Throw-in Restrictions: Multiple Players Out-of-Bounds

This video highlights a tactical trend where teams attempt to position multiple players out of bounds during a throw-in. It is essential for officials to distinguish between situations following a made basket and those following a foul or violation. In this specific clip involving Arizona State, the throw-in follows a violation; therefore, only the designated thrower-in is permitted to be out of bounds. The crew demonstrates excellent awareness by instructing the extra players to move onto the floor before the ball is live. Maintaining sharp communication—especially coming out of media timeouts—ensures the crew isn't surprised by these specialized sets and correctly enforces the restrictions based on the cause of the dead ball.

Play BreakDown

This is a play that many teams / coaches are starting to draw up and it's important to understand when they can and cannot set up with multiple players out of bounds. In this clip the black team (Arizona State) is inbounding the ball after a violation not a made basket. Because this is after a foul/violation they are not permitting to have players, other than the thrower in, out of bounds. So the referees correctly instruct the players in black jerseys to move on to the playing floor.

Had this been a throw in after a made basket then the black team would be allowed to set up with multiple players out of bounds.

It's also important to note that this throw in occurs after coming back from the under 16 media timeout. The crew needs to have good communication and awareness so that we are not surprised by these plays.