as 4 and 5 crash the boards [3].

Technique

1 wants to wait to come into play until 3 is on the attack, otherwise 1’s defender simply will stay with him or her. Encourage 5 to elevate on 3’s dribble as well so there is a clear passing lane from 3 to 1.

Want more plays from the best teams in the game? My basketball coaching manual, Big Names, Big Plays has plays from top coaches such as Mike Krzyzewski, Gregg Popovich, Brad Stevens and John Calipari