The play described below is provided for your review and discussion. The rulings given are based on NFHS rules. NCAA rulings may be different.
Late in the 4th quarter Team B scores and Team A requests and is granted a timeout. After the timeout all five Team A players line up out of bounds along the end line. Once the ball is put at the disposal of Team A for the throw-in, the Team A players begin moving around along the end line. After a couple of seconds, four Team A players break onto the court in different directions and A-1, who has the ball, passes the ball to A-3 breaking toward the sideline. The Team B coach claims that this play by Team A is illegal. Is the Team B coach correct?
The coach is NOT correct. After a score the team inbounding the ball may have multiple players out of bounds. That team may pass the ball to other teammates out of bounds. The rules requirement is that the ball must be released on a pass inbounds within five seconds.
(References: Rule 7-5-7, 9-2-4)
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Great question! Very unusual play, but would be definitely confuse the defensive team and be a good play to try!