In basketball, whenever a team scores a basket, calls a timeout or loses possession, play resumes with a set inbounds play, which involves passing the ball from out of bounds into the court. The precise location of the inbounds play varies, depending on the reason for the stoppage, with most coming from the baseline or the end line. Coaches use a different strategies to defend inbounds plays in an effort to force a bad pass or cause the offensive team to take more than five seconds, resulting in a delay of game and change of possession.
Disrupt
On an inbounds play, the defensive team has a distinct advantage with five players guarding four potential pass receivers. Coaches can use the extra man to jam the opposition and disrupt any potential passing opportunities. In this style of defense, defenders lock onto their respective opponent and play hard-nosed, in-your-face defense, denying the ball and never switching to another man. The fifth defender aggressively plays the passer, jumping and doing whatever else is necessary to limit options, or he can double the nearest receiver.
Jump Switch
Offensive teams run screens to free a man to receive the inbounds pass. To combat these screens, defenders can jump switch, leaving one player to cover another. This style of defense requires more communication and teamwork. However, proper jump switching can intercept passes and lead to turnovers.
Trap
In a trap scheme, defenders don't try to deny the inbounds pass. Instead, defenders allow the first pass and then quickly double-team the receiver, springing a trap that may result in a turnover. Even if the offense can avoid committing a turnover, the trap often disrupts the offensive flow and hinders efficient ball movement.
Triangle and Two
A combination of a man defense and a zone defense, a triangle and two strategy calls for three defenders to form a triangle zone, stretching and waving their arms to cover as much court as possible. The remaining two defenders chase or play the nearest two passing options in an aggressive man defense.
Box and One
Another combination defense, the box and one, uses four defenders in a zone scheme, deploying them in a basic box design or even a diamond shape. The fifth defender plays man, aggressively denying the most obvious pass receiver. Ideally, the inbounds passer will shy away from the man defense and force the ball into the heart of the box, leading to a potential turnover.
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