A simple quick-hitting triangle inbound set.

One of the simplest and most important objectives of team offense is to score a quick basket off an inbound play when you need it most.

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When trailing late in the game, it can change the momentum or pace of the game or break a cold streak.

For all of these occasions, we have a simple, quick-hitting inbounds play off a triangular formation under the basket or up a sideline.

DIAG. 1, BASELINE UNDERNEATH:

We have three different plays off our baseline triangle set: back, side, and staggered. Our basic alignment is set up with an inbounder (#1), players on both blocks (#4 and #5), a player on the foul line (#3), and finally a player at the top of the key (#2).

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DIAG. 2, BACK OPTION:

Begins with #5 setting a back screen for #3, who will replace #5 with a hard cut to the basket, looking for the ball.

At the same time, #4 will come up to screen for #5, who will come around and replace the vacated block. #4 will then open up toward the ball near the dotted circle, producing a third possible passing area. The #2 player will be the safety valve, moving to the ball on the wing.

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DIAG. 3, SIDE OPTION:

As #5 drives straight out toward the corner, #2 makes a hard cut into the vacated low block. He looks either for the inbounds pass from #1 or to replace #5 in the vacated corner area.

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#3 and #4 pose the second strong threat on the opposite side, with #3 driving down to the weak-side block and #4 cutting over #3's screen and then looking for a pass from the inbounder or replacing #4 in the corner. After setting a screen, #4 will open up toward the ball.

DIAG. 4, STAGGERED OPTION:

Just as in the Back Option, #5 will screen for #3, who this time will come off the screen and cut outside the lane into the short corner. #5 will then circle the interior of the lane and cut off the screen (set by #4) on his way to the opposite block.

After the screen, #4 will step immediately toward the ball.

Note: All of these options begin with the first move coming from the ball side.

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DIAG. 5, SIDELINE:

As in our baseline options, we will sometimes attempt to get a quick score off a sideline inbound situation.

Our alignment is set up with our inbounder (#1) up the sideline, a player inside the circle (#2), a tandem of screens on the foul-line extended (#3 and #4), and a player at the point (#5).

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The set begins with #2 and #5 setting a double screen for #3, who will cut toward the basket looking for a lob pass from the inbounder for a layup or dunk. If that does not immediately happen, #3 will clear and the screen will double up for #4 looking for the same opportunity.

All of these plays are done with a silent signal that is timed to move as soon as the ball is handed to the inbounder and put into play. The silent signal is done to avoid the five-second call, but we often catch the defense off guard and not fully set.

This silent signal can be difficult, but we have mastered it with constant repetition in practice.

By Gary Keating, Basketball Coach Port St. Lucie, FL