Sideline inboundsIntermediate

Sideline Three

Sideline out of bounds. A shooter runs off two screens toward the ball for a three. A slip to the rim if they switch, a safe outlet if not.

Best for: For a team with a shooter who needs a quick three off a sideline inbounds, with a safe pass behind it.

Needs: a shooter. Gets you: a three, the ball in safely.

Against: man‑to‑man
Formation: line
Steps: 4 steps · 5 reads each
The five spots: 1Ball side of the line (safe outlet)
2Far side of the line (shooter)
3Inbounder
4Left elbow (second screen)
5Right elbow (first screen)

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 Three.

You are 3, Inbounder

Your spot

Step 1 · Outlet and stagger

They are in man-to-man. Coach calls "Sideline Three". 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

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

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

1Break hard toward half court as the safe outlet.You clear the space 2 is running into. If 2 is covered, you are the safe pass.
2Wait for both screens, then sprint off 5 and 4 to the left slot.Come off them shoulder to shoulder, hands ready. The shot is on the catch.
3Slap the ball, then read 2 coming off the screens.First look is 2 for the three. If x4 jumps out, 4 slips. If nothing is open, 1 is safe.
4Step up and set the second screen for 2.You are the last screen. Feet set, then watch x4. If x4 jumps out to 2, you slip.
5Step out and set the first screen for 2.You hit x2 first. Set it right where x2 wants to run, and stay still.

Then the defence shows one of 3 looks: Read: 2 is open (40%), Read: they switch, 4 slips (20%), Read: everything is covered (40%).

Step 2

1 of 3 looks after Outlet and stagger · 40%

x2 got caught on the screens. 2 is open at the left slot.

1Stay back as the safety.Someone has to be back if the shot misses.
2Catch with your feet set and shoot.x2 is stuck on the screens. Shoot it on the catch.
3Pass to 2, then step in to the left wing.x2 is caught. Hit 2 in the hands, chest high, then get on the court.
4Hold the screen, then go to the rebound.Keep x2 stuck until 2 catches. Then get inside for the miss.
5Crash the right side for the rebound.A three from the left misses long to the right. Be there.

Open three for 2 off the stagger.

Step 2

1 of 3 looks after Outlet and stagger · 20%

x4 jumped out to guard 2. x2 is stuck behind 4. Nobody is between 4 and the rim.

1Stay back as the safety.Someone has to be back. You also keep x1 far from the rim.
2Stay at the slot and call for the ball.You keep x4 out with you, far from the rim.
3Pass over the top to 4 at the rim.The switch left 4 alone. Throw it high and lead them to the rim.
4Slip to the rim with your hands up.x4 left you and x2 is behind you. Go now, before they sort it out.
5Pop out to the right wing.You pull x5 away from the rim, so 4 has it alone.

Layup for 4 on the slip.

Step 2

1 of 3 looks after Outlet and stagger · 40%

x2 fought through both screens and is on 2. x4 stayed with 4. Nothing is open.

1Show your hands and catch the safe pass.You are the outlet. Catch it, face the rim and start the offence.
2Stay at the slot, ready for the next pass.x2 worked hard to get there. Stay ready, 1 can still find you.
3Pass to 1, then step in to the left wing.Nothing is open. Get it in safely before five seconds, then get on the court.
4Stay high, ready to screen for 1.The ball is coming in. You start the offence from there.
5Go down to the right block and post up.The ball is in. Get to a spot for the offence.