Many coaches struggle with reliable sideline out of bounds plays because defenses anticipate basic sets, zones clog passing lanes, and man-to-man pressure forces hurried decisions. Without proven, high-percentage options that include counters, variations, and clear reads, even talented teams settle for desperation shots or failed inbounds. The good news? You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. The best 10 sideline out of bounds plays aren’t just random ideas—they come from battle-tested resources created by experienced coaches who have won games with these exact sets.
This comprehensive guide cuts through the noise to deliver the ultimate resource for finding those game-changing plays. We’ll review and compare the top-rated playbooks, coaching books, DVDs, and digital collections available today (updated for 2025 relevance), focusing on those that emphasize sideline out-of-bounds (SLOB) situations. Whether you’re coaching beginners who need simple, teachable sets or advanced teams requiring multi-option plays with zone-busting counters, you’ll get the tools to make informed decisions.
Why do sideline out of bounds plays matter so much? In late-game and special situations, execution efficiency skyrockets with structured plays—teams with solid SLOB sets often convert at higher rates than random inbounds, turning potential turnovers into high-percentage scoring chances. We’ll explore the key elements that make a great SLOB play (like multiple scoring options, quick counters against pressure, and simplicity for fast teaching) and how the right resource addresses common pitfalls.
By the end, you’ll have everything needed to choose the perfect playbook or video series for your team’s level, style, and needs—complete with detailed reviews, comparisons, pros/cons, pricing insights, and direct recommendations. Ready to turn those sideline moments into wins? Let’s dive in and equip your team with the best 10 sideline out of bounds plays resources that top coaches trust.
Why Sideline Out of Bounds Plays Are Game-Changers
Sideline out of bounds plays (SLOBs) are essential in basketball because they occur frequently in high-pressure moments: after timeouts, fouls, deflections, or when the ball goes out near the sideline. Unlike baseline inbounds (closer to the basket), sideline situations offer more space but face heavier defensive pressure, making execution critical. A well-designed SLOB can create high-percentage shots (layups, open threes, or post-ups) while forcing defenses to scramble.
Key factors for effective SLOB plays include:
- Multiple scoring options to counter defensive adjustments.
- Counters for zones (e.g., 2-3 or 1-3-1) and man-to-man.
- Simplicity for quick teaching and reliable execution.
- Adaptability to team personnel (e.g., shooters, cutters, bigs).
Common mistakes include relying on one predictable play, poor spacing, or ignoring defensive tendencies—leading to turnovers or low-percentage shots. The right resource provides diagrams, breakdowns, and variations to fix these issues, helping coaches build a robust special situations package.
How We Selected the Best Resources
We evaluated dozens of coaching resources based on current Amazon data (ratings, reviews, sales rank), coach credentials (college/pro experience), number of SLOB plays, focus on sideline situations, recency, format (book vs. video), and overall value. Priority went to comprehensive, diagram-heavy materials with proven plays from successful coaches. We prioritized user intent: helping coaches quickly implement plays that win games.
Top 10 Best Sideline Out of Bounds Plays Resources – Detailed Reviews & Comparison
Comparison Table
| Rank | Resource Name | Format & Key Strength | Best For | Approx. Price | Amazon Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Basketball: Sideline Out of Bounds Plays by José María Salazar Aguilera | Book (Kindle/Print) – Proven high-percentage sets | All levels | 4.8/5 (high praise for diagrams) | |
| 2 | BasketballCoach.com presents: 28 Game-Winning, Sideline Out-of-Bounds Plays by Austin McBeth | DVD/Video – Late-game focus | High school/college | $39.99 | 4.7/5 (coaches love execution tips) |
| 3 | Baseline to Baseline Special Situations by Fran Fraschilla | DVD – Comprehensive special situations | Advanced coaches | 4.6/5 (ESPN analyst credibility) | |
| 4 | Full Court Plays and Sideline Out-of-Bounds Sets by Jamion Christian | DVD – Full-court integration | Competitive teams | $39.99 | 4.5/5 (practical drills) |
| 5 | Best-of-the-Best Series: Over 50 Sensational Sideline Plays by Winning Hoops | DVD – 50+ plays | Youth/high school | 4.6/5 (variety) | |
| 6 | Blackboard Strategies: Over 200 Favorite Plays by Successful Coaches | Book – Includes SLOB section | General coaching | 4.4/5 (timeless classics) | |
| 7 | Coaching Middle School Basketball: Baseline Out-of-Bounds Plays by Nick Cammarano (adaptable to sideline) | DVD – Easy-to-teach | Youth/middle school | 4.5/5 (beginner-friendly) | |
| 8 | Basketball: Out of Bounds Plays by José María Salazar Aguilera (includes sideline) | Book – Broad coverage | All levels | $2.99 | 4.7/5 (detailed options) |
| 9 | Baseline & Sideline Out of Bounds Plays, Late-Game Strategies | Book – Late-game focus | High school | $39.99 | 4.6/5 (strategies included) |
| 10 | Winning the Game within the Game: Special Teams Play for Basketball | Book – SLOB emphasis | Junior/college | 4.5/5 (special situations) |
1. Basketball: Sideline Out of Bounds Plays by José María Salazar Aguilera
This book is a focused collection of proven sideline out of bounds plays, emphasizing high-percentage shots with 2–3 options per set. Author José María Salazar Aguilera draws from years of coaching experience to provide clear diagrams and explanations.
Price:
Key features and benefits: Detailed breakdowns of plays like “Box Zipper,” “Flex,” and “Mid Screen”; counters for man and zone defenses; easy-to-follow diagrams for quick implementation.
Pros: Affordable, specific to SLOB, high-percentage focus. Cons: Text-heavy; no video for visual learners.
Amazon customer ratings and reviews: 4.8/5 from limited but glowing reviews – coaches praise the practical, ready-to-run plays and clear diagrams.
Why it’s a good choice: Delivers exactly what coaches need for sideline situations without fluff, helping reduce turnovers and boost scoring.
Ideal use case / who should buy it: Coaches at any level seeking a budget-friendly, focused SLOB playbook.
2. BasketballCoach.com presents: 28 Game-Winning, Sideline Out-of-Bounds Plays by Austin McBeth
This video series from Championship Productions features Coach Austin McBeth’s 28 late-game SLOB plays designed to score in clutch moments.
Price: $39.99
Key features and benefits: Multiple formations, counters, and end-game strategies; video demonstrations for better teaching; emphasis on winning plays.
Pros: Visual learning, proven in games, variety of options. Cons: Higher price, DVD format (may need digital access).
Amazon customer ratings and reviews: 4.7/5 – Reviewers highlight how plays lead to actual wins and easy installation.
Why it’s a good choice: Provides game-winning focus with professional-level execution tips.
Ideal use case / who should buy it: High school and college coaches needing late-quarter SLOBs.
3. Baseline to Baseline Special Situations by Fran Fraschilla
This DVD from Championship Productions features ESPN college basketball analyst and former coach Fran Fraschilla breaking down a wide range of special situations, with a strong emphasis on sideline out-of-bounds plays alongside baseline sets, full-court presses, and game-winning actions.
Price:
Key features and benefits: In-depth video demonstrations of multiple SLOB formations; counters against man, zone, and pressure defenses; real-game examples from college level; includes teaching points, adjustments, and end-game strategy integration.
Pros: High credibility from a respected analyst/coach; excellent visual breakdowns; comprehensive coverage beyond just SLOBs. Cons: Higher price point; broader special situations focus means not 100% SLOB-exclusive.
Amazon customer ratings and reviews: 4.6/5 from dozens of reviews – Coaches frequently mention the “professional-level insights” and how the plays translate directly to high school/college success, with praise for Fraschilla’s clear explanations.
Why it’s a good choice: Offers elite-level thinking on SLOB execution, helping coaches design plays that exploit defensive weaknesses and avoid common traps.
Ideal use case / who should buy it: Advanced high school or college coaches who want nuanced, adaptable plays and value video instruction for teaching.
4. Full Court Plays and Sideline Out-of-Bounds Sets by Jamion Christian
Presented by former Siena College head coach Jamion Christian (now at George Washington), this DVD integrates sideline out-of-bounds plays with full-court offensive sets, drills, and transition concepts to keep defenses off-balance.
Price: $39.99
Key features and benefits: Detailed SLOB sets that flow into full-court motion; multiple options and counters; includes teaching progressions and competitive drills; strong emphasis on spacing and quick decisions.
Pros: Practical and modern approach; great for teams that press or run; high-energy presentation. Cons: SLOB section is part of a broader package, so not purely focused on inbounds.
Amazon customer ratings and reviews: 4.5/5 – Reviewers appreciate the “unstoppable” feel of the sets and how they help teams score consistently in late situations.
Why it’s a good choice: Builds a complete system around SLOBs, making them harder to scout and defend.
Ideal use case / who should buy it: Competitive high school or college programs looking to link inbounds plays with overall offensive philosophy.
5. Best-of-the-Best Series: Over 50 Sensational Sideline Plays by Winning Hoops
This DVD compiles over 50 sideline out-of-bounds plays from top coaches across levels, curated by Winning Hoops magazine for maximum variety and effectiveness.
Price:
Key features and benefits: Huge selection of plays (50+); short, focused clips for each; covers man, zone, and pressure defenses; easy to cherry-pick sets that fit your team.
Pros: Tremendous variety at a reasonable price; quick-reference format; proven by multiple coaches. Cons: Less in-depth breakdowns on individual plays; more of a “highlight reel” style.
Amazon customer ratings and reviews: 4.6/5 – Coaches love the sheer number of options and how it prevents defenses from anticipating patterns.
Why it’s a good choice: Ideal for building a deep playbook quickly without committing to one coach’s system.
Ideal use case / who should buy it: Youth and high school coaches who want lots of ideas to experiment with and adapt.
6. Blackboard Strategies: Over 200 Favorite Plays by Successful Coaches
A classic coaching book featuring contributions from dozens of successful coaches, including a dedicated section on sideline out-of-bounds plays among hundreds of total sets.
Price:
Key features and benefits: Timeless diagrams and explanations; SLOB plays from various eras and levels; broad coverage of offenses, defenses, and specials.
Pros: Inexpensive, comprehensive reference; great for long-term use. Cons: Older publication (may feel dated in presentation); SLOBs are only a portion.
Amazon customer ratings and reviews: 4.4/5 – Praised as a “must-have” coaching library staple with reliable, battle-tested plays.
Why it’s a good choice: Provides foundational SLOB concepts alongside other tools for well-rounded coaching.
Ideal use case / who should buy it: General basketball coaches building a complete playbook library on a budget.
7. Coaching Middle School Basketball: Baseline Out-of-Bounds Plays by Nick Cammarano (adaptable to sideline)
While focused on baseline, this DVD includes adaptable inbound concepts and simple SLOB variations suitable for younger players; emphasizes teaching fundamentals.
Price:
Key features and benefits: Beginner-friendly diagrams and progressions; stress on proper spacing and reads; easy modifications for sideline use.
Pros: Perfect for youth development; clear teaching methods. Cons: Not exclusively sideline-focused; requires adaptation.
Amazon customer ratings and reviews: 4.5/5 – Youth coaches rave about how it simplifies complex situations.
Why it’s a good choice: Builds confidence in teaching inbounds to less experienced players.
Ideal use case / who should buy it: Middle school or youth league coaches starting with basics.
8. Basketball: Out of Bounds Plays by José María Salazar Aguilera (includes sideline)
A companion to the top-ranked SLOB book, this broader collection covers both baseline and sideline plays with detailed options and counters.
Price: $2.99
Key features and benefits: 2–3 options per play; zone and man adjustments; clear, diagram-rich format.
Pros: Affordable and thorough; consistent author style. Cons: Overlap with the dedicated SLOB book.
Amazon customer ratings and reviews: 4.7/5 – Highly rated for practicality and high-percentage designs.
Why it’s a good choice: Gives complete inbound coverage if you want both baseline and sideline.
Ideal use case / who should buy it: Coaches wanting a paired set of inbound resources.
9. Baseline & Sideline Out of Bounds Plays, Late-Game Strategies
This book focuses on both baseline and sideline plays with added late-game and clutch strategies to maximize scoring chances.
Price: $39.99
Key features and benefits: Emphasis on end-of-quarter execution; multiple variations; strategic insights beyond diagrams.
Pros: Budget-friendly; clutch-focused. Cons: May be shorter than premium options.
Amazon customer ratings and reviews: 4.6/5 – Coaches note immediate game impact from the plays.
Why it’s a good choice: Targets winning in close games with SLOB emphasis.
Ideal use case / who should buy it: High school coaches prioritizing late-game wins.
10. Winning the Game within the Game: Special Teams Play for Basketball
A book highlighting special situations, including key sideline out-of-bounds plays, from a Canadian junior national perspective.
Price:
Key features and benefits: Focus on “hidden” plays that win games; detailed breakdowns; international coaching insights.
Pros: Unique angle; strong on execution under pressure. Cons: Less mainstream; fewer reviews.
Amazon customer ratings and reviews: 4.5/5 – Appreciated for fresh ideas in special situations.
Why it’s a good choice: Adds variety to standard U.S.-centric playbooks.
Ideal use case / who should buy it: Junior/college coaches seeking diverse special-teams approaches.
Head-to-Head Comparison & Buying Guide
- Best Overall: #1 Basketball: Sideline Out of Bounds Plays by José María Salazar Aguilera – Focused, affordable, high ratings.
- Best Budget: #1 or #9 – Under $15 with strong SLOB content.
- Best for Youth/Middle School: #5 or #7 – Simple, high-volume or beginner-friendly.
- Best Video-Based: #2 or #3 – Visual demos from proven coaches.
- Most Comprehensive: #3 Baseline to Baseline or #4 Full Court – Broader systems with SLOB integration.
Decision factors: Choose video for visual learners/teaching ease; books for portability and reference. Match to team level—youth need simplicity, advanced need counters/variations. Budget under $20? Go book. Want game-winning focus? Prioritize #2 or #9.
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
The best 10 sideline out of bounds plays resources above give you proven, ready-to-implement sets from trusted coaches. Our top 3 picks:
- José María Salazar Aguilera’s book for pure SLOB focus and value.
- Austin McBeth’s 28 Game-Winning DVD for clutch execution.
- Fran Fraschilla’s DVD for elite-level insights.
Pick based on your needs, then practice relentlessly—great plays only work with sharp execution. Check current prices and reviews via the Amazon links below to grab yours today and start turning sideline possessions into points.
Bonus tips: Teach one play per week, film walkthroughs, scout opponent defenses, and add counters as players master basics.
FAQs
What are sideline out of bounds plays? Inbound passes from the sideline (after ball goes out or timeouts), designed to create scoring chances despite defensive pressure.
How many SLOB plays should a team have? 3–5 core sets with variations/counters—enough to be unpredictable but not overwhelming.
Are these suitable for youth basketball? Yes, especially #5, #7—focus on simple, safe sets that teach fundamentals.
Free vs. paid resources — why invest? Free YouTube plays work for basics, but paid resources offer diagrams, counters, coaching insights, and proven success—worth it for consistent wins.
