Baseline Play: Backdoor Counter vs Denial Defense
Goal
This Baseline Out-of-Bounds (BLOB) play is a simple yet effective set designed to punish teams that aggressively overplay the perimeter. Using a pass fake and a backdoor cut, it creates a layup opportunity for your best perimeter scorer while clearing the help side with screening action.
Setup
Align in a box formation.
1 (inbounder) has the ball on the baseline.
3 and 4 are positioned at the elbows.
2 and 5 are on the blocks.
3 is your best scoring perimeter player.
Step-by-Step Execution
1. Entry and Relocation
1 passes to 4 (weak-side elbow).
After the pass, 1 clears into the strong-side corner.
2. Backdoor Fake and Cut
3 acts as if cutting up to the top of the key to receive a pass.
4 sells the pass fake to 3.
As the defender anticipates the pass, 3 makes a hard backdoor cut to the rim.
4 delivers the bounce pass for a layup.
3. Clear the Help Side
While the backdoor action is unfolding, 2 sets a stationary screen for 5 on the weak side.
This clears potential help defenders from the paint.
4. Safety Valve: Corner or Wing Kick
If the backdoor is defended, 3 can continue their cut out to the opposite corner.
4 can swing the ball to 5 or 2 to reverse to the opposite wing.
Coaching Tips
Timing is key. The pass fake must happen just before the cut.
Teach the scorer to set up the cut, walk into the defender before sprinting backdoor.
The inbounder (1) must get into the corner quickly to stay spaced.
Youth tip: Drill pass fake + backdoor only before layering in screens.
High school tip: Build in full backside options and allow for live reads.
Full Breakdown: Beating the Overplay
Why This Works
Aggressive defenses love to deny wing passes. This play uses that tendency against them by:
Faking the pass to the wing to draw the defender up
Backcutting right as the defender commits
Clearing weak-side help with simple screening action
Because the scoring action happens so quickly after the inbound, it catches even organized teams off guard.
Teaching Progressions
Youth Teams:
Run 2-on-0 with just the fake + cut.
Add coach as defender to trigger the backdoor timing.
Use cones for footwork on cut angle.
High School Teams:
Add weak-side screening layer with 2 and 5.
Run live 4-on-4 reps with full denial.
Add skip + corner reversal for late-clock shot.
Drill Ideas
1. Backdoor Cut Timing Drill
3 walks into cut, then explodes backdoor
4 reads defender and bounce passes
2. Fake + Score Progression
Partner drill with pass fake cue
Option to finish or relocate
3. Screen & Clear Weak Side
2 screens for 5
Coach tracks whether help shifts, train players to recognize gap
Common Mistakes & Fixes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Cut is too early | Cue the fake as the signal to go |
| Pass is too soft or late | Rehearse bounce pass angle and speed |
| Defender doesn't bite | Emphasize setup footwork and urgency |
| Help defender crowds paint | Ensure screens hold and timing flows quickly |
Final Coaching Cues
“Fake it high, cut it low.”
“Set your defender up, don’t sprint right away.”
“Backdoor = timing + trust.”
“Clear the lane, create the gap.”
