A well-designed BLOB play can create a clean scoring chance before the defense gets fully organized. This baseline out-of-bounds set uses a side elevator screen to free a shooter, then comes back with a sharp backdoor counter once defenders start anticipating the first action.
Both options begin from the same basic look, which helps disguise the second scoring chance. Instead of installing two completely different plays, coaches can teach one setup with two possible finishes and give players a simple way to punish defensive adjustments.
How the BLOB play starts
The 5 begins as the inbounder along the baseline, while the 4 serves as the primary shooting option. The remaining players create the spacing and screening action needed to open the first look.
The opening sequence works like this:
- The 5 takes the ball out along the baseline.
- The 4 prepares to come through the side elevator screen.
- The 2 steps back to help create room.
- The 3 works down before popping back out.
- The two screeners leave a gap for the 4 to cut through.
- Once the 4 clears the opening, the screeners close together.
- The 5 looks to hit the 4 for the catch-and-shoot opportunity.
Good timing makes the action much tougher to defend. If the shooter arrives too early or the screeners close too soon, the offense can clog its own passing window.
Using the elevator screen to free a shooter
An elevator screen creates separation by allowing the shooter to pass between two teammates before they close the space behind him. The movement resembles elevator doors shutting after someone steps through.
The defender now has to fight through traffic, trail the shooter or take a longer path around the screen. Even a brief delay can give the 4 enough room to catch, square up and shoot.
Coaches should emphasize a few details during practice:
- The shooter needs to attack the opening with pace.
- The screeners should stay patient until the shooter clears the gap.
- The inbounder should have the ball ready as soon as the passing window appears.
- Players away from the action need to maintain spacing and avoid drifting toward the lane.
A small timing mistake can turn an open three into a contested catch. Repetition helps the group learn when to cut, close the screen and deliver the pass.
Building the BLOB play counter
Once the defense has seen the elevator action, the same setup can produce a second scoring option. The offense repeats the familiar movement, but one player sets up slightly higher before selling a slower move toward the perimeter.
As the defense shifts its attention toward the expected elevator action, the cutter suddenly changes direction and attacks the rim. The 5 initially looks toward the shooter, then turns late and delivers the pass inside for a layup opportunity.
The counter works best when the opening movement looks almost identical to the first version. Any early change in pace, alignment or body language can alert defenders before the backdoor cut begins.
Why the counter can catch defenders leaning
Defenders tend to adjust after they see a successful action once. If the elevator screen creates a clean shot on the first attempt, they may start cheating toward the shooter the next time the offense lines up along the baseline.
The counter takes advantage of that attention. While defenders prepare to chase the shooter, the cutter can hesitate, wait for the defense to shift and then burst toward the basket.
A convincing change of pace helps sell the action. The cutter should appear relaxed for a moment before accelerating toward the rim, which makes the final move more difficult to anticipate.
4 coaching points for installing the play
Coaches should teach the original elevator action before adding the counter. Players need to understand the spacing, screening angles and timing of the first option before they can disguise the second one effectively.
Once the base action looks sharp, add the counter and focus on a few specific habits.
1. Sell the original action
Every player should make the opening movement look the same on both versions. The offense loses much of its deception if a player changes his stance, speed or alignment before the counter begins.
The shooter should still run the elevator route with purpose, even when he knows the ball is going elsewhere. A believable first option can pull defenders away from the eventual scoring cut.
2. Change speeds on the backdoor cut
The cutter shouldn’t sprint from the start. A brief hesitation can encourage the defender to relax, turn his head or shift toward the perimeter.
After that pause, the cutter should explode toward the basket. The sudden acceleration creates separation and gives the inbounder a cleaner target.
3. Use the inbounder’s eyes
The passer helps sell the play by looking toward the elevator action first. A strong glance toward the shooter can influence both the primary defender and any help defender watching the ball.
Once the defense reacts, the inbounder can quickly redirect the pass toward the cutter. The fake look works best when the passer stays patient and avoids rushing the sequence.
4. Protect the lane with good spacing
Players away from the final action should stay out of the paint. Extra bodies near the rim can shrink the passing window and bring unnecessary defenders into the play.
Clear spacing gives the cutter room to finish and gives the inbounder a cleaner angle. It also reduces the chance of a help defender stepping into the lane at the last second.
When to use this BLOB play
This BLOB play can fit several game situations because it gives the offense both a perimeter option and a finish near the rim. Coaches can use the first version to test how the defense handles the elevator screen, then return to the same alignment later with the counter.
The set can work especially well:
- After a timeout when players have time to organize the alignment.
- Late in a quarter when the offense needs a quick scoring chance.
- Against teams that aggressively chase shooters around screens.
- After the defense has already seen the elevator action.
- When a strong shooter attracts extra defensive attention.
- When the offense has a quick cutter who can finish around the rim.
Personnel can shape which option gets the first look. A reliable three-point shooter makes the elevator action dangerous, while an explosive cutter can turn the counter into an easy finish.
How to practice both options
Start by running the elevator action several times without defense so players can learn the spacing and timing. Next, add defenders and let the offense execute the same action at game speed.
Once the first version looks clean, introduce the backdoor counter. Coaches can alternate between the two calls so defenders don’t know which option is coming and offensive players learn to sell both versions the same way.
A simple practice progression could look like this:
- Walk through the elevator action without defenders.
- Run the elevator action at full speed against guided defense.
- Introduce the counter without changing the original alignment.
- Mix both options during live possessions.
- Finish with competitive reps where the defense has to recognize and react on its own.
Live reps help expose weak timing, poor spacing and telegraphed cuts. They also give the inbounder practice reading how defenders react to the first movement.
Add two scoring options from one baseline set
A useful BLOB play becomes even more effective when the offense can attack the defense in more than one way from the same formation. The elevator screen can create a clean perimeter shot, while the backdoor counter gives the offense a direct path to the basket once defenders start leaning toward the shooter.
Teach the first action until players can run it smoothly, then layer in the counter without changing the setup. With solid spacing, sharp timing and a convincing change of pace, one baseline out-of-bounds set can give your team two reliable scoring chances without overloading the playbook.
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