Baseline Out of Bounds

Baseline out of bounds (BLOB) refers to the basketball situation where a team inbounds the ball from behind the baseline, typically under their own basket after the opposing team scores or following a defensive violation or out-of-bounds situation. These possessions present unique strategic opportunities and challenges, as the inbounding team has the entire half-court as the playing area while the defense must prevent both the inbound pass and subsequent scoring opportunities in a compressed space near the basket. Effective baseline out-of-bounds plays combine screening actions, cutting patterns, spacing principles, and misdirection to create high-percentage scoring chances, particularly important in late-game situations where every possession carries significant weight. The fundamental constraints of baseline out-of-bounds situations differ from regular offensive possessions. The inbound passer stands out of bounds with five seconds to deliver the ball to a teammate. The other four offensive players position themselves on the court, working to get open through movement, screens, and spacing while defenders guard them. The inbounder cannot move laterally along the baseline in most leagues and rules, though they can move backward away from the boundary. This fixed position affects passing angles and available options. Baseline out-of-bounds plays typically target one or more of several objectives: quick scoring near the basket, getting the ball inbounds safely when defenses pressure heavily, generating three-point opportunities for shooters, or advancing the ball to the offense's primary ball handler to initiate regular offense. Different situations call for different priorities, with end-of-game scenarios often emphasizing immediate scoring while routine BLOB situations might simply seek safe inbounds followed by normal offensive flow. Screen-the-screener actions represent a common baseline out-of-bounds tactic. In this sequence, one player sets a screen for a teammate, then immediately receives a screen from another player and cuts to the basket. This double screening action often creates confusion as defenders must navigate multiple screens in quick succession, frequently resulting in open layups or short-range shots. The timing and spacing of these screens must be precise for maximum effectiveness. Elevator or "snap" screens create high-percentage three-point opportunities from baseline out-of-bounds situations. Two offensive players position themselves like open elevator doors near the free-throw line. A shooter runs through the gap between these two players who then close together like elevator doors shutting, screening the defender chasing the shooter. This creates open catch-and-shoot three-point opportunities when executed with proper timing, though defenses have adapted by switching or fighting through the screens more aggressively. The lob pass to athletic finishers represents perhaps the most spectacular baseline out-of-bounds option. The inbounder throws a high arcing pass toward the rim where a jumping teammate catches and finishes in one motion. This requires perfect timing between passer and catcher, sufficient vertical athleticism to catch lobs in traffic, and misdirection to occupy defenders' attention elsewhere. Teams with elite athletes often include lob options in their baseline out-of-bounds playbook for end-game situations. Back screens create scoring opportunities by having players away from the ball screen for teammates closer to the basket. The screened defender often doesn't see the screen coming, allowing the offensive player to cut directly to the basket for a potential layup. Back screens in BLOB situations catch defenders ball-watching or focused on navigating front screens, creating easy scoring chances when defenses aren't prepared. Stagger screens involve two consecutive screens for the same player, typically a shooter running off both screens to the perimeter. This action exhausts defenders chasing through multiple screens and often creates catch-and-shoot opportunities. The spacing and timing of stagger screens must be coordinated, with the shooter using both screens effectively and the inbounder timing the pass for when the shooter emerges with separation. Misdirection plays an enormous role in baseline out-of-bounds success. Initial movements might flow toward one side of the court to draw defensive attention, then the actual scoring option cuts opposite. Decoy screens that appear to be setting up one shooter might actually free a different player. The inbounder might look at one side before passing opposite. These misdirection elements keep defenses from loading up on the primary option and create indecision that allows clean looks. Defending baseline out-of-bounds situations requires discipline, communication, and awareness. Defenses must decide whether to guard man-to-man, which allows more aggressive denial but can be vulnerable to screens, or zone, which provides better rim protection but can allow open perimeter shots. Some teams employ hybrid approaches, guarding certain players man-to-man while zoning other areas. Regardless of approach, defenders must navigate screens, communicate switches or help, and contest without fouling. The five-second violation adds urgency to baseline out-of-bounds possessions. If the inbounder cannot complete the pass within five seconds, possession turns over. Defenses can apply pressure to make inbounding difficult, sometimes more concerned with forcing turnovers than preventing specific shots. This time pressure affects play design, with teams including safety valve options for when primary actions don't develop quickly enough. Personnel selection for baseline out-of-bounds situations often differs from regular rotations. Teams might insert their best screeners, most athletic finishers, or most dangerous shooters specifically for these possessions. The inbounder role typically goes to excellent passers with good vision and decision-making rather than necessarily the least skilled player. Some teams designate specific players as BLOB specialists who excel in these situations regardless of playing time in regular offense. Late-game baseline out-of-bounds situations carry enormous strategic weight. Teams trailing by one or two points with limited time remaining often design specific BLOB plays for their best scorers or shooters. Defenses know these situations are coming and prepare accordingly, leading to chess matches where offenses try to disguise their intentions while defenses attempt to disrupt preferred actions. The success or failure of these crucial possessions often determines game outcomes. The box formation, with four players positioned in a rectangular alignment, provides the most common baseline out-of-bounds setup. This formation creates balance, multiple screening angles, and various action possibilities. From the box, teams can run dozens of different plays using different screening sequences and movements while disguising their intentions until actions begin. The stack formation, with players aligned vertically near the free-throw line, offers another common BLOB setup. This alignment creates different screening angles and cutting opportunities than the box formation. Players can split in different directions from the stack, run screen-the-screener actions, or have outside players screen for the stack creating variety and unpredictability. Flat or spread formations position players across the court wide, emphasizing spacing and isolation opportunities. These formations might be employed when teams want to create one-on-one opportunities for elite scorers or when they simply need to inbound safely against pressure defense. The spacing prevents defenders from helping easily and creates clear driving lanes when players catch the ball. Practice time devoted to baseline out-of-bounds situations varies among coaches, though most recognize their importance particularly late in games. Teams typically have several core BLOB plays they execute regularly plus special variations or new plays installed for specific games or opponents. Practice repetition builds timing, chemistry, and execution quality that separates successful BLOB possessions from turnovers or poor shots. Film study enhances both offensive and defensive baseline out-of-bounds execution. Offensively, teams study how opponents defend BLOB situations to identify vulnerabilities and design plays targeting those weaknesses. Defensively, teams study opponents' favorite BLOB actions to prepare defensive counters. Scouts provide detailed reports on what plays opponents run in what situations, allowing defenses to anticipate and disrupt preferred actions.