SLOB Play: Re-Screen Action for a Late-Clock Bucket
Goal
This Sideline Out-of-Bounds (SLOB) play is designed to generate a quick shot opportunity for your shooter by using a deceptive back screen followed by a re-screen action. It’s ideal as a last-second play or when you need a quick bucket against man defense.
Setup
Align with three players low near the baseline.
1 (point guard) is at the free-throw line extended.
5 (post player) starts at the near block.
2 (shooter) starts on the opposite block.
Inbounder (3) is on the sideline.
Step-by-Step Execution
1. Corner Cut Clears Help
4 (ball-side corner) cuts diagonally across the floor to the opposite corner.
This movement draws the attention of the low help defender and helps pull the tag defender away from the scoring side.
The cut must be sharp and intentional to sell the illusion of weak-side action.
2. Back Screen for the Point Guard (Decoy)
5 (post) steps up to set a back screen for 1.
1 explodes off the screen and cuts hard to the ball-side corner.
This is meant to look like the primary option, forcing defenders to react and potentially switch.
It's essential that 1 sells the cut with pace and urgency, forcing the defense to chase or hedge.
3. Immediate Re-Screen for the Shooter
As soon as 1 clears the screen, 5 pivots and sprints back to the perimeter to set a second screen for 2.
2 (shooter) curls tightly off the screen and pops to the wing or top of the key depending on spacing.
This re-screen action works because the defense is still recovering from the initial decoy, creating confusion and poor positioning.
4. Make the Read
If 2 is open, they catch and shoot.
If the defender switches late or overcommits, 2 may have a brief window to attack a closeout.
If 5’s defender steps up to contest 2, it creates a mini two-on-one. 2 can dump it inside to 5 who should roll into the open space.
Train players to read the second defender’s hips—if they lean up, dump it; if they sag, shoot it.
Coaching Tips
Timing is everything. The back screen must lead into the re-screen without pause.
Decoy action must be believable. 1 must cut with speed and purpose.
5 should change angles on the re-screen depending on the defender’s position.
Emphasize pace—this action is meant to be quick and disruptive.
Youth tip: Teach the play in two parts—back screen series, then re-screen series.
High school tip: Layer in reads and late-clock execution under pressure.
Full Breakdown: Deceptive SLOB for Game-Winning Looks
Why This Works
Simplicity, disguise, and timing. This play doesn’t rely on complex motion—it thrives on misdirection and spacing.
The initial decoy back screen forces the defense to focus on an off-ball cut that rarely results in a shot. But by quickly flipping the action into a re-screen for your best shooter, you catch the defense mid-rotation and force a reaction.
Even if the shot isn’t there, this design guarantees a two-on-one advantage at the point of attack—either the shooter is open or your big has position inside. With proper spacing and timing, this action becomes deadly against aggressive or switching defenses.
Teaching Progressions
Youth Teams:
Walk through each screen with cones as landmarks.
Work on footwork, catching ready, and communicating loudly.
High School Teams:
Run the full sequence live with countdown clock.
Use 5-on-5 shell drills to practice selling decoy and curling tight.
Rep decision-making with a trailing or switching defender.
Drill Ideas
1. Screen + Re-Screen Timing Drill
5 screens for 1, then sprints into screen for 2.
Use whistle cues to train change of direction.
2. Shooter Curl Series
Start on weak-side block. Curl off cone or coach as screener.
Catch, shoot, or attack off the bounce.
3. 2-on-1 Decision Drill
Defender tags late. Shooter reads and reacts.
Option to shoot, drive, or dump down.
Common Mistakes & Fixes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| 5 sets screen too slow | Sprint off first screen into second action |
| 1 jogs the decoy | Use a shot clock to reinforce urgency |
| 2 curls too wide | Use chairs or cones to teach tight footwork |
| Pass arrives late | Inbounder must anticipate and pass on rhythm |
Final Coaching Cues
“Decoy first, dagger second.”
“Read the big. He tells you everything.”
“Tight curl, quick trigger.”
“You’re either open, or they are.”
