Baseline Inbounds Plays 3-on-3
Each team of three draws a baseline inbounds play on a whiteboard, rehearses it, and tests it against man-to-man defense with a five-second count. It works on getting open with simple screens, communication, and tactical planning.
How to play
- Teams of 3 in pinnies, two per basket. Show an example on a whiteboard: one player screens a teammate's defender and the teammate cuts to the rim or pops to the corner (2 min).
- Each team draws its play with arrows, names it, and includes a first option and a safety option (3 min).
- Walk-through with no defense: three reps while the other team watches (3 min).
- Test it 3-on-3 against man-to-man with a 5-second count: a completed inbound is 1 point; a basket within 3 passes is 2 more. Four inbounds, then switch (7 min).
- Each team changes one thing in its play and runs 2 more inbounds with the improved version (3 min).
Rules
- If 5 seconds pass without an inbound, the ball goes to the other team.
- Screens must be set and still, feet parallel and arms crossed over the chest; moving screens are not allowed.
- Safety: a defender who meets a screen goes around it and never pushes through it.
Variations
Easier
No defender on the inbounder and 8 seconds to inbound.
Standard
3-on-3 with man-to-man defense, a 5-second count, and a team-designed play.
Harder
The inbounder's defender may pressure with arms up, and the play must have a third option.
Adaptations
- Students who use wheelchairs: play inbounder, the player who reads the play and decides on the pass.
- Shy students or students with autism: they can draw the play on the whiteboard and explain it using the drawing.
- Mixed-ability teams, assigning the screen to the player who hasn't mastered cutting yet.
Learning goals
- Design a simple inbounds play with several options as a group.
- Set legal screens and make cuts to get open for the inbound.
- Evaluate how well the play works and suggest improvements.
Equipment for a class of 25
- basketball: 4
- pinnies: 12
- basketball hoops: 4
- whiteboards: 8
- markers: 8
Teacher tip
Most plays break down because of slow cuts or moving screens; check that the screener is set before the teammate cuts. Keep design time short so most of the task is active play.
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