Girls Basketball Plays

The Play’s the Thing

Every basketball coach needs a few key plays in their arsenal that their players should have memorized well enough to be able to run them in their sleep.  Most coaches like to have 2 plays for inbounds, 2 offensive girls basketball plays, 2 defensive plays, and 1 or 2 press breaks and presses.  If coaches try to introduce too many plays, players can become confused and may start running the wrong play and the wrong time.  Try some of these girls basketball plays today! 

Stack Play

When looking for simple girls basketball plays, make sure to include at least one or two plays that are run from under the basket, such as this traditional stack play.  At the start of the play, the ball is in possession of the team’s best three-point shooter, while the other girls are lined up along one side of the lane facing the girl with the ball.  

The play begins when the player with the ball slaps the ball.  The first player in the line cuts to the basket, in position to receive a pass for a quick lay-up.  The next player in the line dashes towards the left corner of the court, while the next player in the line cross towards the right corner of the court.  These players attempt to distract the other team’s offense to clear the court for a nice shot.  Finally, the last player in the line dives straight down the lane looking for an opportunity to receive a pass. 

The player with the ball now has a number of options.  If the player near the basket is open, they are first choice for the pass, since they are closest to the basket.  If they are being blocked, the next choice is the final player from the line, who should be in position for a quick jump shot.  If this player is also blocked, the third option in this play is for the player to take a three-point shot from as close as they can get to the basket.  

Out-of-Bounds Plays 

These next two girls basketball plays are for playing an out-of-bounds throw in, which can be a crucial moment in any game, especially one with a tight score.  Each team should have at least 3 or 4 plays for this situation to maximize scoring chances.

For the first play, Player 1 stands at the free throw line, while Players 2 and 3 are positioned on opposite sides of the basket directly below the hoop.  Player 4 stands at center while player 5 throws the ball in from the side towards Player 2 or 3, depending on which side of the court they are on.  Instead of taking the shot, player 2 or 3 tosses it back to player 5, who makes the shot.  This play works well to confuse the offensive, who will be expecting one of the players on the floor, especially one of the two closer to the basket, to make the shot. 

Here’s another interesting out-of-bounds play.  Players 1 and 2 stand on either corner of the free throw line, while players 3 and 4 position themselves on either side of the basket.  In this play, player 2 serves as a screen for player 4.  Player 5 throws the ball in to player 4 as player 2 cuts to the basket.  As soon as player 2 is open, player 4 passes her the ball so that she can make a shot.  This play can also be run using players 1 and 3 in place of player 2 and 4.