Basketball players/coaches - Who inbounds the ball?

[MotionMan]

Generally speaking, which player inbounds the ball?

I do not recall what we did when I was in high school. Since I have been coaching the last few years, I always had the 4 inbound (I am not sure why, but it has worked out pretty well to date).

We are about to start a new season and I just wanted to get some input on this subject.

MotionMan

 

[3chordcharlie]

Somebody tall who can handle the ball.

So on an average team, the 4 is probably the one.

Edit - handle as in 'throw where they intend to'

 

[MotionMan]

Somebody tall who can handle the ball.

So on an average team, the 4 is probably the one.

Edit - handle as in 'throw where they intend to'

That was probably why I picked the 4.

As I think about it, the 1 and 2 are too short and the 5 too valuable on offense. That leaves the 3 and 4 and, usually on our team, the 3 is not a good player (sort of the right field of basketball).

I guess I will stick with the 4.

MotionMan

 

[D1gger]

When I played, it depended on where the throw in was happening. In the back court is was always one of the guards, throwing in to generally the other guard. Under the front court basket, it was often one of forwards, who would have a little extra height and reach to avoid the defender.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Height helps but I'd say passing ability is just as important. Also depends on the play being run.
Check YouTube the quality of basketball how to's on there are top notch

 

[MotionMan]

When I played, it depended on where the throw in was happening. In the back court is was always one of the guards, throwing in to generally the other guard. Under the front court basket, it was often one of forwards, who would have a little extra height and reach to avoid the defender.

I want to have it be the same position inbounding at all times to keep it simple. I run some pretty sophisticated stuff for this age level, and I do not want this to be that complicated. I also want the same 1-3 players to know what to do. If I mix who does what, that opens it up to 5-6 players handling the inbound.

Generally speaking, I have the 4 do it. Last season, one of our 4's was pretty terrible, so when I really wanted the inbound to result in a score, I would have my son do it - he was shorter than our 4's, but he is smart, he has played in my system for 3 seasons and knows all the plays from all the positions (typical coaches son).

I think I will stick with the 4, but will reevaluate once I get a chance to check out our players (roster comes out next week and practices start soon thereafter).

MotionMan

 

[Homerboy]

Honestly, depends on the level of play. The younger kids, where you have a WIDE range of talent, you need somebody who can pass, and pass smart. I usually have our 2 do it.

I coach 2 teams right now, but I'd never let our big men inbound it as they just aren't good enough. Not to mention all our inbounds plays are designed to get them the ball under the hoop.

Wit the 2 doing it, if the 4 or 5 doesn't get open as the play is designed, we have a the 1 as a safety valve.

 

[Miramonti]

I agree with Homerboy. Height is good but decision making and passing ability are just as important if not more so. The 4 or 5 is fine for inbounding after a basket, but when running plays off the inbounds, bigs are good for setting screens and setting up near the basket.

 

[tfinch2]

It depends on the inbounds play being ran and the personnel on the floor. Usually a shooter though as 80% of the time you can kick it back to them after they step in bounds for an open jumper.