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The Ball Coach Playbank

Basketball plays. Your next great look.

Explore baseline inbound, sideline inbound, and half-court plays. Preview the diagrams and coaching points, then build your playbook.

125 plays · 1–12

  • Half court against man-to-man, starting from a 4-high alignment. Good when you want several actions in one possession: a cut off the high post, a reversal that frees 2, and then a middle ball screen with 5 stepping up.

    4-highMan-to-manBall screen
  • Half-court sets

    AI Fist Double

    Half court against man-to-man or a defense that switches screens. Start from a 4-high alignment. Good when you want 3 to cut over the high screens to get the ball moving, then a double ball screen at the top.

    4-highMan-to-manBall screen
  • Half-court sets

    AI Slip

    Half court against man-to-man, when you have a guard who can cut off screens and attack and a big who can slip and finish. It starts from a 4-high alignment.

    4-highMan-to-manBall screen
  • Half-court against a 2-3 zone, when you want to overload one side and put the low defender in a tough choice. Fits a team with a good high-post cutter and a wing who can shoot or pass.

    2-3 zoneBall reversalHigh post
  • Sideline inbound (SLOB)

    Back Screen Pop-Out

    Sideline out of bounds in the frontcourt, against man-to-man or a defense that switches, when your inbounder can also drive.

    Man-to-manSwitching defenseDribble-drive offense
  • Sideline inbound (SLOB)

    Back Screen Stagger Three

    Sideline out of bounds, against man-to-man, when you need a three and have a shooter who can run off a stagger.

    Man-to-manBack screenDown screen
  • Baseline inbound (BLOB)

    Baseline Away Screen Lift Spread

    Under your basket against man-to-man when you want a spread floor and a ball screen at the top. It needs a guard who attacks and a screener who sets and rolls.

    Man-to-manBall screenClear-out
  • Baseline inbound (BLOB)

    Baseline Back Screen Double Screen

    Under your basket against man-to-man when you want a quick look for a big and a wing jumper second. It uses 1 as a screener and then as the shooter.

    Man-to-manBack screenDouble screen
  • Under your basket, against man-to-man, when you want to get the ball in and flow straight into a handoff and side ball screen. Good with a guard who can attack off a screen.

    Man-to-manBall screenCross screen
  • Baseline inbound (BLOB)

    Baseline Curl and Gap Flash

    Under your own basket against man-to-man when you need a clean first catch for your 2 and a second option for your 4. It clears the middle so the right side is open.

    Man-to-manClear-outCurl cut
  • Baseline inbound (BLOB)

    Baseline Curl Screen-the-Screener

    Under your basket, against man-to-man, when you want a quick rim look and a second option to the strong side. Screen-the-screener makes it hard for one defender to cover both cuts.

    Man-to-manLobScreen the screener
  • Baseline inbound (BLOB)

    Baseline Double Screen Curl

    Baseline out of bounds, against man-to-man, when you want to free the first receiver and then send the inbounder around a double screen to the opposite wing. It starts from a box set.

    Man-to-manCurl cutDouble screen

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Ball Coach's plays are drawn step by step on the court, with who to look for first, what to do when that's taken away, and cues you can say in practice. Today the library has inbound plays (baseline and sideline, against man-to-man, a zone, a team that switches and pressure) and half-court sets grouped by formation.

Baseline inbound plays

For when you inbound from the end line under the basket you're attacking: a quick two, a corner three, or a set to beat a zone.

A baseline out-of-bounds play (BLOB, or under out of bounds) is what you run when you inbound from the end line under the basket you're attacking. The pass starts closer to the rim than on any other possession, so a good set aims for a lay-up or an open shot, not only a safe catch.

Most teams carry two or three: one against man-to-man, one against a zone, and one for a three when time is short.

Coaching principles

  • Every set has a safety outlet away from the basket, so a denial never becomes a five-second call.
  • Your best passer inbounds; ball above the head, fake before the pass.
  • Screens are set at an angle toward the ball, and the screener is often the open player afterwards.
  • Space so that one defender can't guard two options at once.

Choosing a baseline inbound play

Against man-to-man
Screens that free a cutter to the rim, then a second action for the screener, with a safety outlet away from the basket.
Against a zone
Overload one low defender: a shooter in the corner, a post sealing the middle, and a flash into the gap behind the top of the zone.
Late in a quarter, down three
A short pass to your best shooter in the corner or on the wing, behind a double screen.
Against a team that switches
Slips: the screener cuts to the rim as soon as the defenders switch.
Browse the full baseline inbound play directory (29)
  • Baseline Away Screen Lift Spread

    A baseline out-of-bounds set that uses an away screen to free 2 for the inbound at the top. The inbounder clears to the corner, 3 lifts, and 5 follows with a ball screen for 2 to attack the paint or hit the lifted shooter.

  • Baseline Back Screen Double Screen

    Baseline out-of-bounds set against man defense. The first look is 4 cutting to the weakside block off 1's back screen; 1 then uses a double screen from 5 and 3 for a wing jumper, with 3 slipping to the rim as the counter.

  • Baseline Cross Screen Handoff Ball Screen

    Baseline out-of-bounds set using 5's cross-screen to free 4 for the entry. 4 then hands off to 1, who attacks 5's ball screen while 5 rolls and 4 pops to the corner.

  • Baseline Curl and Gap Flash

    Baseline out-of-bounds set that clears the middle and sends 2 curling around 4's screen to receive the inbound. After catching, 2 looks back to 4 flashing into the open right-side gap.

  • Baseline Curl Screen-the-Screener

    Baseline out-of-bounds screen-the-screener action that creates a quick rim look before sending the original screener off a second screen to the opposite side. Read the cutter at the basket first, then hit the receiver coming free on the screen-the-screener action.

  • Baseline Double Screen Curl

    A box baseline inbound that frees the first receiver before sending the inbounder around a double screen to the opposite wing. Look for the inbounder on the curl, with the initial receiver available as the safety outlet.

  • Baseline Entry Curl Handoff

    Baseline out-of-bounds entry to 5 on the right side as 2 clears to the weak-side wing. The inbounder curls around 5 for the handoff and attacks the middle, reading the lane or help-side rotation.

  • Baseline Entry Dribble Handoff

    Baseline out-of-bounds set that clears the right side for an entry to 4. The inbounder circles around 4 for a dribble handoff, looking to turn the corner toward the lane while 4 reads the roll or return pass.

  • Baseline Flash and Pop (vs Zone)

    Against a 2-3 zone, 4 inbounds to 5, who reverses to 1 as 2 screens the middle defender for 4 to flash inside. If the flash is covered, 5 screens the outside defender and 2 pops to the corner for a three.

  • Baseline Inbound Backdoor Cut

    Baseline out-of-bounds set that flows into a backdoor opportunity for 2 after the ball is advanced to 5. The primary read is 2 cutting behind an overplaying defender for a pass at the rim.

  • Baseline Lift Middle Ball Screen

    Baseline out-of-bounds set that clears the perimeter and lifts 3 to receive the entry. 5 then sets a middle ball screen for 3 and rolls, creating a drive-or-roll read with shooters spaced around the arc.

  • Baseline Low Delay

    A baseline out-of-bounds delay set against man defense. The 5 flashes high as a decoy while 4 leaks up the sideline for the entry, then 5 screens down for 2 to curl into a shot.

  • Baseline Out-of-Bounds Lob (vs Zone)

    Baseline out-of-bounds lob designed for a 2-3 zone. The cutter clears toward the corner, then loops along the baseline to the rim as the two posts screen or seal the low zone defenders; the inbounder reads the opening for the lob.

  • Baseline Pop Entry Handoff Roll

    BLOB action that screens 4 to the inbound pass, then flows into a handoff for the inbounder while 5 down-screens for 2. The ball handler can attack, find 2 off the screen, or hit 4 rolling to the rim.

  • Baseline Screen Curl Lob

    Baseline out-of-bounds lob set that clears the lane before 4 screens for 5 to curl hard to the rim. The inbounder looks to throw the lob as 5 turns the corner, with the perimeter clears providing space.

  • Box Floppy Single or Stagger

    Box baseline out-of-bounds set that enters safely to 3 before sending 1 through floppy action. Read the defender and bring 1 off either the single screen or the stagger for a catch-and-shoot or curl.

  • Box Screen-the-Screener

    A baseline out-of-bounds play from a box. The ball-side post crosses the lane to screen for the other post, then the weak-side elbow screens down for that screener. Two defenders have to guard two screens in a second, and the one who helps on the first cut leaves the second open.

  • Double Stack Cut and Seal

    A baseline play from a double stack along the ball-side lane line. 2 cuts off the double screen to the rim for the first look. If that is covered, 2 seals across the lane while 3 loops from the weak-side slot around the arc and off the same double to the ball-side corner for a three.

  • Double Zipper Return

    A four-frame baseline sequence. 5 frees 3 for the entry pass, then 4 and 5 zipper the inbounder (1) onto the floor for the return pass. As 1 dribbles to the top, 3 clears the lane and the same pair screens 2 to the weak-side wing for a shot.

  • Flyer Overload (vs Zone)

    A four-frame baseline play against a zone. The entry is reversed to the top, then the inbounder flies to the right wing. An interior stagger sends 5 behind the zone, and a screen-the-screener action frees 3 in the right corner while 2 lifts to the other side.

  • Four-Low Flex and Down Screen

    Four-low baseline inbound against man defense. After the entry to 5 and reversal to 2, 4 sets a flex screen for 3, then uses 5's down screen in a screen-the-screener action; read 3 at the rim first, then 4 coming off the screen.

  • Line Post Entry

    A baseline play from a tight line alignment. A cut to the corner and a clearing action open a passing window to 5 inside after the screen.

  • Pinwheel Curls

    A baseline play where two players form a tight stagger for consecutive curling cutters. The inbounder looks first for 3 attacking the rim, then for 1 continuing through the same action to the right side.

  • Reverse and Circle

    A baseline play against a 2-3 that shifts the zone to the ball side and reverses it. Three players clear or cut through the paint, the entry goes to the right corner, and the ball comes back to the top before the inbounder circles into the right wing for the last pass.

  • Reverse and Dive

    A four-frame baseline play. 2 screens for 4, who comes off to the left block. The ball enters to 2, and 5 screens for 2, who comes off to the left corner. After the ball is reversed, 3 back screens 5 and 4 screens 3. The final read is 5 cutting to the rim, with 4 available as the release.

  • Stack Corner Three

    A late-clock baseline play for a corner three with two backups. Four players stack on the ball-side lane line. On the slap the top player pops to the top of the key, the next dives to the left block, and the two posts step up into a double stagger.

  • Stack Elbow Lob

    A baseline play from a ball-side stack that works toward a lob. 3 releases as the safety, 4 cuts to the corner to pull help, and the big wheels around 2's back screen toward the ball for a lob at the rim.

  • Step-In Ball Screen

    A baseline play that becomes a side ball screen. 5 steps up the lane for a high entry, the inbounder steps onto the floor to get it back on the wing, then 5 climbs into a ball screen and rolls.

  • Weak Corner Slash (vs Zone)

    A baseline play against a zone. 3 clears, a screen is set on the middle of the zone, and 2 slashes to the weak-side corner. If 2 is denied, the inbounder hits 5 flashing into the middle.

Sideline inbound plays

For a throw-in from the sideline: a late score or three, a lob, or a safe entry when the defense is pressuring the ball.

A sideline out-of-bounds play (SLOB) inbounds from the sideline. In the frontcourt it can be a scoring play; late in a game, or against pressure, its first job is a safe catch for the right player.

Carry one of each: a set that scores, and a set that gets the ball in against full denial.

Coaching principles

  • Receivers catch moving toward the ball and away from traps.
  • Have a deep release: a long pass over the top beats a defense that denies everything short.
  • The screener is the second option: open to the ball after the screen.
  • Know your outlet before the official hands over the ball; count the five seconds.

Choosing a sideline inbound play

You need a score
A back screen for a cut to the rim with the screener popping to the ball, or a stagger for your shooter.
You need a three
Staggered screens that bring your shooter to the top of the key, with the last screener slipping to the rim.
Protecting a lead late
Your best ball handler and free-throw shooter catching away from the basket, with a short option and a long release deep.
Against full denial
A screen for the receiver, a backdoor cut if they overplay, and a timeout before a five-second call.
Browse the full sideline inbound play directory (15)
  • Back Screen Pop-Out

    A sideline play. 5 back screens the ball-side guard toward the far corner, then screens away so 4 can pop out for the entry pass.

  • Back Screen Stagger Three

    A sideline play for a late three. 5 back screens the shooter's defender to send the shooter to the rim, then shapes up to receive the inbounds pass. 2 relocates off a staggered down screen from 4 and 3 to the opposite wing. The shooter's defender must trail through the stagger.

  • Box Double Down

    A half-court sideline play from a box. 5 steps out for the entry, 3 steps out for the reversal, and the inbounder runs the baseline off a double screen from the two block players to catch on the far wing.

  • Four-Across Elbow Back Screen

    A four-frame sideline play from a four-across line just above the arc. 3 steps to the ball as the release while 5 dives to the block to post. 4 sprints to the elbow and back screens 3 for a lob at the rim.

  • Scissor Three

    A sideline play for a late three. 1 V-cuts to the ball while 4 and 2 scissor off 5 at the free-throw line to occupy the help. 5 then screens 4 back above the arc for a safe entry. The moment 4 catches, 5 re-screens for 2, who pops from the lane out to the far wing for the three.

  • Sideline Back Screen Lob

    A sideline out-of-bounds play for a last-second catch and finish. Three players stack on the left lane line. Two decoys, a cut to the near corner and a curl toward the ball, pull the defense away from the rim.

  • Sideline Baseline Screen Flare Three

    A sideline out-of-bounds three-point play. 3 cuts hard on the baseline off a screen from 5 while 4 flare screens for 1, and 5 shows back to the ball for the pass from 2, the inbounder. Then 4 screens for 2, who cuts hard to receive a pass from 5 for a three.

  • Sideline Down Screen Stagger Three

    Sideline out-of-bounds set using crossing cuts and a down-screen to free 1 for a catch-and-shoot three. If 1 cannot shoot, 5 clears and 2 runs off staggered screens from 4 and 3 for a second wing three.

  • Sideline Inbound Ball Screen Drive

    Inbound to 5 as the weak side clears and 4 lifts to the corner. The action flows into a right-side ball screen for 5, with the primary read to attack the lane and the secondary read to hit the corner or the inbounder relocating weak side.

  • Sideline Safety Release

    A sideline out-of-bounds play near midcourt for getting the ball in safely against full-court man-to-man. Three players clear long and wide to pull their defenders away, and the fourth screens and then releases toward the inbounder for the safe catch.

  • Sideline Screen-the-Screener Lob

    End-of-game sideline inbound built around screen-the-screener action. 3 screens across for 2 to receive, then uses 4's back screen to cut to the rim; read the lob first, with 4's release as the secondary option.

  • Stagger Diagonal Entry

    A full-court sideline play near the far free-throw line extended. 3 and 4 set a staggered screen so 1 can catch the diagonal entry in the frontcourt. 1 dribbles into a hand-off for 2, 4 turns and screens the ball, and on the back side 3 back screens 5 for a lob.

  • Three-Look Pin Down

    A sideline play with three three-point looks. 2 pins down for 3 to pop to the top. Then a screen-the-screener sends 2 off a double from 4 and 5 to the corner. If both are covered, 5 pops back for a safe inbounds, 4 clears, and 3 back doors to the rim.

  • Triple Stagger Three

    A sideline play. 5 down screens for 1 to get the entry pass, then the inbounder (2) sprints the baseline off a triple stagger from 5, 4 and 3 for a catch-and-shoot three on the far side.

  • Wall Back Screen Cut

    A half-court sideline play from a three-player wall across the foul line. 1 breaks high off the wall to receive the ball. 2 back screens so 3 can enter off the sideline and cut to the rim.

Half-court sets

For when the defense is back and set: sets grouped by the formation they start from (horns, 4-out-1-in, 4-high, box and more), against man-to-man or a zone.

A half-court set is what you run once the defense is back and set: your players fill the spots of a formation, then a planned order of passes, screens and cuts works toward the shot you want. It's your offense after the fast break is gone, and the plays here are grouped by the formation they start from, because the alignment decides your spacing and who can screen for whom.

Most teams carry a few: a set that scores against man-to-man, one against a zone, one that gets the ball to their best player late in the clock, and one that feeds the post.

Coaching principles

  • Spacing first: every player has a spot, and no defender can guard two players at once.
  • Screens are set at an angle that sends the cutter where the play needs to go, and the screener is often the second option.
  • Every set has a counter for when the defense takes the first look away.
  • Someone stays back to protect against the fast break when the shot goes up.

Choosing a half-court play

Against man-to-man
Actions that make a defender choose: a ball screen with shooters spaced, a stagger for your shooter, or a screen-the-screener for a second cutter.
Against a zone
Overload one side, put a player in the high post or short corner, and screen the back of the zone so a shooter gets a clean look.
To feed the post
A cross screen to free the post, high-low passing from a 4-high or box set, or an entry from the wing after the ball is reversed.
Late in the shot clock or a quarter
A simple set your players trust: a high ball screen with the corners filled, or a clear-out for your best scorer with a pass-out option.
Against a team that switches
Slips and re-screens, and sets that leave your guard with a big defender or your post with a small one.

See all 81 plays, grouped by formation

Browse the full half-court play directory (81)
  • 4-High Cut and Middle Ball Screen

    From a 4-high alignment, enter to the wing and send 1 on a cut off the high post into a screened baseline exit, then reverse the action to free 2 on the opposite side. Finish with 5 stepping up for the middle ball screen, reading the roll first while the weak side clears.

  • AI Fist Double

    From a 4-high alignment, 3 cuts over the top of the 5 and 4 screens to receive from 1. The bigs then flow into a double high ball screen, with 4 rolling and 5 popping as 3 attacks the middle and reads the help.

  • AI Slip

    From a 4-high look, 3 runs a cut over both elbow screens to receive the ball on the right wing. After 4 clears through, 5 steps into the side ball screen and slips early to the rim; hit the slip against an aggressive show or turn the corner if the defense stays home.

  • Angle Fill Overload (vs Zone)

    A 2-out-3-in zone action that sends the weak-side baseline players across to overload the opposite side while the high-post player dives behind the defense. Reverse the ball to the wing and force the low defender to choose between closing out and protecting the baseline target.

  • Baseline Runner Seal (vs Zone)

    A zone set that sends 3 along the baseline while the ball reverses from 1 to 2. The interior players screen and seal the low and middle defenders, opening 3 near the rim; read the baseline finish first and the overload behind the shifting zone second.

  • Baseline Screen Backdoor Cut

    A 3-out-2-in backdoor set that sends the wing along the baseline off interior screening while the posts dive toward the rim. The point guard reads the backdoor pass first, then looks for the secondary cutter or interior finish.

  • Baseline Triple Screen Curl Back

    From a 2-out-3-in alignment, the point guard enters to the wing, cuts through, and 4 flashes high for the reversal. The wing loops along the baseline off three screens, and 2 curls back to 4, creating the primary catch with the screened baseline cutter as the secondary read.

  • Box Back Screen Slot Curl

    From a box set, 1 uses the right-elbow ball screen while 3 back screens for 5, sending 5 toward the rim. The continuation creates a curl to the right slot, with 1 reading the cutter first and the screener’s roll or pop next.

  • Box Cross Screen Post Entry

    From a box alignment, 2 exits to the wing for the entry while 3 clears to the corner. 4 cross-screens for 5, then clears opposite as 2 feeds 5 for a post-up; the key read is 5's seal after the screen.

  • Box Entry Cut and Reverse

    From a box set, 1 moves the ball to 5 on the wing and cuts off 4 to the rim as the weak side clears. The ball reverses to 4 at the top, who looks to hit the cutter at the rim.

  • Box Post Seal Screen-the-Screener

    From a box alignment, the guard dribbles to the wing while the weak side clears. The interior action sends 5 across the lane off 2's cross-screen, then 4 screens the screener to free 2 at the top; read the post seal first and the perimeter shot second.

  • Box Side Ball Screen Exchange

    From a box alignment, 1 attacks off the side ball screen while the other three players cut and exchange to occupy help defenders. Read the roll first, then the cutter or perimeter replacement if the defense collapses.

  • Box Zipper Flare

    From a box alignment, 3 zipper cuts up the lane and uses 5's flare screen for the primary three-point look. If that is covered, 2 pops to the corner off 4's screen; the final read is a 5-3 ball screen to attack the lane.

  • Box Zipper Side

    From a box set, 3 zipper cuts for the entry while 4 screens 2 out to the corner. 5 then ball-screens for 3 as 1 down-screens for 2, with 3 reading the drive, corner option, or a dump-off/lob to 4 behind the help.

  • Chin Cut Back Screen Exit

    A 4-out-1-in chin-cut sequence that flows through a perimeter reversal before 2 makes the chin cut off 5's back screen. Look for the backdoor layup first; if it is denied, 2 exits off 5's second screen for the perimeter catch.

  • Corner Pop High Post Flash (vs Zone)

    A 3-out-2-in zone set that enters to the wing and feeds the shooter popping to the corner as the opposite post flashes to the ball-side high post. The wing cuts through to the opposite block, then the point guard returns for reversal if the corner shot or high-post touch is unavailable.

  • Cross Screen Post Entry Screen-the-Screener

    From a 4-out-1-in alignment, 1 uses 4's ball screen while 2 cross-screens for 5. After 5 flashes across for the post entry, 4 screens for 2 in a screen-the-screener action, giving 1 the read between 5 inside and 2 coming free on the perimeter.

  • Cross Screen Wing Ball Screen

    From a 4-high alignment, 1 enters to 2 and cuts through as 5 cross-screens for 4 to sprint into a wing ball screen. After screening, 5 seals deep while 2 and 4 play pick-and-roll, creating reads at the rim for the roll or the post seal.

  • Double Baseline Screen High-Low

    A 3-out-2-in set that sends the wing through a double baseline screen before replacing the top. The ball reverses to the replacing guard, then the high post flashes to create a high-low entry for the sealing low post.

  • Double Elbow Wing Iso

    1 exits the lane off a double elbow screen to receive the pass on the wing, with a single-screen variation using 5. The screeners clear the paint and give 1 space to attack one-on-one.

  • Double Handoff Ball Screen

    From a 3-out-2-in alignment, 1 initiates a dribble handoff with 2, who continues into a second handoff with 3. The action flows directly into 5's ball screen for 3, hunting a downhill drive or the screener's roll.

  • Double Stagger Follow Ball Screen

    4 and 5 set a double stagger to free 2 for a catch at the top. After the pass, 2 clears the lane and 5 follows into a high ball screen, hunting the drive or roll read.

  • Down Screen Entry Ball Screen Roll

    From a 3-out-2-in alignment, 4 down-screens for 3 while 5 back-screens 1 to the block. After the entry to 3, 5 sets the ball screen and rolls as 4 pops to the high post, with the kick-out to 2 available if help collapses.

  • Down Screen Handoff Turn

    A 4-out-1-in set that reverses the ball, then uses down-screen action to bring a guard into a handoff with 5 near the elbow. The guard turns the corner toward the rim, reading the on-ball defender and 5's defender.

  • Dribble Handoff Double Entry

    A 4-out-1-in handoff series with two entries: a 4-to-3 dribble handoff or a double-screen setup into a handoff with 5. The receiver turns the corner to attack the paint, reading the drive first and the screener’s defender if help steps up.

  • Dribble Loop Baseline Flare

    From a 4-high alignment, 1 dribbles at the wing as 3 loops over 5 to replace at the top. On the reversal to 2, 1 cuts baseline off 4 while 5 flare-screens for 3; read the baseline cut first, then the flare return.

  • Early Down Screen Ball Screen Slip

    In early offense, 1 advances on the right while 4 down-screens for 3 to come toward the top. After 3 receives, 5 sprints into a high ball screen and slips immediately, hunting the pass at the rim before the defense can organize.

  • Elbow Flash Flare Screen High-Low

    Against denial pressure, both posts flash to the elbows while one wing cuts to the block and the other back-cuts through to the corner.

  • Entry Back Screen Wing Ball Screen

    From a 4-out-1-in alignment, 1 enters to 3 and cuts off 5 at the elbow, looking first for the cutter at the rim. If that is covered, 5 follows with a wing ball screen for 3 and rolls, creating a two-man pick-and-roll read.

  • Five-Out Reversal Pindown Curl

    A 5-out reversal sends 4 along the baseline and brings 1 across to the weak wing. From there, 5 sets a pin-down for 2 to curl into the middle; hit 2 if the defender trails the screen.

  • Five-Out Rip Screen Post Punch

    From a 5-out alignment, 2 sets the rip screen to send 4 into the post, then receives the reversal from 1 and punches the ball inside. On the weak side, 3 works off a stagger from 5 and 1 to occupy help and provide the post player a secondary read.

  • Flare Screen Skip (vs Zone)

    A 4-out-1-in zone set that shifts the defense with a reversal before screening the top defender for a flare to the wing. Hunt the skip pass for a clean perimeter shot, with the screener available inside if the zone overextends.

  • Floppy Wing Entry Exit

    A 4-low floppy set with 2 and 3 exiting to the left off the interior screening action while 4 releases to receive the entry on the right wing. It hunts a clean catch for either perimeter cutter, with 1 relocating after the pass to maintain spacing.

  • Fly Baseline Run (vs Zone)

    Reverse the ball across the perimeter while the wing flies along the baseline behind the zone. The two interior players screen the low defenders, creating a lob at the rim or an overload-side opening if the back line collapses.

  • Four-High Cut Screen-the-Screener

    A 4-high set that opens with a cut off the high-post screener, then flows into screen-the-screener action. The wing looks first for the cutter off the cross-screen, then for the screener curling off the down-screen.

  • Four-High Entry Ball Screen

    From a 4-high alignment, the entry to the wing sends the point guard through the lane and out to the weak-side corner while the posts shift to clear the middle. The wing then attacks off the 4's ball screen, reading the drive or the 5 finishing along the baseline.

  • Four-High Reverse Pindown Curl

    Start in a four-high line, reverse the ball as the perimeter players exchange through staggered screening action. The final shooter loops into the lane and curls off a pin-down to the wing for a catch-and-shoot three, with the curl available if the defender trails.

  • Four-High Screen and Dive

    From a 4-high alignment, the point guard enters to the wing and cuts through while the opposite elbow clears to the corner. The ball returns to the wing for a middle drive off the 5's screen, with 5 diving to the rim as the primary read.

  • Four-High Side Ball Screen Motion

    4-high continuity that flows through repeated side pick-and-rolls, ball reversals, and coordinated cuts. The handler attacks the screen looking first for the roll, then reverses the ball to continue the action if the defense contains it.

  • Four-High Wing Backdoor Cut

    4-high set with an initial wing exchange that sets up 3 for a backdoor cut and a pass from 1. If the backdoor is denied, 3 clears to the corner and 1 uses 4 at the pinch post for the secondary action.

  • Four-Out Weave Handoffs

    A four-out weave that moves the ball across the perimeter while guards cut through and exchange spots. The action flows into successive handoffs and screening opportunities, hunting a driving lane or a hit to the screener.

  • Handoff Ball Screen Duck-In

    The ballhandler flows into a dribble handoff with 2, followed immediately by 4's ball screen as 1 clears the side. On the drive, 4 rolls and 5 ducks in from the weak-side block, giving 2 two interior targets.

  • Handoff Ball Screen Swing Punch

    Run a wing handoff directly into a ball screen, then swing the ball across the floor. The weak-side action sends 4 inside for the punch entry, with the key read being the post seal after the defense shifts toward the handoff and ball screen.

  • Handoff Dive Overload (vs Zone)

    Against a 2-3 zone, 1 initiates a handoff with 2 as 4 dives behind the defense and 3 settles on the weak-side perimeter. The ball is reversed to 3 while 5 holds the high post and 4 fills the short corner, creating a high-low overload on the right side.

  • Handoff Pindown Back Screen Continuity

    A Chin-series continuity that opens with a DHO and pindown, then flows into a down screen for 1 and a back screen for 2. If the cutter is not open at the rim, 5 steps up to ball-screen for 3 to attack the cleared side.

  • High Post Back Screen Counter

    From a 4-high alignment, the point enters to the high post as the weak-side big back-screens the wing toward the rim. The counter uses a screen-the-screener action to free the big on a curl to the basket, with the high-post passer reading either cutter.

  • High Post Flash Handoff

    The 5 flashes to the high post for the entry as 2 clears through and 1 replaces. The 4 screens for 3, then 5 dribbles at 3 for a handoff designed to turn the corner into the lane.

  • High Post Screener Cuts

    From a 4-out-1-in alignment, enter to the wing and send the opposite guard and wing through consecutive high or low cuts off the high-post screener. Look for the cutter at the rim or on a brief post-up, while the screener slides to the opposite block and cleared cutters maintain spacing.

  • Hook Cut Double Screen (vs Zone)

    Zone offense that reverses the ball to 2, then sends 1 on a hook cut around a double screen from 5 and 3. The action hunts 1 on the right wing while occupying the low and middle zone defenders, with 2 reading the wing pass or an interior opening.

  • Horns Back Screen Reversal Seal

    From a horns alignment, 2 sets a back screen for 4's cut to the rim while 1 shifts the ball to the right side. If 4 is not open, 2 exits to the wing, receives the reversal, and looks inside to 4 sealing after the cut.

  • Horns Ball Screen Overload (vs Zone)

    A horns entry that uses a ball screen and baseline exchange to shift and overload the zone. Reverse through the high post, then read the corner, middle flash, or skip as the back line rotates.

  • Horns Big Ball Screen Roll

    From horns, 1 hits 4 on the pop and clears to the wing. 4 then uses 5's ball screen as 5 rolls hard to the rim, reading the roll pass first before turning the corner to score.

  • Horns Cut and Handoff Return

    From horns, 1 enters to 5, cuts off 4 toward the rim, then comes back around 5 to regain the ball. The action hunts a clean handoff turn while forcing 1's defender to trail through multiple screening actions.

  • Horns Double Ball Screen Shake

    From a horns alignment, the point guard enters to the wing and clears as both bigs form a double high ball screen. The ballhandler turns the corner while one screener rolls to the rim and the other shakes out to the opposite corner; read the roll first, then the kick-out.

  • Horns Double Screen Weak Cut

    From a horns alignment, 1 enters to 5 and joins 4 to screen for 2 lifting out of the corner. As 5 works across the top, 3 cuts from the weak-side corner to the rim; read the cutter first, then the perimeter action.

  • Horns Elbow Cut Handoff

    From a horns alignment, the point enters to the elbow and clears while the opposite elbow makes a 45 cut to the rim. The elbow then flows into a handoff with the lifting corner, reading the rim cut first before turning the corner.

  • Horns Elbow Isolation

    From a horns alignment, enter the ball to 4 at the elbow and clear the other four players to the opposite side. The action creates an elbow isolation for 4 to attack one-on-one with the paint opened up.

  • Horns Handoff Stagger Backdoor

    From horns, the corners lift as the elbow players clear, and 1 enters to 3. The ball flows into a 3–5 handoff while 1 uses the backside stagger to cut backdoor; look for 1 when the defense trails or overplays.

  • Horns Pin Down Handoff Ball Screen

    Enter to the elbow and clear the point guard as the weak-side guard uses a pin-down into a dribble handoff. The handoff flows into a ball screen, hunting the drive while reading the roller or the corner kick-out.

  • Horns Pindown Handoff

    From a horns alignment, 1 enters to 5 at the elbow and clears to the wing. 4 pins down for 3, who takes a DHO from 5 and attacks while 5 dives and 4 pops; read the drive first, then the roll or pop.

  • Horns Slice Reversal Three

    From a horns alignment, 1 enters to 4 and slices off 5's back screen before using 2's screen to reach the corner. After the reversal to 1, 4 and 5 screen for 2 to pop to the top for a three.

  • Pindown Spread

    From a spread alignment, 4 pins down for 2 to receive on the wing while 1 clears to the weak side. The action flows into a middle ball screen from 5, with 2 attacking the lane and reading 5's roll as the floor stays spaced.

  • Pistol Wide Screen Curl

    From a 4-out-1-in pistol alignment, 1 dribbles to the wing while 5 widens to screen for 2. The primary read is the lead pass to 2 curling off the screen toward the rim when the defender trails.

  • Pop Reversal Post Punch

    From a 4-out-1-in alignment, 1 uses 4's high ball screen and hits the pop before clearing through. The ball is reversed to the lifted wing for a punch entry to 5, with the key read being the isolated post-up or a kick-out if help collapses.

  • Reversal Dive and Flash (vs Zone)

    A quick hitter against a 1-3-1 zone that shifts the zone with a wing entry and reversal before attacking the top gap. The ballhandler reads the two cutters flashing into the middle or throws back to the wing fading into the corner.

  • Reversal Double Chase Ball Screen

    Reverse the ball as the point guard cuts through and exits to the opposite side, then use a dribble transfer to set up a double chase ball screen. The handler attacks behind both screeners and reads the roll to the rim, the pop, or the weak-side kick-out.

  • Reverse and Cut Lob (vs Zone)

    Reverse the ball against a 2-3 zone, then screen the weak-side low defender as the wing cuts hard to the rim. The primary read is the lob over the back line before the middle defender can recover.

  • Reverse Pin and Loop (vs Zone)

    A zone set against a 2-3 zone that reverses the ball before 5 pins the middle defender and 2 loops through the lane. On the weak side, 4 screens the bottom defender to free 3 for a perimeter catch, with 1 shortening the passing angle off the dribble.

  • Short Corner Backdoor (vs Zone)

    A 4-out-1-in zone set that places the wings in the gaps between the top and bottom defenders. Reverse to 2 and read the short corner, high-post flash, or skip; on a high-post catch, the short-corner player cuts backdoor.

  • Slice Cut Stagger Catch

    From a 4-out-1-in alignment, 3 slices through the lane off 4's screen to clear the right side. Then 1 cuts diagonally out of the corner through a stagger from 4 and 5, looking for a clean catch at the top.

  • Slice Cut Wing Ball Screen

    Out of transition, perimeter exchanges and a slice cut shift the defense while clearing the right side. The slicer catches on the wing and uses 4's ball screen, reading the drive or screener's roll.

  • Slice Reversal Double Stagger

    The guard enters to the wing as 2 slices along the baseline to the opposite corner, then the ball is reversed back to 1. On the reversal, 4 back screens for 3 while 2 uses 4 and 5 as a double stagger for a catch and shot, with the curl available if the defender trails.

  • Slice Reversal Middle Ball Screen

    The weak-side wing slices across the lane off 5's screen and clears to the opposite side. The ball is reversed to 3, who attacks a middle ball screen from 5 with the roll as the primary read.

  • Stack Rip Screen Dive

    From a set with 4 and 5 stacked on the ball side, the point guard hits the wing and clears opposite while 5 sets a rip screen for 4 to dive to the ball-side block. The wing looks for the immediate post entry or uses 5's ball screen as 4 seals inside.

  • Stagger Loop Curl and Shoot

    A 3-out-2-in blocker-mover set that sends perimeter players on looping cuts around staggered screens from 4 and 5. It hunts a curl to the rim first, then a clean wing catch for the circling shooter.

  • Stagger Slip Empty Side

    From a 4-out alignment on the empty side, 2 runs across a stagger from 4 and 5 while 1 dribbles right and delivers to the corner. After screening, 5 slips to the rim for the return pass if the defense chases the cutter.

  • UCLA Double

    Enter to the wing and send the point guard off a back screen to the block. The screener follows with a wing ball screen while the point guard comes off a weak-side double screen; read the cutter first, then the slipping second screener.

  • Upscreen Lob Ball Screen

    The ball advances on the right as 5 sets an upscreen for 2 to cut to the rim for the lob. If the cutter is denied, 1 hits 2 on the wing and 4 follows with a ball screen to create a lane drive.

  • Weave Flare

    A dribble handoff initiates the action as 3 cuts to the block, then uses 4's pin-down to receive on the wing. 3 can shoot or rip and drive, with 2 using 5's flare screen as the next perimeter read.

  • Wing Entry Post Dive or Flare

    A 4-out-1-in Punch series that establishes a wing entry and works through the post. The Dive option sends a cutter hard to the rim as the weak side clears, while the Flare option creates a corner relay for the post re-entry; read the cutter first, then feed the post.

  • Wing ISO

    The point guard advances the ball to 2 on the wing while 5 and 1 clear the strong side. With the floor spread, 2 attacks the open middle in isolation and reads the rim or help.

What every play includes

  • Every step drawn on the court, so you can walk it with your players.
  • When to call it, and who plays where.
  • The reads in order, and the counter when the defense takes them away.
  • Short cues to say in practice, and a version you can add to your own playbook.

New to running them? How to teach an inbound play.

What isn't here yet

The library does not have youth or beginner sets, press breaks or a motion offense yet.

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