Out-of-bounds possession underneath the basket at which you are shooting comes up often during a game. This is a good opportunity to score if your players can get the ball to a place on the floor where a makeable shot can be taken. This article describes basketball strategies which allow your team to get the ball to favorable places on the court. Then your players get makeable shots that are likely to increase your team score.

First, it is good to instill in your players a dedication to running their out-of-bounds plays under the basket as it is a great opportunity to score. I like to get my players to salivate at these out-of-bounds situations on offense as these give them the possibility of some relatively easy baskets, especially if they can catch the defense out of position.

I recommend starting with an arrangement in which 2 of your players are moving to spots near the basket. The other 2 players are to move to places where safe passes can be made to retain possession of the ball. The first option for your passer is to pass to one of his/her teammates near the basket. If one of those players near the basket receives the ball, a shot must be taken. All 5 of your players follow that shot in case it is missed.

The next option for your passer is to pass away from the defense to a teammate who can easily catch the pass. Against a zone defense this can often be to the corner or foul line extended. Against man-to-man defense, a pick could free your player for an easy pass. 

Once this first pass is completed, your passer is to make a strong effort to move to an open space for a return pass and makeable shot. Often the defense momentarily forgets about this first passer. If your players are looking for this first passer, a makeable shot often develops. If the defense starts focusing on this first passer, a makeable shot often develops in a spot near where this first passer goes.

If a return pass does not open up for your first passer, now your offense ought to move the ball quickly but accurately from one side of the floor to the other, often called "swinging the ball". This is done to catch the defense out of position, so that one of your players will be open for a makeable shot.

I recommend keeping a tally of outcomes from your out-of bounds plays both in practice and in games. You can communicate these results to your players. The first goal ought to be to get a makeable shot on each out-of bounds possession under the basket at which you are shooting. The next goal is to make as many of these shots as possible. It is exciting to note your team's progress in this area as it can be the difference between losing and winning some games.