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One of the most important parts of a basketball game is the inbounds play. Although the inbounds play is thought of as just inbounding the ball safely, it is more important to think of the inbounds play as an opportunity to score a quick basket. Scoring points off inbounds plays can add up throughout the course of the game. Inbounds plays must be practiced and executed properly in practice in order for the play to work in a game. Remember, the younger players need repetition and review more than the older players. Some players can pick up the plays easily, some not so easily, that’s why they have coaches. The coach needs to ensure that all of the players get a chance to practice the plays, and assist the players that aren’t catching on as easy as others. Another important part of inbound plays is how to “defend” against them – this is covered briefly in our publication “Inbounds Plays for Youth Basketball” – more info at bottom of the page – coaches must make sure their players understand both the offensive and defensive parts of inbounds plays.
Inbounds Plays Teaching Points / Notes
1. It is very important for players to “box out” properly during an inbounds play if that is part of their assignment, boxing out is crucial to the success of the play!
2. Pass Fakes are a must! Players passing in the ball should pass fake to confuse the defense. Pass fakes “freeze” defenders and opens up areas to the offensive players.
3. Younger players should be given a play book or an assignment that entails writing a report or drawing the play over again to assist them with memorizing the plays.
4. Whenever the referee hands the basketball to a player (the player that will be passing in the ball) that player cannot move from that designated spot.
5. Inbounds plays should be thought of as “opportunities for a quick score.”
6. It is extremely important that your best passer is the player that is passing in the ball.
7. Players should not “advertise” where they are going to go! Fake left, go right – deceive the defense and don’t show defenders which direction you are going to go to. Don’t make it easy for the defense to figure out where you are going.
8. Players should read the defense. If the defense is standing on a spot that they usually go to, the player must either “fight for position” or move to an open area.
9. 1st priority with an inbound play is to score, the 2nd priority is to inbound the ball safely - without turning the ball over to the other team.
10. Players should always be looking for the ball! All screens, cuts, flashes, etc, should be performed facing the ball if at all possible. Always expect the ball!
11. The 1 is usually the “Safety” player and their main function is to be the first player back on defense if the inbounds play is busted, etc. The 1 must understand when the inbounds play has failed, and when its time to “go to the ball” and set up the offense.
12. Make sure the player passing in the ball stays at least 2-3 steps back from the out of bounds line to give themselves additional room to pass the ball into play.
Inbound Sets
There are different inbound play sets used – some examples are Stack, Box, Sideline, and Flat sets (we will only show examples of the Stack, Box, and Sideline sets here).
Stack #2 – Basic Inbounds Play
IMPORTANT NOTE: Inbounds plays can be run from either side of the paint area. Coaches must make sure you practice inbounds plays from both sides of the paint until the players are comfortable running the plays. Make sure that your players understand the 1st option of the inbounds plays as well as the 2nd and 3rd options.
Box #2 – Basic Inbounds Play
Side Line Play – Basic Inbounds Play
If your opponent is in full court Man-to-Man Defense, and your team has the opportunity to inbound the ball at the “hash mark” area, then this is the play to run for an easy basket!
Defending Inbounds Plays / Notes
a) The number 1 rule to remember when the other team is setting up an inbounds play under their basket – is to always Use a Zone Defense! Teams are taking a big chance whenever they run a Man-to-Man defense vs. an inbounds play under their opponent’s basket. Using Man-to-Man defense – it will only take one good screen for your opponent to score an easy basket!
b) A very important part of a basketball game that most coaches neglect to practice is how to defend the inbounds play.
c) Note: Since most inbounds plays are all basically the same (to some extent), it would be very beneficial to practice defense against them. Coaches must take the time to teach their players how to defend against inbounds plays - or it could mean easy baskets for your opponent.
WANT MORE?
Check out the AVCSS Basketball publication “Inbounds Plays for Youth Basketball” Lots of information on Inbounds Plays, Defending the inbounds play, Diagrams, and Video Clips to help bring the information to life (can’t beat this price for this much information).
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