Sideline Inbound vs Man-to-Man: The 'Elbow Screen' Set Play

1. Overview

The "Elbow Screen" is a versatile sideline out-of-bounds (SLOB) set play specifically designed to attack man-to-man defenses. When executing an inbound play from the sideline, spacing and timing are critical. This play leverages misdirection and a strong screen at the elbow to create a high-percentage scoring opportunity, while also providing built-in safety valves if the primary option is heavily contested.

Coaches should implement this play when needing a quick basket out of a timeout or when the offense has stagnated. It forces the defense to communicate through screens and make split-second decisions, often leading to defensive breakdowns and open looks.

2. Setup

Court Dimensions: Standard FIBA Court (28m x 15m)
Equipment Needed: 1 Basketball, 5 Players

Player Positions:

• 1 (Point Guard): Starts near the mid-court area, acting as a decoy and safety outlet.
• 2 (Shooting Guard): Starts in the ball-side corner.
• 3 (Small Forward): Starts in the weak-side corner.
• 4 (Power Forward): Starts near the weak-side elbow (high post).
• 5 (Center / Inbounder): Positioned out of bounds on the sideline, roughly at the free-throw line extended.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Phase 1: The Misdirection and Screen

1. The Trigger: The play initiates when the inbounder (5) slaps the ball.
2. The Setup Cut: Player 4 immediately sprints from the weak-side elbow toward the middle of the paint to set a hard, stationary screen.
3. The Primary Cut: Simultaneously, Player 3 sprints from the weak-side corner, using 4's screen to cut sharply toward the ball-side elbow/wing area.
4. The Back-door Action: Player 2, starting in the ball-side corner, fakes coming up the sideline and cuts hard along the baseline toward the basket (back-door cut).
5. The Safety Valve: Player 1 drifts up toward the sideline, positioning themselves as a safe outlet pass if the primary options are covered.

Phase 2: The Pass and Secondary Action

6. The Primary Read: The inbounder (5) looks first to hit Player 3 coming off the screen at the elbow. This is the primary scoring option.
7. The Secondary Read: If 3 is covered, 5 looks for Player 2 on the back-door cut for a quick lay-up.
8. The Catch and Attack: Once Player 3 receives the ball at the elbow, they immediately square up to the basket. They have the option to shoot the mid-range jumper or drive hard to the rim.
9. Post-Entry Option: After setting the screen, Player 4 seals their defender in the paint, establishing strong post position. If 3 drives, 4 is available for a dump-off pass or offensive rebound.
10. Spacing and Reset: Player 1 spaces out to the top of the key or wing, ready for a kick-out three-pointer. The inbounder (5) steps onto the court to provide a safety outlet for a reset.

4. Key Coaching Points

• Screening Angle: Player 4 must set the screen at the correct angle, forcing 3's defender to go over the top or trail the play.
• Patience and Timing: Player 3 must wait for the screen to be fully set before making their cut. Cutting too early ruins the spacing and allows the defense to recover.
• Selling the Fake: Player 2 must sell the fake up the sideline to draw their defender away from the baseline before making the back-door cut.
• Inbounder Vision: The inbounder (5) must be patient, reading the defense and not forcing a pass. They must be aware of the 5-second count but use the time to let the play develop.
• Squaring Up: Upon receiving the ball, Player 3 must immediately face the basket in a triple-threat position to evaluate the defense and make the correct read.

5. Common Mistakes

• Moving Screens: Player 4 moving while setting the screen, resulting in an offensive foul.
• Poor Spacing: Players converging in the same area, allowing one defender to guard two offensive players.
• Telegraphing the Pass: The inbounder staring down the primary option, allowing the defense to anticipate and intercept the pass.
• Rushing the Cut: Player 3 cutting before the screen is set, rendering the screen ineffective.

6. Variations & Progressions

• Slip the Screen: If the defense switches hard on the screen between 3 and 4, Player 4 can immediately slip the screen and cut hard to the basket for a lay-up.
• Dribble Handoff (DHO): If Player 3 receives the ball but cannot shoot or drive, they can initiate a dribble handoff with Player 1 or 2 to keep the offense flowing.
• Corner Three Option: Instead of a back-door cut, Player 2 can set a back-screen for Player 1, then pop out to the corner for a three-point shot.

7. Age Adaptations

• Under 10 / Under 12: Focus heavily on the fundamentals of passing and catching. Simplify the play by removing the back-door cut (Player 2) and focusing solely on the screen for Player 3.
• Under 14 / Under 16: Introduce the back-door cut and emphasize the importance of reading the defense. Teach Player 3 how to read the defender coming off the screen (e.g., curling if the defender trails, fading if the defender goes under).
• Open / Advanced: Incorporate the variations (slipping the screen, DHOs) and focus on the secondary actions. The play should flow seamlessly into the team's regular motion offense if no initial shot is created.