Basketball Inbound Plays: BLOB and SLOB Plays That Score

By Coach Lee DeForest | June 25, 2026

9 min read

Basketball inbound plays fall into two types: baseline out-of-bounds (BLOB) plays run under your own basket, and sideline out-of-bounds (SLOB) plays from the side. The best inbound plays use a screen-the-screener or a stack to free a cutter for a layup, and every team needs at least one reliable BLOB, one SLOB, and one last-second play.

Inbound possessions deserve practice time. The examples below give you a baseline entry, a sideline entry and a late-clock action to teach. Choose a small package and rehearse the scoring reads, the safety pass and the response to denial.

BLOB vs. SLOB

BLOB means baseline out-of-bounds. These examples use the baseline under the basket you are attacking. SLOB means sideline out-of-bounds. The location, clock and defense determine whether you hunt a quick shot or prioritize a safe entry.

3 Baseline (BLOB) Plays

1. Box, Screen-the-Screener

How it runs: set four players in a box (two at the elbows, two on the blocks). On the slap, a low player screens up for an elbow player cutting to the corner, then a second player screens that first screener, who cuts to the rim for the layup. The defense tracks the first cutter and loses the screener. This is the most reliable scoring inbounds play in basketball.

2. Line (Stack)

How it runs: stack all four players in a line up the lane. On the slap, they scatter, first cutter to the rim, second to the corner, third sets a back screen, fourth pops out as the safety. A quick hitter that creates instant separation and a fallback pass if the rim is covered.

3. Shooter's BLOB (Double Down)

How it runs: when you need a three, set a double screen on one block. Your shooter starts on the opposite elbow and runs off the double to the wing or corner for a catch-and-shoot. The inbounder reads the rim first. If it is covered, hit the shooter coming off the double.

2 Sideline (SLOB) Plays

1. Quick-Layup SLOB

How it runs: from the sideline near half court, set a back screen for your best finisher breaking to the rim while the other players space wide. If the back screen frees the cutter, it is a layup off the inbounds. If not, reverse to the safety up top.

2. Safe-Entry SLOB (vs. Pressure)

How it runs: when the defense pressures the inbounds, your only job is a clean entry. Line players up and cut them toward the ball, the inbounder hits the first player who comes to meet the pass. Always have a player flash back to the ball so you never get stuck with a five-second call. This pairs with your press break.

The Last-Second Play

For a final possession, start with the inbound location, time remaining and score needed. With enough time, an entry to a decision-maker followed by a ball screen is an option. With less time, rehearse a direct catch-and-shoot or catch-and-finish. Use the actual clock in practice.

Coaching Points

The inbounder reads, not guesses. Teach them the option order: first look the rim, then the secondary cutter, then the safety. Never force the first option.
Screen angles win. The screener's angle decides whether the cutter comes open. Drill the angle, not just the spot.
Always have a safety. One player pops out as the release valve so you never take a five-second violation.
Slap the ball to start. A clear trigger (the inbounder slaps the ball) syncs the screens and cuts so the timing is right.

Practice the first option, the secondary cutter and the safety against live denial. Then repeat with the game clock and inbound count so players recognize when to move to the next pass.
, Coach Lee DeForest

Build Out Your Playbook

Inbound plays are one piece of a complete package. Pair them with simple basketball plays for your half-court offense, a press break for full-court pressure, and a base offense like the motion offense. For a deeper library of sets and quick-hitters, see our 21 basketball plays every coach should know.

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