4-Out 1-In Motion Offense: How to Free Up Drivers and Maximize Spacing
Setup
4 players on the perimeter: 2 in the slots, 2 on the wings.
1 post player inside: Positioned on the opposite side of the ball.
Offensive Rules
Pass and Cut
Every pass = a basket cut.
Teammates fill the open perimeter spots.
Keep the Post Opposite
Post player moves away from the ball to create driving lanes.
Drive-and-Kick Mentality
Collapse the defense, then kick to shooters.
If no help comes, finish strong.
Backdoor When Overplayed
If the defense denies the pass hard → backcut.
Triple Threat on Every Catch
Catch ready to shoot, drive, or pass.
Key Teaching Points
“Spacing is sacred.”
“Pass, cut, and don’t stand.”
“Drive to score, not to pass—then read the help.”
What to Expect
Easy to install at any level
Great for guards who can drive
Post players stay active and involved
Offense teaches itself once habits are built
What Is the 4-Out 1-In Offense?
The 4-Out 1-In Motion Offense places four perimeter players around the three-point arc and one post player inside. The goal? Create spacing, attack gaps, and play through reads, not plays.
Used by high school teams, college programs, and even youth basketball coaches, this system is flexible enough to adapt to your team’s strengths—but powerful enough to stretch the floor and open driving lanes.
Why It’s Great for Youth Basketball Coaches
Youth players often struggle with:
Standing still after passing
Overcrowding the lane
Waiting for the ball
This offense solves all of that.
Benefits for youth teams:
Teaches cutting, spacing, and reading defenders
Keeps all five players moving
Creates layup and kick-out opportunities without complicated plays
Pair it with youth basketball drills that emphasize passing, cutting, and finishing.
Why It Scales for High School Basketball Coaching
At the high school level, this offense provides:
Drive-and-kick actions your guards can read on the fly
Post touches without needing set calls
A foundation for motion-based concepts like flare screens, dribble handoffs, and backdoors
It’s one of the most complete offensive plays systems for programs building long-term basketball IQ.
Core Concepts to Emphasize
1. Drive-and-Kick Execution
Guard attacks a gap → defender helps → kick to open shooter.
Re-space immediately after the pass to keep balance.
Tip: Run “kick + extra pass” drills to train timing and vision.
2. Post Player Positioning
Post stays opposite the ball.
On baseline drives → flash to dunker’s spot.
On middle drives → drift to short corner or high post.
Post players must be active and alert—not just waiting to score.
3. Pass, Cut, Fill Motion
Pass → basket cut → fill open perimeter spot.
Cutting pulls defenders and frees up driving lanes.
No ball-watching—everyone moves with purpose.
This is one of the best coaching tips for beginners: teach “pass and go” as a habit.
Drills to Reinforce the Offense
1. Drive-and-Kick Drill
3 perimeter players + 1 post
Player drives, kicks to shooter, shooter makes extra pass or drives
Progression:
Add 1 defender and play 1-on-1 after the kick.
2. Post Reaction Drill
Ball handler drives; post moves based on drive angle.
Finish with drop-off or short jumper.
Progression:
Add help-side defender to simulate real help rotation.
3. 2-on-2 Advantage Drill
1 guard, 1 post vs. 2 defenders
On-ball defender delayed → ball handler attacks
Post reads penetration and adjusts
Goal:
Train both players to read pressure and spacing in motion.
4. Motion Cutting Drill
Pass, cut, fill — run continuous 3-man motion
Emphasize speed, direction, and sharp cuts
Progression:
Add a live defender for backdoor cut opportunities.
5. Full-Perimeter Flow Drill
Slot-to-wing passes, cuts, and fills
Work through 4-out flow while rotating through all spots
Goal:
Build chemistry and communication through repetition.
Teaching Backdoor Cuts
Teach players to recognize overplay pressure
If defender is face-guarding or bodying up → cut behind
Must go behind the defender, not ball-side
This cut is key to punishing aggressive defenses.
Post Player Responsibilities
Seal defender early if open
Flash into scoring space during drives
Be ready for drop-offs or quick dives
Always reset to the opposite side of the ball
Why It Works at Any Level
Youth Teams:
Repetitive structure builds rhythm
Emphasizes spacing and movement
Perfect for teaching roles and reading help
High School Teams:
Adds drive-kick freedom
Simplifies entry to motion
Works with or without elite talent
Advanced Teams:
Foundation for adding ball screens, flare screens, or continuity motion
Final Thoughts – Teach Rhythm Through Spacing
The 4-Out 1-In Motion Offense is simple to install, but powerful when taught with detail.
Teach your players to:
Move off the ball
Use spacing to create driving lanes
Make unselfish, quick decisions
It’s not about running plays.
It’s about creating layers of movement and reads your players can execute at any level.
And when that happens, your offense doesn’t just run—it flows.
