What is basic information about the baseline in basketball
The baseline, also known as the end line, consists of two boundary lines on each end of a basketball court that are about 50 feet wide.
Additionally, the baseline is approximately four feet behind a basketball rim, which is usually mounted to a backboard.
Furthermore, adjacent to the two baselines are the two sidelines, which are approximately 94 feet in length on each side of the basketball court.
Also, the edges of the two baselines connect with the edges of the two sidelines, which results in the four primary boundary lines.
Moreover, if a player within the baseline boundary line gains possession of the basketball and then that same player steps on or across the baseline, then the player would be out of bounds.
When that occurs, it could result in an out of bounds violation called by a referee.
This out of bounds violation would also apply to the sideline. Therefore, a player, particularly in possession of the basketball, cannot step on or across the sideline as well.
However, at the time of an inbound pass, a player is allowed to have possession of the basketball while standing out of bounds near a baseline or sideline. So for that case, a typical out of bounds violation would not apply.
Nevertheless, it should also be stated that while a player is executing an inbound pass near a baseline or sideline, that same player cannot step over the boundary line towards the inbound side of the basketball court before releasing the ball to any player that is already within the boundary lines of the court.
If that were to occur near the baseline or sideline, it would most likely result in a throw-in violation being called by the referee.
How can one or more offensive players effectively use the baseline
Execute baseline out of bounds plays
It is possible for offensive players to execute baseline out of bounds plays that occurs when one offensive player executes an inbound pass while standing near the baseline outside of the lane on the opposite side of the basket.
Also, at the same time, four additional offensive players execute actions such as basketball cuts and basketball screens to generate potential scoring opportunities at the rim or near the perimeter areas of the court.
Furthermore, a baseline out of bounds play will usually occur after play gets stopped by the referee such as when the ball gets deflected out of bounds near the frontcourt baseline or when a non-shooting foul occurs below the free throw line area adjacent to the lane lines.
Utilize a baseline cut to get open
Generally speaking, an offensive player could execute a baseline cut from one end of the court to the opposite end.
Moreover, when this occurs, the offensive player, also known as a baseline runner, would typically use at least one, if not two baseline screens, to get open near the opposite short corner within the three-point line or near the deep corner outside of the three-point line.
Afterwards, the baseline runner could receive the ball and take a mid-range or three-point jump shot if it is open.
It should also be noted that the baseline runner action could be utilized against man to man defense but it is usually most effective as a zone offense, especially against the 2-3 zone defense or the 1-2-2 zone defense.
Alternatively, it is possible for offensive players to cut along the baseline, receive the ball, and then quickly score at the rim with special types of basketball cuts, particularly the baseline Laker cut and the baseline backdoor cut.
Attack the basket via baseline drive
An offensive player could attack the basket and attempt to score by way of a baseline dribble drive. This will usually happen when a defender forces the offensive player towards the baseline and away from the middle of the court.
Another reason this could occur is if the offensive player initially dribbles towards the middle of the court but a defender stays in front of the offensive player to cut off that dribbling pathway.
As a result of that, the offensive player could then counter by executing a basketball move such as a behind the back dribble towards the baseline.
From there, the offensive player could then attempt to score near the basket or near the baseline perimeter areas such as the mid-post or short corner.
Throw a drift pass near the baseline
An offensive player near the baseline could throw a drift pass near the baseline to a teammate in the weak side corner or on the weak side wing.
Also, the offensive player could even throw the drift pass while jumping in the air and gliding out of bounds. However, that type of jump pass could be risky so it should only be performed when necessary.
Fill the short corner near the baseline
An offensive player could fill the short corner near the baseline while executing the team’s basketball offense strategies or set plays.
In most cases, an offensive player would usually fill the short corner as a counter against zone defense.
Following that, an offensive player in possession of the ball near a short corner could shoot if open, pass to another teammate, or perhaps dribble the ball to another location on the court such as the deep corner or wing area.
In addition to that, an offensive player in the short corner that does not have the basketball could possibly cut to the basket or screen another teammate, which could eventually lead to a scoring opportunity.
Fill the dunker spot near the baseline
An offensive player could fill the dunker spot near the baseline, which is an area of the court that is generally between the short corner and under the low post blocks.
It should also be noted that the offensive player would usually be a post player such as a power forward or center or even a strong and athletic small forward who could finish through contact at the rim.
Essentially, to effectively utilize the dunker spot, a perimeter-type offensive player such as a point guard or shooting guard could initially drive into the gaps of the defense, particularly near the lane area.
From there, if the defenders collapse to stop the ball, the perimeter-type offensive player could throw a drop pass to the player that is in the dunker spot.
Following that, that same player in the dunker spot who received the ball could then score around the basket via a layup or dunk.
Alternatively, after the initial dribble penetration, the perimeter-type offensive player could also throw a lob pass over the top of the defense towards the basket.
Afterwards, the player near the dunker spot could cut towards the basket, catch the ball, preferably while it is still in the air, and score, especially via alley-oop action.
How can one or more defensive players effectively use the baseline
Force offensive player towards the baseline
The defensive player, who would typically be a perimeter defender, could force the offensive player towards the baseline and not allow them to dribble the ball towards the middle of the lane.
The defensive player would generally try to accomplish this particularly when the offensive player is in possession of the basketball near the wing areas of the court.
This defensive action could be potentially effective because it could shorten the basketball court so that the offensive player can only operate on one side.
As a result, it could become more difficult for the offensive team to reverse the ball and at the same time, it could diminish other passing or scoring options, especially against man to man defense.
Furthermore, an on-ball defender could also attempt to force an offensive player towards the baseline with ice defense if the offensive team tries to execute a side ball screen.
In that instance, the on-ball defender would jump above the on-ball screen, which would greatly diminish its effectiveness and at the same time, the offensive player with the ball would be influenced to dribble towards the baseline instead of the middle.
Set a trap in the backcourt near a baseline corner
A primary defender alongside a secondary defender could execute trap defense in the offensive team’s backcourt near a baseline corner to ultimately cause turnovers.
This would commonly occur within the full court press defenses known as the 1-2-1-1 diamond press or the havoc press.
Generally speaking, the primary defender will influence an offensive player to catch the ball near the baseline corner. When that occurs, the secondary defender will trap the offensive player alongside the primary defender.
Additionally, both of the defenders should have active hands to possibly deflect or intercept passes. However, each defender should not typically reach in to steal the ball as that could result in an unnecessary foul.
Set a trap in the frontcourt near a baseline corner
A primary defender alongside a secondary defender could set a trap in the offensive team’s frontcourt near a baseline corner to potentially disrupt offensive tempo, limit scoring opportunities, and/or cause potential turnovers.
This would usually happen within a number of zone defenses, particularly the point zone defense, the 1-2-2 zone defense, and the 3-2 zone defense.
In addition to that, it is also possible for defenders to set a trap near a baseline corner when the offensive team executes corner ball screen action.