BLOB (Baseline Out of Bounds) plays can be game-changers, especially when they catch the defense off guard. Today’s play hails directly from the University of Iowa’s women’s basketball team, made famous by Caitlin Clark during the 2023 NCAA tournament. This set is particularly unique because it’s designed to free up your big for a wide-open look—something defenders often don’t expect from a baseline inbound.
Below is a step-by-step walkthrough of the setup and execution, along with a few tips to help you adapt it to your own team.
Why It Works
Most baseline sets draw attention to the guard or wing, typically looking for a quick corner shot or an immediate kick-out to a perimeter shooter. In this Iowa-inspired play, however, the focus shifts toward your post player. The secret sauce? It’s setting up what looks like a standard shooter-oriented action, only to clear the floor for your big down low.
Defenses anticipate the inbound pass to the perimeter. They’ll often commit extra defenders on the guards, which leaves the player at the rim with minimal coverage.
Step-by-Step Setup
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Initial Positions
Place your first shooter near the top of the key, ready to break out to the three-point line. Position your second shooter in the middle, close enough to utilize a screen effectively. Finally, have your big ready along the block, and keep a guard to set the screen for the big. -
Shooter Movements
As soon as the official hands you the ball, have your first shooter explode to the top of the three-point arc. This immediate movement draws attention, giving defenders the impression that you’re setting up a quick shot. At the same time, your second shooter slides up toward the top, using the guard in the inbound area as a screen if necessary. -
Setting the Screen for the Big
After the shooters move, your guard sets a solid screen for the post player. Make sure this screen is timed so the post can cut toward the rim right as the defense shifts to deny the shooters. -
Find the Open Look
With the shooters effectively pulling defenders high, your big should come off the screen and slip into an open lane. The inbounder then fires the pass at the perfect moment, hitting the big in stride for an easy finish.
Coaching Pointers
• Spacing Matters: If your shooters cluster at the top, defenders can cheat and clog the lane. Emphasize precise spacing so everyone stays a threat.
• Sell the Shot: Instruct your shooters to look game-ready, feigning that they’re the first or second option. This keeps the defense honest.
• Solid Screens: The guard must establish a firm stance when screening for the big. A weak or mistimed screen undermines the entire play.
• Mind the Timing: The inbounder should release the pass the moment the big is clear. Delay too long, and the window of opportunity closes.
In-Game Example
To see how this set plays out in an actual youth game situation, have a quick look here. Notice how the big cuts and momentarily finds a wide-open path to the basket. Even though we missed the pass here (it happens!), the movement still created a clear scoring opportunity.
Final Thoughts
This Iowa-inspired BLOB works at just about every competitive level, from youth leagues to high school programs and beyond. The simplicity in its design—faking a three-point attack while springing your big to the rim—makes it both easy to implement and tough to defend.