Feet Apart BLOB Play: Baseline Out-of-Bounds Action for Easy Paint Touches

Goal:

The Feet Apart baseline out-of-bounds (BLOB) play is designed to create multiple scoring opportunities by using a back screen followed by a staggered screen. This play is effective for getting your best shooter open, while also allowing the screener to slip to the basket if the defense switches or overcommits.

Setup:

• Player 1 (Inbounder): Positioned at the baseline to initiate the play.

• Player 2: Your best shooter, positioned near the baseline.

• Player 3: Positioned near the free throw line, ready to set a back screen.

• Player 4 and Player 5: Positioned on the wings, ready to set the staggered screens for Player 2.

Step-by-Step Execution:

1. Player 2 Sets a Back Screen for Player 3:

• Player 2 (best shooter) sets a back screen for Player 3 (cutting to the basket).

• Player 1 (inbounder) looks for Player 3 for a quick layup. If Player 3 is open, pass immediately for the shot.

• If Player 3 doesn't get the ball, they should exit to the opposite corner, providing spacing and preparing for the next action.

2. Staggered Screen for Player 2:

• Players 4 and 5 move to set a staggered screen for Player 2. Player 2 uses this screen to cut toward the corner for a potential 3-point shot.

3. Player 5 Looks to Slip to the Rim:

• Player 5, after setting the staggered screen, should look to slip to the rim if their defender gets caught in the screen. This provides a quick opportunity for a layup.

4. Player 4 as the Safety Valve:

• If Player 5 is not open on the slip, Player 4 (the screener) should step back to the top of the key as a safety valve for a potential reset pass.

5. Pass to the Open Player:

• Player 1 (inbounder) should make a quick decision, passing to the open player based on the defense's reaction:

  • If Player 3 gets open off the back screen, pass to them for the layup.

  • If the defense switches on the staggered screen, Player 5 (who slipped) or Player 4 (as the safety valve) should be available for a pass.

Coaching Tips:

• Watch for Defensive Switches: The inbounder should be alert to whether the defense switches on the first back screen. If they don’t switch, Player 3 should be open for an easy layup.

• If the Defense Switches: If the defenders switch on the staggered screens, allow Player 2 to seal and run back to the rim for a layup, as Player 3’s defender will likely be behind them.

• Slipping and Popping: If Player 4 gets lost in the stagger screen or the defense fails to cover them, they should look to slip or pop for an open shot.

• Quick Reads: The inbounder must make quick decisions and read the defense carefully. Timing is key to execute the play effectively.

Full Breakdown:

The Feet Apart baseline out-of-bounds play is designed to stretch the defense and create easy scoring opportunities. By using the back screen and staggered screens in sequence, it keeps the defenders moving and forces them to make difficult decisions.

The first option is a layup for Player 3 coming off the back screen. If Player 3 is denied or not open, Player 2, your best shooter, gets an opportunity off the staggered screens for an open shot in the corner. If the defense switches on the screens, the play seamlessly transitions to a post-up opportunity for Player 2, who can seal their defender and dive to the basket.

Additionally, Player 5’s slip to the basket and Player 4’s safety valve provide flexibility, ensuring the offense can take advantage of any defensive mistake. The overall structure of the play is simple, yet dynamic, and can be adjusted based on how the defense responds.

With good spacing and smart reads from the inbounder, this play can quickly break down zone or man defenses, providing open looks both inside and from beyond the arc.