20 Hoops U Insider Basketball Plays

20 Insider Basketball
Plays
10 Quick Hitters & 10 Out of Bounds Plays from Hoops
U. Insider
HoopsU.com
Copyright 2012 Tony Alfonso, HoopsU.com. All Rights Reserved

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20 Insider Plays - pg. 1
20 Insider Plays
Table of Contents
1.
Set Plays
2.
Baseline vs. Man-to-Man
13
3.
Baseline vs. Zone
19
4.
Sideline Out of Bounds Plays
24
All Contents Proprietary
Set Plays
Table of Contents
Middle Drive Staggered Kickout
Laker Lob
Baseline Cross with Double Downscreen
Double Rub Play
Drive Staggered for 3
4-Out Handoff Dive
5-Out Wing Cut Give-and-Go
Flex Lob Play
10
1-4 Blue Devil Handoff
11
Basic Zipper Set Play
12
Set Plays
Middle Drive Staggered Kickout
Quick Hitters
Quick Hitters
4
3
5
3
1
This set play utilizes an on-ball screen so the point guard can
penetrate into the lane, creating either a shot for the point guard
or a kickout for 3 should the defense over-help.
After handing the basketball back to 1, 3 will set a diagonal

downscreen across the lane for 4. 4 flashes to the basketball.
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
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.
Set Plays
Laker Lob
Quick Hitters
2
3
5
1
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.
Set Plays
Baseline Cross with Double Downscreen
Quick Hitters
4
1
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.
Set Plays
Double Rub Play
Quick Hitters
Quick Hitters
42
3
4
5
2
The Double Rub Play is a quick hitter that utilizes a couple of

'rubs' to create an open scoring opportunity. The term rub is used
to describe when your 'rub' your defender off of a screen. It is
more of you using your screener rather than your screener
seeking out your defender to set the screen.
The Double Rub Play starts in a 4-out, 1-in set as shown. The
'1-in' player, 5, starts at the free throw line while the other four
players are all on the perimeter.
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.
If player 1 does not receive the pass from 5 as in the previous

phase, he will pop out to the wing to receive the pass.
He will then look for the weakside guard, 2, who has rubbed off of
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
they will not be able to help as easily).
If 2 does not have an option, proceed into your normal offensive
system.
Set Plays
Drive Staggered for 3
Quick Hitters
5
3
4
1
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.
Set Plays
4-Out Handoff Dive
Quick Hitters
3
2
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.
Set Plays
5-Out Wing Cut Give-and-Go
Quick Hitters
Quick Hitters
Use screen
high or low
The 5-Out Wing Cut Give-and-Go can be run as a simple quick

hitter or it can be used as an option in your 5-Out motion offense
system.
Secondary Options:
If O2 does not receive the pass from O4, he will continue cutting
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
O1. O2 will set a baseline screen for O5 who will cut into the lane
for a pass from O4.
The five offensive players begin as shown in the diagram. O2

receives a pass on the wing from O1 (O2 may need to perform a
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
for a return pass from O4.
If nothing is available, reverse the basketball and continue with

your offense.
Set Plays
Flex Lob Play
Quick Hitters
4
2
3
5
1
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.
Set Plays
1-4 Blue Devil Handoff
1-4 Set Plays
1-4 Set Plays
3
2
or Penetrate
5
4
Shot
This play from the 1-4 high set was executed to perfection by the
Duke Blue Devils in their comeback win against UNC on February
9, 2010. A 3-point shot was converted by Seth Curry while Duke
was working their comeback from a 16-point deficit.
The 1-4 Blue Devil Handoff play starts with the players in a 1-4
high set as shown in the diagram. O1 has the ball on the right side
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
receives a pass from O1. As the pass is made to O4, O5 sets a
screen on O2's defender.
After making the pass to O4, O1 slides down the right wing and
stays wide outside the three-point line.
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
have a couple of options based upon how his defender attempts
to get past O4.
In the Duke/UNC game, the defender went underneath O4,
allowing space for O2 to shoot the three-pointer. If the UNC
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.
Set Plays
Basic Zipper Set Play
Offense - Box Set Plays
5
1
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

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

1
33
4
5
1
2
3
Across
High Pass Cut
Option
Inbounds Baseline vs. Man
2
4
x5
1
This out of bounds play sets up with three players lined up across
the free throw or mid-lane area, with O5 in the middle. O2 starts at
the top of the key.
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
is being faceguarded so that X5 cannot see the basketball. O5 will
jump to catch the ball and can either shot as he catches (if he's
close enough to the basket) or lands and then shoots and/or
makes a move to score.
If O5 does not have an available shot after receiving the pass, he
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.
1
This play also has a second option that can be called specifically
or O5 can utilize if he is not open for the initial inbounds pass. It
can be specifically called once a team has seen the first option, as
they possibly won't let that high pass be thrown.
In this option, O5, instead of receiving the pass, takes a step
backwards while still facing the basket. He holds his position while
O2 runs his defender into O5's back and then breaks to either
side. O1 passes to O2 for the layup.
As in the first option, O3 and O4 cut and move to keep their
defenders occupied.

Baseline Clear
This inbounds play can be run against either a man-to-man or

zone defense, however, it will probably be most effective against a
man-to-man because of the initial cut clearing out the space near
the basket.
When the official hands the ball to O1, O5 clears out the layup slot
on the ballside by cutting hard to the corner.
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.
As O2 is cutting to the basket, O4 goes up to screen for O3. O3

cuts to the weakside block and O4 rolls down the middle.
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
really good screen on O3's defender - O3 will often be open for
the weakside pass and layup.

Corner Give-and-Go Play
1
4
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.

High Box Double Clear
5
Option 2
Option 1
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.

Step In Triple Screen Option
2
5
3
1
In this out of bounds play from a box formation, the player passing
the ball inbounds should be your best scorer.
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
passes to 1. After passing, O2 should start walking his defender
into the lane.
As O2 steps into the lane, 3, 4, and 5 move in to set a pick on 2's

defender. 2 can use any of the three screens and cut anywhere,
looking for a pass from 1.
All three 'pickers' should open up to the ball after 2 cuts away. Any
one of them may be open for a pass from 1. If 2 receives the pass
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.
Baseline vs. Zone

Table of Contents
Read the 2-3 Inbound Options
20
T Set Options
22
Baseline vs. Zone

Inbounds Baseline vs. Zone
2
1
x3
x4
x5
x1
x2
The Read the 2-3 Inbound Options play is designed to be run

against a team that defends the baseline inbounds play with a 2-3
zone defense. A smart passer and smart receiver will almost
guarantee an open shot opportunity.
This diagram shows the base formation of the Read the 2-3
Inbound Options play. One player stands in each corner outside
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.
x3
1
x1
x4
x5
x2
5
4
When the official hands the ball to O2, he should read the
defensive guards. If x1 and/or x2 stay at the top, he should make
the inbounds pass to O1 or O3.
If the defensive guards slide down to defend the corners, O5
should screen the middle defender while O2 inbounds to O4. The
pass to O4 will most likely need to be a lob pass.
Baseline vs. Zone

2
1
x3
x1
x4
x5
x2
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.
Baseline vs. Zone

T Set Options
1
4
2
3
This out of bounds play from a 'T' formation can be run against
man or zone defenses and has a couple of options or
counterattacks to utilize when the defense attempts to make
adjustments.
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.
1
4
2
3
If you have run this play a couple of times, the defenders

(especially 2's defender) might begin to cheat. If the defender
does cheat, 2 and/or 3 should curl back around the screen instead
of cutting out to the corner. If this option occurs, 5 should pop out
to the short corner.
Baseline vs. Zone

T Set Options
1
4
2
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.

Table of Contents
Cut off the Flash
25
Double Screen Clear Out
26
Reversal Read
27

Cut off the Flash
Inbounds Sideline
5
4
1
2
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.

Double Screen Clear Out
Inbounds Sideline
5
4
3
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.

Reversal Read
Inbounds Sideline
Inbounds Sideline
or
3
1
The Reverse Read sideline inbounds play can be used most

effectively when taking the ball out of bounds near the free throw
line extended. The objective is to make the defense move by
reversing the basketball.
O1 now has the ball and quickly reverses it to O2, who has
popped out high after setting the screen.
In this diagram, O3 is the inbounds passer and the other four

offensive players set up in a box formation on the lane.
After passing the ball inbounds, O3 cuts down to the low block
area and then flashes up the lane. O4 slides out to the
corner/wing area while O5 steps into the low middle and seals his
defender.
O3 takes the ball out of bounds. When the official hands him the
basketball, O2 screens for O1 and O4 screens for O5. O3 passes
to O1.
O2 looks to pass to either O3 or O5. If they are not open, O2 can

swing it to O4 or pass it back to O1. O1 might have a penetration
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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20 Insider Plays - pg. 1

Baseline vs. Man-to-Man

Baseline vs. Zone

Sideline Out of Bounds Plays

All Contents Proprietary

20 Insider Plays - pg. 2

Middle Drive Staggered Kickout

Baseline Cross with Double Downscreen

Double Rub Play

Drive Staggered for 3

4-Out Handoff Dive

5-Out Wing Cut Give-and-Go

Flex Lob Play

1-4 Blue Devil Handoff

Basic Zipper Set Play

All Contents Proprietary

20 Insider Plays - pg. 3

After handing the basketball back to 1, 3 will set a diagonal

1 begins by passing to 3 on the wing and following his pass for a

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20 Insider Plays - pg. 4

All Contents Proprietary

20 Insider Plays - pg. 5

All Contents Proprietary

20 Insider Plays - pg. 6

The Double Rub Play is a quick hitter that utilizes a couple of

All Contents Proprietary

If player 1 does not receive the pass from 5 as in the previous

20 Insider Plays - pg. 7

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20 Insider Plays - pg. 8

All Contents Proprietary

20 Insider Plays - pg. 9

The 5-Out Wing Cut Give-and-Go can be run as a simple quick

The five offensive players begin as shown in the diagram. O2

All Contents Proprietary

If nothing is available, reverse the basketball and continue with

20 Insider Plays - pg. 10

All Contents Proprietary

20 Insider Plays - pg. 11

1-4 Set Plays

All Contents Proprietary

20 Insider Plays - pg. 12

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20 Insider Plays - pg. 13

Baseline vs. Man-to-Man

3 Across High Pass Cut Option

Corner Give-and-Go Play

High Box Double Clear

Step In Triple Screen Option

All Contents Proprietary

20 Insider Plays - pg. 14

Baseline vs. Man-to-Man

Inbounds Baseline vs. Man

Inbounds Baseline vs. Man

All Contents Proprietary

20 Insider Plays - pg. 15

Baseline vs. Man-to-Man

Inbounds Baseline vs. Man

This inbounds play can be run against either a man-to-man or

All Contents Proprietary

As O2 is cutting to the basket, O4 goes up to screen for O3. O3