In-bounder returning to the floor
 

Can someone please define to me what the requirement is for the person who is making an in-bound pass, as far as how quickly and direct a path they need to make to return to the floor?

I believe the rule says they have to immediately enter the floor. I do not think it is specified what that actually means. I just tell the player to "get on the floor" if they delay at all and usually it is a non-issue.

Peace

I don't care about this that much, sometimes the inbounder makes the pass and just stands there waiting to see if their super-secret inbound play worked. Unless he ends up staying OOB and running around to gain an advantage then I leave it alone. They usually come back in pretty quick when they realize it doesn't help their team playing 5 on 4.

Let's Go To The Videotape ...
 

10-3-2: A player shall not:
ART. 2 Purposely and/or deceitfully delay returning after legally being out
of bounds.

10.3.2 SITUATION A: A1 has the ball out of bounds for a throw-in. A1 completes
the throw-in to A2 and then purposefully delays his/her return by taking
four or five steps along the end line prior to coming inbounds behind a screen set
by A3 and A4. A1 gets a return pass from A2 and takes an unchallenged try for
goal. RULING: A1 is charged with a technical foul for purposefully delaying
his/her return to the court following the throw-in. A1’s movement out of bounds
along the end line was to take advantage of the screen and return to the court in
a more advantageous position.

The most often seen case is the coach's idea of a great play, on an in-bounding pass, along the endline. After the thrower releases the ball, he/she will cross to the other side of the key, while out of bounds, to gain an advantage of a screen set by teammates, on one or the other side of the lane. When I recognize this tactic, I immediately say, "Get on the floor!"
Usually, one or two steps from the thrower's position, at the time of releasing the ball, before reentering the playing floor is not an issue.

Rule 10-3-2 states: A player shall not purposefully and/or deceitfully delay returning after legally being out of bounds.
And Case Book 10.3.2 Situation A gives a scenario that fits the question.