Baseline Screen Backdoor Cut
A play against man-to-man: 3 steps with diagrams and coaching points.
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How it works
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.
When to use it
Half-court set against man-to-man when the defense is denying the wings and overplaying passing lanes. The backdoor pass is the point of the play.
Personnel
1 has the ball and dribbles to one side. 2 is the wing who runs the baseline. 4 and 5 are the screeners who set screens as 2 passes. 3 is the player who cuts backdoor to the rim, so 3 needs to finish at the basket.
Step by step
Step 1. Diagram only.
Step 2. Diagram only.
Step 3. Diagram only.
Reads
- First read. 3 cutting backdoor to the rim. 1 passes as soon as 3's defender turns his head toward the ball.
- Second read. 2 coming off the baseline screens, or the finish near the rim if the defense has helped on 3's cut.
Counter
If the backdoor pass is denied, 3 can take the ball at the wing and attack with the dribble, with 1 and the posts spaced around.
Teaching cues
- 1: dribble to bring the defender's eyes to the ball before you look to 3.
- 3: sell the stay on the wing, then cut hard to the rim.
- 4 and 5: set the screens for 2 and hold them until 2 has passed.
- 2: run the baseline tight to the screens.
Use this play
- Version
- 1 (current), approved October 2, 2026
- Published by
- Ball Coach
- Source
- Published by Ball Coach under its first-party license, credited to Ball Coach. Released as a fixed version; any later edit gets a new version number.
- Use
- Free to view, print and add unchanged to your playbook.
Topics
- Man-to-man
- Backdoor cut
- Double screen