Last Second Inbound Plays in Basketball

Table of Contents

What is a last second inbound play in basketball?

A last second inbound play consists of offensive actions from a baseline or sideline throw-in that could result in scoring opportunities near the basket or around perimeter areas of the basketball court during the end of a period such as a quarter or half.

How to understand the player roles and diagrams on this page

In reference to any diagrams below, each of the offensive players are generally represented by the standard basketball positions, unless otherwise noted.

In essence, 1 is the point guard; 2 is the shooting guard; 3 is the small forward; 4 is the power forward; 5 is the center.

In addition, a brief legend for the diagrams below would be as follows:

Black Dot or Small Circle: The black dot or small circle represents the basketball.
Solid Arrow: The solid arrow indicates movement or a cut on the basketball court.
Dotted Arrow: The dotted arrow represents a basketball pass.
Wavy Arrow: The wavy arrow indicates dribbling.
T-Shaped Symbol: The T-shaped symbol signifies a screen, also known as a pick.
Double pipe symbol: The double pipe symbol denotes handoff action.

What is an example of a last second inbound play when the team needs three points?

This is an example of a last second inbound play, particularly from the baseline, which may be useful when the team primarily needs a three-point shot.

Part 1: Screening actions and strong side corner cut

An example that showcases screening actions and a cut towards the strong side corner within part 1 of a last second inbound play.

To begin, 3 pops out of the stack towards the left side lane area near the mid-post. As that happens, 3 and 4 lift towards the right side elbow and adjacent three-point arc, respectively to set screens.

2 cuts toward the strong side corner by way of the screens set by 4 and 5.

Afterwards, 2 receives the ball from 1 and takes the three-point shot if that is open.

Part 2: Screen the screener and weak side corner cut

An example that demonstrates screen the screener action and a cut towards the weak side corner within part 2 of a last second inbound play.

Next, 4 could cut towards the weak side corner via the screen set by 3, which also demonstrates screen the screener action.

From there, 4 could receive possession of the ball from 1 and take the three-point shot if open.

Alternatively, if the team only needs two-points, then 5 could dive to the rim, receive the ball from 1, and score via a layup.

What is an example of a last second inbound play when the team needs two points?

This is an example of a last second inbound play, particularly from the sideline, when the team needs two points.

Part 1: V-cut and lane cut

An example that shows a V-cut and lane cut action within part 1 of a last second inbound play.

To start, 1 performs a V-cut to get open near the top. However, this is a decoy to occupy the defensive player guarding 1.

At the same time, 4 cuts in towards the lane moving towards 3 as if to set a screen before eventually exiting to the weak side corner and wing area.

Following that, 3 cuts across the lane towards the ball via a screen set by 5 while looking to get open just inside of the three-point line between the strong side wing and corner.

Afterwards, 3 could receive the ball and take the mid-range shot. It should be noted as well that 3 could also cut behind the three-point line if the team needs a three instead.

Part 2: Post seal

An example of post seal action within part 2 of a last second inbound play.

Here is an alternative scoring option that could be feasible if the opposing team performs defensive switching following the previous screening action.

This may be particularly useful if the screening player from the previous diagram (5) has a size advantage over the switching player who would be the original assignment of player 3.

If that occurs, then 5 could quickly pivot and seal the smaller switching defender under the basket, receive the ball from 2, and score via a low post move.

What is an example of a last second inbound play from a box set?

This is an example of a last second inbound play from a box set that features screening actions in addition to a baseline runner.

In terms of the setup, it is essentially a box set with 1 and 5 occupying space near the high post elbow areas while 2 and 4 fill the low post areas. 3 is also the inbounder.

Part 1: Screening actions

An example of screening actions within part 1 of a last second inbound play.

To start, 4 and 5 set screens within the lane and near the middle of the high post, respectively. Afterwards, 2 cuts to the right side corner while 1 cuts to the right side wing.

Following that, 2 receives the ball from 3 and quickly passes it towards the wing with 1 as the recipient.

Furthermore, as 1 gains possession of the ball, 4 and 5 occupy the left side high and low post areas respectively while 3 replaces at the right side low post area.