Inbounds Plays

Stack

Option 1

• All four players line-up straight across from the player throwing in the basketball (diagram 1).
• Player 2, while not shown well in the diagrams, should start at the block in order to provide spacing, and not close to the endline (as shown in the diagram).
• When the passer slaps the basketball or yells “break,” the players move simultaneously as follows (diagram 2).
  o Player 2 (first in line) breaks to ball-side corner.
  o Player 4 (second in line) cuts to opposite block.
  o Player 5 (third in line) moves straight down to block area toward the ball.
  o Player 1 (fourth in line) takes two to three steps back, serving as a safety valve.

Option 2

• Player lineup is not shown in above diagram.
• The first player in line (at the block) is Player 4 (power forward).
• The second player in line is Player 1 (point guard).
• The third player in line is Player 2 (shooting guard).
• The fourth player in line is Player 5 (center).
• It is critical that Player 1 has their hands on the hips or shoulders of Player 2.
• Again, while not shown well in the diagrams, the first player should start at the block in order to provide spacing, and not close to the endline (as shown in the diagram).
• When the passer slaps the basketball or yells “break,” the players move simultaneously as follows (diagram 2).
• Player 1 assesses the defensive situation and either tosses Player 2 to the left and goes to the right or tosses Player 2 to the right and goes to the left.  Whichever player goes to the basket must clear out if they do not receive the pass and continue through and back to the top of the key to provide balance.  Whichever player moves away from the basket moves to the corner looking for either an outlet pass or a pass for a jump shot.
• After these players make their cuts, then Player 4 will set a screen for Player 5.
• Player 5 comes off the screen and cuts hard to the basket, clearing through if they do not receive the pass.
• Player 4 rolls directly towards the player passing the ball in.

Reminder: This play can also be used on the sideline, with players moving in the same pattern as above.

Note on all inbounds plays: Players should use fakes and jab steps to set up their defenders and get open. The coach should encourage players coming off a screen to rub shoulders with the screener. As the person throwing in the basketball can pass to any teammate, encourage ready hands.

Box (Basic)

• Each player takes a spot outside the lane area, with the post players (Players 4 and 5) at the block areas and the perimeter players (Players 1 and 2) at the free-throw line extended areas (i.e., the 'elbows'). Player 3 will throw in the basketball (diagram 1).
• When the passer slaps the basketball or yells “break,” the players move as follows:

• Player 5 sets a diagonal screen for Player 1 (diagram 2).
• Player 1 waits for the screen and moves toward the basketball to the opposite block (diagram 2).
• If Player 1 does not receive the basketball, they continue to the ball-side corner (diagram 3).
• Player 4 moves up to set a screen on Player 5, who cuts down toward the weak-side block (diagram 3).
• Player 4 rolls toward the middle of the lane after setting the screen (diagram 4).
• Player 2 serves as a safety valve (diagram 4).  

Note on all inbounds plays: Players should use fakes and jab steps to set up their defenders and get open. The coach should encourage players coming off a screen to rub shoulders with the screener. As the person throwing in the basketball can pass to any teammate, encourage ready hands.

Box (option)

Each player takes a spot outside the lane area, with the post players (Players 4 and 5) at the block areas and the perimeter players (Players 1 and 2) at the free-throw line extended areas (i.e., the 'elbows'). Player 3 will throw in the basketball (diagram 1).

• When the passer slaps the basketball or yells “break,” the players move as follows:

• Players 4 and 5 screen up for Players 1 and 2 (diagram 1).
• If a pass cannot be made to either 1 or 2, they each move to the closest corner (diagram 2).
• After setting the screens, Players 4 and 5 should roll back toward the ball (diagram 2). 

Note on all inbounds plays: Players should use fakes and jab steps to set up their defenders and get open. The coach should encourage players coming off a screen to rub shoulders with the screener. As the person throwing in the basketball can pass to any teammate, encourage ready hands.

Box (Another Option)

Each player takes a spot outside the lane area, with the post players (Players 4 and 5) at the block areas and the perimeter players (Players 1 and 2) at the free-throw line extended areas (i.e., the 'elbows'). Player 3 will throw in the basketball (diagram 1).

• When the passer slaps the basketball or yells “break,” the players move as follows.

• All four players will take one to two steps toward the closest sideline to set up their defenders (diagram 1).
• Players 5 and 2 will both cross-screen for Players 4 and 1 on the weak-side (diagram 1).
• After setting a screen, Player 5 will turn around with ready hands (diagram 2).
• Player 2 will roll back to ball-side, free-throw line extended area to serve as a safety valve (diagram 2).
   

Note on all inbounds plays: Players should use fakes and jab steps to set up their defenders and get open. The coach should encourage players coming off a screen to rub shoulders with the screener. As the person throwing in the basketball can pass to any teammate, encourage ready hands.