Coaching Breakdown: “Bulls” SLOB
This sideline out-of-bounds set is designed to get your lead guard downhill immediately. We use a quick staggered screen to clean up the entry pass, then flow straight into a side pick-and-roll before the defense can get their feet set.
The Setup
- 2 (Inbounder): On the sideline. Needs to deliver a crisp entry pass.
- 5 & 4 (The Bigs): 5 is at the top of the key; 4 is on the left elbow. They form the stagger.
- 1 (Point Guard): Right elbow, closest to the ball.
- 3 (Winger): Dead center of the paint to keep the lane clear.
The Execution
1. The Entry (Staggered Screen)
On the whistle, 5 and 4 set a staggered screen facing the sideline. 1 walks their defender down, then explodes over the top of both screens to catch the inbound pass from 2 at the opposite slot.
2. The Action (Side Ball Screen)
The second 1 catches the ball, 4 or 5 immediately flips their angle to set a live wing ball screen. 1 reads the coverage and attacks downhill off the pick.
3. The Release & Balance
The ball-screener hard-rolls to the rim, while the opposite big lifts to the top of the key to replace them and provide defensive balance. 2 steps inbound to the corner, and 3 spaces out to the weak side to punish any help-side defenders who sag into the paint.
Key Details to Drill
Zero Hesitation: The transition from catching the entry pass to attacking the ball screen has to be seamless. If 1 catches and holds the ball, the defense will recover and blow up the play.
Shoulder to Shoulder off screen: 1 cannot round off the initial cut. They need to shave the shoulders of the screeners to completely lock out the trailing defender.
Screener Discipline: 5 and 4 must hold their ground legally. No leaning or moving data. Plant, absorb the contact, then quickly transition into the next phase.
Take a look at the animation for Bulls Sideline Out of Bounds Play
