Basketball Plays, Drills, and Training Tips
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Long Ball
Description

This end-of-game (or quarter, or half) play is good for situations where you find yourself in need of a basket with just seconds left on the clock.

It is not a complex play and can be used at any level just as long as you have a player strong enough to make the initial baseball pass.

Play Setup
  • Player 3 is the inbounder and she must have a strong and accurate arm for the required entry baseball pass.
  • Player 4 is positioned just before half-court along the sideline opposite the ball.
  • Player 1 starts at the top of the key on the other end of the court.
  • Players 2 and 5 are next to each other on the opposite end of the court and the same side as player 4.
The Play
ANIMATION
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  • On the slap of the ball by player 3, player 5 flashes to the top of the key setting a back-screen for player 1.
  • Player 1 uses player 5's screen and runs to the ball side wing.
  • After setting the screen, player 5 looks for the baseball pass from player 3.
  • Player 5 should be your tallest player so that the baseball pass can be thrown high, giving him a better chance to get it before the defense can.
  • At the slap of the ball, player 4 has taken several steps towards the inbounder and then quickly cuts back upcourt using player 2's back-screen.
  • As player 5 catches the entry pass, he looks first to player 4 cutting off of player 2's screen and charging hard to the basket.
  • If player 4 is covered that means that player 2 is likely open for the open, three-point range shot.
Key Coaching Points
  • Be sure to match your personnel to the roles required in this play. If you have a timeout available, use it to set this one up and make your substitutions accordingly.
  • Have your team conditioned to run this play anytime that the clock is running out; you may find yourself getting better shots just before the end of a quarter or half.