Sideline inboundsIntermediate

Sideline Lob

Sideline out of bounds. A back screen at the elbow sends a cutter to the rim for a lob. If it is covered, the screener pops for a safe entry and a handoff.

Best for: A quick layup when the defence watches the ball on a sideline inbounds. The screener popping out keeps it safe.

Needs: any team can run it. Gets you: a layup, the ball in safely.

Run it yourself Study every step

Against: man‑to‑man
Formation: diamond
Steps: 4 steps · 5 reads each
The five spots: 1Top of the diamond (safety)
2Left side of the diamond (cutter)
3Inbounder
4Bottom of the diamond (back screen)
5Right side of the diamond

Run it yourself

Pick a spot and make the reads.

The court plays out each step when you choose right. Switch spots to learn every job in Sideline Lob.

You are 3, Inbounder

Your spot

Step 1 · Back screen at the elbow

They are in man-to-man. Coach calls "Sideline Lob". 3 has the ball out of bounds on the left sideline.

What do you do?

Pick the read you would make. The play runs when you get it right.

Study every step

The whole play, laid out.

What the defence shows at each step, how everyone moves, and the right read for all five spots.

cut pass screen dribble shotNumbers show the order.

Step 1

Back screen at the elbow

They are in man-to-man. Coach calls "Sideline Lob". 3 has the ball out of bounds on the left sideline.

1Stay at the top as the safety.You keep x1 far from the rim, and you are the last pass.
2Take a step to the ball, then cut hard off 4 to the rim.The step makes x2 lean toward the ball. Then run them into the screen.
3Slap the ball, then watch x4.x4 decides it. If they stay with 4, throw the lob. If they drop to the rim, hit 4 popping out.
4Come up to the left elbow and back screen x2.Set it behind x2, where they can't see you. Feet set before 2 cuts.
5Pop out to the right wing.You take x5 away from the rim, so nobody can help on the lob.

Then the defence shows one of 2 looks: Read: the lob is open (40%), Read: lob covered, 4 pops (60%).

Step 2

Read: the lob is open

1 of 2 looks after Back screen at the elbow · 40%

x2 ran into the back screen. x4 stayed with 4. Nobody is at the rim.

1Stay at the top as the safety.Someone has to be back if the layup misses.
2Show your hands, catch it high and score.Nobody is at the rim. Catch with two hands and finish.
3Throw the lob to 2 at the rim.x2 is stuck and x4 stayed with 4. Put it high, to the front of the rim.
4Hold the screen, then go to the rebound.Keep x2 stuck until the pass is in the air.
5Stay wide on the right wing.You keep x5 away from the rim.

Layup for 2 on the lob.

Step 2

Read: lob covered, 4 pops

1 of 2 looks after Back screen at the elbow · 60%

x4 dropped back to the rim and took the lob away. Nobody is guarding 4 at the left elbow.

1Stay at the top as the safety.If 4 is denied, you are the last pass.
2Clear out to the right corner.The lob is gone. Empty the lane so the next action has room.
3Pass to 4 popping out, then step in.x4 is at the rim, so 4 is open. Get it in, then step in. The handoff is next.
4Pop out to the left wing with your hands up.x4 left you to stop the lob. Come meet the pass.
5Stay wide on the right wing.You keep x5 on the far side, away from the ball.

Next: Finish: handoff

Step 3

Finish: handoff

4 has the ball on the left wing and x4 came back out to them. 3 just stepped in. The lane is empty.

1Stay at the top as the safety.Someone has to be back, and you keep x1 out of the lane.
2Stay in the right corner, ready to shoot.You keep x2 wide. If x2 helps on the drive, you are open.
3Run tight off 4, take the handoff and drive to the rim.x3 runs into 4. The lane is empty, so turn the corner and go.
4Hand the ball to 3, then roll to the rim.You are the screen. Hold the ball out, stay still, then roll behind the drive.
5Stay wide on the right wing.You keep x5 out of the lane.