Basketball
Set Play
Inbound Plays — Sideline & Baseline
Basketball drill for set play training sessions
Teams practise designed inbound plays to create open shots under pressure.
What This Drill Improves
This basketball drill is best for intermediate players who need focused work on set play. It works well with 10 players and can be adjusted by changing the space, pressure, or scoring rules.
Setup
5 offensive players. 1 inbounder. Passive defence first, then active.
Instructions
- Play A: Box set — two cutters from the box to opposite corners.
- Play B: Stack — players stacked, peel off on cue.
- Play C: Flat — spread the floor, back-cut on the signal.
- 5 reps per play, passive defence. 3 reps per play, active defence.
Coaching Points
✓ Inbounder reads first option, then second.
✓ Cutters must sell their initial direction.
✓ Time limit: ball must be inbounded in 5 seconds.
Common Mistakes to Watch For
- Players losing focus on the main coaching point.
- The drill area being too large or too small for the group.
- Progressing the drill before the basic pattern is clean.
Progressions: Make It Harder
→ Live defence — no pre-set plays.
→ Team must score within 3 seconds of catching.
→ Design your own play.
Regressions: Make It Easier
Start without defenders, then add pressure once the movement pattern is clear.
Allow extra touches until players understand the timing.
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