5-Out Motion Offense for New Coaches
What Is the 5-Out Motion Offense?
The 5-out motion offense positions all 5 players outside the 3-point line and focuses on spacing, cutting, passing, and decision-making. It’s called “5-out” because no players are stationed inside the key—this opens driving lanes and encourages ball movement.
🧭 Setup
Top: 1 player at the top of the key.
Wings: 2 players at the free throw line extended (right and left wings).
Corners: 2 players in the low corners.
📌 Everyone starts outside the arc. It’s a positionless offense, meaning every player should learn to play every spot.
🧠 Core Principles
1. Pass and Cut
After passing, players basket cut hard toward the hoop.
If they don’t receive a return pass (a “give and go”), they exit to the opposite corner.
Example: Player passes right ➝ cuts through the key ➝ fills the left corner.
2. Fill the Open Spots
Every time a player cuts or drives, another player fills their vacated spot.
This keeps spacing consistent and players rotating.
3. Attack When You Can
Players should be encouraged to drive if there’s an open lane.
Don’t over-pass—read the defense and make confident moves.
4. Back Cuts Beat Overplays
If a defender denies a pass aggressively, players should back cut to the hoop.
This punishes overzealous defenders and maintains movement.
🔁 Simple Options After a Pass
Basket Cut – Most common (and easiest to teach).
Screen Away – Set a screen for the teammate on the opposite side.
On-Ball Screen – Set a pick for the ball handler.
Post-Up – For bigger players, occasionally stop in the paint after a cut.
🧪 4 Progression Drills to Teach 5-Out Motion
Drill 1: Warm-Up Give and Go
Two lines at half-court, players pass to the wing ➝ cut for a layup ➝ fill opposite corner.
Teaches pass, cut, and quick recovery.
Drill 2: Basic Fill Drill
Cones guide dribbling ➝ player passes to wing ➝ cuts through ➝ teammate fills top.
Reinforces spacing and replacement rotation.
Drill 3: Full 5-Out Cycle
5 players run full offense:
Pass to wing ➝ cut ➝ fill ➝ swing to corner ➝ cut ➝ fill again.
Ends in layup.
Drill 4: Add Live Defense
One defender on ball.
Teach 1-on-1 decision-making, defensive rotation, and offensive reads like screen options or back cuts.
📈 Why Use 5-Out for Youth Teams?
✅ Simple but powerful
✅ Teaches basketball IQ (cutting, spacing, reading defenses)
✅ Develops all-around skills (passing, dribbling, shooting)
✅ Encourages team play – everyone touches the ball
✅ Perfect for undersized teams – creates space
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Watch For
Players standing still after passing – fix this early.
Not filling open spots – leads to crowded areas and turnovers.
Cutting without purpose – cuts must be hard and timed.
Ignoring open driving lanes – encourage aggression!
🔄 Advanced Variations (Once the Basics Are Solid)
Rejecting a screen ➝ into staggered screens
Flare screens for shooters (like Davidson and the Celtics use)
“Boston” or “Strong” action: point guard and trailer set stagger screens after a reversal
Screen the screener actions for more layers
🧰 Final Coaching Tips
Start simple: Focus first on pass, cut, and fill.
Repetition is key: Drills should be short, high-rep, and game-like.
Encourage decision-making: Let players read the defense and decide whether to cut, drive, or shoot.
Progress step-by-step: Don’t overload. Add screens and advanced options later.
