Baseline Screening Action: Create Open Looks for Your Shooter
Goal
This baseline out-of-bounds (BLOB) action creates space for your best shooter by using misdirection, hard dives, and layered screening. Run from a box or 3-high alignment, it's perfect for youth and high school teams who need simple but effective scoring out of timeouts.
Setup
Start in a 3-high alignment with 1 (inbounder) on the baseline.
Shooter (3) begins in the middle spot along the free-throw line.
2 and 5 are on either side, ready to screen or cut.
4 is in the short corner or weak side ready to spot up.
Step-by-Step Execution
Option 1: Use Pass Fakes to Move Defense
1 (inbounder) uses a pass fake to the right to shift defenders.
This slight hesitation pulls help defense just enough to open up the primary action.
1 should step in for a return pass if needed, but the main job is to deliver quickly and accurately.
Option 2: Shooter Comes Off Screen for Shot
2 sets a stationary pin down screen for 3.
3 waits for the screen, sets up the cut, and then sprints to the corner or wing.
1 hits 3 for a catch-and-shoot look.
Option 3: Dive Action Clears the Lane
While 3 appears to use the screen, 2 or 5 dives hard to the rim.
This clears the lane or draws weak-side defenders.
The movement also serves as a decoy that frees 3 off the screen.
Option 4: Spot-Up Option on the Weak Side
4 stays spaced in the weak-side short corner or wing.
If the defense collapses on the action, 1 can skip pass to 4.
This is a safety valve to keep defenders honest and maintain spacing.
Option 5: Screen and Roll from 5
5 sets the main screen for 3, then rolls hard to the basket.
If defenders overhelp on 3, the roller becomes the second scoring option.
Coaching Tips
Misdirection is key. Use fakes and dives to trigger defensive movement.
Emphasize timing. The shooter should not leave too early—let the dive clear the help.
Tight screens. 2 and 5 should hold strong positions.
Inbounder matters. Train 1 to be quick, calm, and decisive.
Youth tip: Focus on Options 1–2 with catch-and-shoot emphasis.
High school tip: Use all 5 options and disguise the entry.
Full Breakdown: Teaching the Baseline Screening Series
Why This BLOB Action Works
Baseline plays often stall because of static alignment or obvious screens. This series flips that by:
Using pass fakes and eye movement to shift defenders.
Combining hard dives with stationary screens to disorient switches.
Giving multiple reads without complicating the setup.
At youth and high school levels, this creates confidence and clarity:
Players learn to move with timing, not panic.
Multiple options mean the defense can’t sit on the first read.
Coaches gain a reliable endline play that doesn’t rely on isolation.
Teaching Progression by Level
Youth Teams:
Walk through the base alignment and curl screen only.
Use 3-on-0 segments to teach cut timing.
Limit to catch-and-shoot or dive options.
High School Teams:
Install full series.
Add dummy defenders to simulate switches and miscommunication.
Emphasize disguise, run the same setup into different endings.
Add layers: flare screen after screen, or fake dive into pin down.
Drill Ideas
1. Shooter Series (Option 2 Focus)
2 screens for 3
3 catches on the move and shoots
Run from both blocks; 7 makes in 10 is the goal
2. Dive Read Drill (Option 3)
Live defense, 5 dives while 3 delays
Decision: pass to cutter or shooter based on tag
3. Skip & Spot Shooting (Option 4)
1 hits skip to 4 in short corner
Emphasize spacing and shot readiness
4. Screen-and-Roll Reps (Option 5)
5 screens and rolls, 3 curls wide
Read roll help vs skip or dish
Common Mistakes & Fixes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Shooter cuts early | Use audible cue: "Wait... Go!" |
| Screener angles too flat | Drill foot position with cones |
| Inbounder hesitates | Script first look, build rhythm |
| Dive crowds key | Teach cutters to clear to dunker spot |
Final Coaching Cues
“Fake one way, free another.”
“Let the screen hit, don’t rush.”
“Dive clears, curl scores.”
“Inbounders are quarterbacks.”
