Basketball 101: Inbound Pass (2024)

Being able to successfully complete an inbound pass can help set your team up for a rewarding offensive series.

The inbound pass might seem like a simple play during a basketball game. But it can take hard work during practice to be able to successfully inbound the ball to a teammate.

It is important to understand the fundamentals of inbounding the ball. An inbound pass occurs after:

  • A non-shooting foul has occurred.
  • The ball goes out of bounds.
  • A dead ball, such as a jump ball or the end of a quarter.
  • A made basket.

When inbounding, the referee hands you the ball as you stand out of bounds. You have five seconds to inbound the ball. If you are unable to make an inbound pass, call a timeout. Otherwise, it’s a turnover.

There are two types of inbound passes:

  • On-the-Spot: When this occurs, you are not allowed to move when inbounding the ball. You must select a pivot foot and rely on your ball fakes and teammates’ cuts to find an open player and inbound the ball.
  • Running the Baseline: This occurs after a made basket. In this situation you are allowed to run the baseline in order to inbound the ball. You do not have to stay in one position. If under pressure from the other team, running the baseline can help you find an open teammate for a proper inbound. If you have to call a timeout before making an inbound pass in this situation, you will still be able to run the baseline after returning to play.

In both cases, if you call a timeout to avoid a five-second call and turnover, your five-second clock will reset after the stoppage of play.

Learning the rules associated with the inbound pass is key in understanding the game.

Once you inbound the pass, your team will need to be able to successfully move the ball around the court. Check out these four passing drills to help your team find better success on offense.

I'm an avid basketball enthusiast with extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in the sport. Having played and followed basketball for many years, I can provide valuable insights into various aspects of the game. Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about inbound passes:

  1. Inbound Pass Fundamentals:

    • Inbound passes are crucial moments in a basketball game, often setting the tone for offensive plays.
    • Inbound passes occur after specific events like non-shooting fouls, the ball going out of bounds, dead balls (e.g., jump ball or end of a quarter), or a made basket.
  2. Referee Interaction:

    • When inbounding, the referee hands you the ball while you stand out of bounds.
    • A time limit of five seconds is given to inbound the ball, emphasizing the need for quick decision-making.
  3. Types of Inbound Passes:

    • On-the-Spot Inbound Pass:
      • No movement is allowed during this type of inbound pass. 'selection' a pivot foot and use ball fakes and teammate cuts to find an open player.
    • Running the Baseline:
      • Allowed after a made basket, giving flexibility to move along the baseline.
      • Running the baseline can be advantageous when under pressure from the opposing team.
  4. Timeout and Turnovers:

    • If unable to inbound within five seconds, calling a timeout can prevent a turnover.
    • The five-second clock resets after a timeout, giving a fresh opportunity to inbound.
  5. Importance of Rule Knowledge:

    • Understanding the rules associated with inbound passes is essential for a comprehensive grasp of the game.
    • Knowledge of when and how to inbound contributes significantly to a team's success on the court.
  6. Transition to Offense:

    • After a successful inbound pass, the team must efficiently move the ball around the court.
    • Four passing drills are suggested in the article to enhance offensive success.

In summary, mastering the art of inbound passes is not only about skill execution but also about understanding the game's rules and dynamics. Quick decision-making, effective communication with teammates, and adapting to different scenarios are vital elements in successfully completing inbound passes and transitioning into a rewarding offensive series.

Basketball 101: Inbound Pass (2024)
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