Triangle BLOB Play: A Simple Yet Deadly Baseline Out-of-Bounds Set for Man Defense
Goal:
The Triangle Baseline Out of Bounds Play is designed to create immediate pressure on the rim and give your best shooter an open look while offering slip opportunities for your screeners. It is an effective way to run an out-of-bounds play that keeps the defense guessing and can result in an easy basket or a wide-open shot for your top shooter.
Setup:
Formation:
Player 1 (inbounder)
Player 2 (best shooter)
Player 3 & 4 (stacked 8-10 feet from the basket)
Player 5 (positioned at the free-throw line)
Spacing: Ensure good spacing and clarity between players to give everyone room to execute their cuts and screens. The stacked players should not be too close, and Player 2 needs to be ready for the stagger screen.
Step-by-Step Execution:
1. Inbounds Pass
Player 1 inbounds the ball to begin the play.
2. Initial Action – Back Screen for Player 5
Player 2, your best shooter, sets a back screen for Player 5 (who starts at the free-throw line).
Player 5 then cuts to the basket looking for a quick pass or a layup opportunity.
3. Staggered Screen for Player 2
Players 3 and 4, positioned in the stack about 8-10 feet from the basket, set a stagger screen for Player 2.
Player 2 uses the stagger screen to sprint to the corner for a potential catch-and-shoot 3-pointer.
4. Looking for Player 2
Player 1 looks to pass to Player 2 in the corner for a three-point shot.
Player 5, after setting the screen, should be positioned to rebound on the weak side in case the shot is missed.
5. Alternatives if Player 2 Isn’t Open
If Player 2 isn’t open for the shot, Player 4 should pop out to the top of the key to receive the ball from Player 1.
6. Player 2 Screens for Player 1
After the pass to Player 4, Player 2 sets a screen for Player 1, who cuts to the top of the key for a potential three-point shot.
7. Player 4 Passes to Player 1
Player 4, after popping to the top, looks to pass to Player 1 for an open shot at the top of the key.
Coaching Tips:
Screening is a Scoring Action:
Every screen should be treated as a potential scoring opportunity. Players 3 and 4 should be ready to slip to the basket if their defenders overplay the screen, potentially creating an easy layup or a passing lane for the ball handler.
Player 2’s Movement:
When Player 2 comes off the stagger screen, emphasize using a hard cut to the corner. The defense may overcommit to Player 2, but the quick pass to the corner should provide them with a great shot opportunity.
Player 5’s Positioning:
If Player 2’s defender switches onto Player 5 during the back screen action, Player 5 should immediately look to seal their defender and position themselves for an easy post-up if the ball gets reversed.
Rebounding:
Player 5, after setting the back screen, needs to crash the boards aggressively. If the shot misses, Player 5 will be in a great position for a rebound, potentially getting a second-chance opportunity.
Reading the Defense:
Encourage your players to read the defense carefully. If they see a mismatch or the defense overplays, they should be ready to slip the screens or make an immediate cut to the basket.
Drills to Improve Execution:
Backscreen & Stagger Screen Drill:
Work on Player 2 using the back screen and stagger screen. Ensure Player 2 understands how to use both screens effectively, making sharp cuts to the corner.
Rebounding Drill for Player 5:
Have Player 5 practice rebounding from the weak side after setting the back screen. Work on timing the shot, positioning, and securing the rebound.
Passing and Quick Decision Drills:
Use passing drills where Player 1 has to make quick decisions to either pass to Player 2, Player 4, or Player 5 based on how the defense reacts to the screens.
Full Breakdown:
The Triangle Baseline Out of Bounds Play (B.O.B. Play) focuses on creating high-percentage scoring opportunities while utilizing smart off-ball screens and quick passes. The staggered screens and initial back screen ensure that Player 2 (your shooter) gets an open look at the basket. This action causes confusion and forces the defense to communicate and switch, which could lead to mismatches or easy scores. The post player (Player 5) benefits from this play by getting into a strong rebounding position or looking for an immediate score if their defender switches onto them.
By creating options on both sides of the floor, the play forces the defense to adjust to multiple threats. Whether Player 2 gets a clean look at a 3-pointer or Player 1 finds an open shot at the top, this play provides high flexibility and offensive movement to capitalize on the defense’s weaknesses. The use of a back screen to free up Player 5 and the staggered screens for Player 2 makes this play hard to defend against, particularly when executed quickly and with good spacing.
Final Thoughts:
The Triangle Baseline Out of Bounds Play is an efficient and flexible play to generate clean shots for your best shooters while maintaining excellent spacing on the floor. Whether it’s a quick three for Player 2, a layup off a mismatch for Player 5, or an open shot from Player 1, this play has options for different scenarios. By focusing on timing, reading the defense, and maintaining solid spacing, you can get easy scoring opportunities even in pressure situations.
