The hot line on out-of-bounds plays.

A four-play series that exploits mismatches and creates good shots

How many times have you seen a great out-of-bounds play never get off the ground because of a player failing to get to his spot, or remembering what to do, or flubbing his execution?

And, then, of course, there are the referees who are always putting the ball into play before the players can set up - creating confusion and missed opportunities.

At St. Andrew's, we try to simplify everything for our players so that they call react quickly and confidently to every play called by a coach.

For example, our system uses words for offensive calls and numbers for defensive calls. We use the accompanying series, called "Line", on all of our out-of-bounds plays under the basket.

We have four calls off this set, which allows us to exploit mismatches and create shooting opportunities. We set up with three men along one lane (1,5 and 3), one player just outside the three point arc (2), and one player always taking the ball out of bounds (4).

"Line" [ILLUSTRATION FOR DIAGRAM 1 OMITTED], is our most popular call, as it gives us opportunities to score from all over the court. The opponents have difficulty covering all the areas with either a zone or man-to-man defense. We look for the quick three-point shot or slashcut to the basket or low box.

As 4 calls "Break", 2 breaks toward the near corner (opposite the ball), staying behind the three-point are. 3 slashcuts to the opposite low box, 5 posts strong, and 1 moves out to the three-point line.

#4, after inbounding to 1, steps into the court and looks for the pass behind 5's screen [ILLUSTRATION FOR DIAGRAM 2 OMITTED]. If 4 is not open, 1 looks to set up our flex offense.

"Single" [ILLUSTRATION FOR DIAGRAM 3 OMITTED] gives us a high-percentage shot for the big man (5) while still keeping our three-point and slashcut options. This call can be used against either a zone or man defense, though we tend to use it as a quick-hitter against zones.

Note: 1 screens for the big man. "Double" [ILLUSTRATION FOR DIAGRAM 4 OMITTED] can be used to free up a three-point shooter as well as open up the slashcut into the lane. Once again, this tends to be more effective against zones.

As you can see, 1 and 3 set up the staggered screen for 2, while 5 moves down into the post.

Diag. 5: If nothing happens, 3 slashcuts to the opposite box, while 1 relocates for safety.

"Choose" [ILLUSTRATION FOR DIAGRAM 6 OMITTED]: 1 cuts to the three-point line ballside, while 5 slips into the low post, 3 relocates for safety, and 2 goes to the near three-point corner.

Diag. 7: If 1 gets stuck in the corner with the ball, he may pass to 3 and move inside to double-screen with 5. Inbounder 4 steps into the court after passing to 1. He then has a choice between moving behind 2's screen or behind the double: screen set by 1 and 5. This is an excellent play for a mobile big man.

Finally, 4 is the only player allowed to inbound the ball, enabling our other players to get to their spots more quickly. We believe this series helps spread the court and give us a wide range of options.