4 out 1 in motion offense: pass, cut, and post entry
4 out 1 in motion offense step by step
- 1
Four players on the perimeter: two guards up top and two wings. O2 passes to O3 on the right wing, and O5 slides across the lane to the ball-side block.
- 2
O2 cuts to the basket after the pass. O5 holds the block and stays out of the cutter's path.
- 3
O2 isn't open, so O2 keeps going and fills the left wing. O4 moves up to the left slot and O1 slides over to the right slot.
- 4
The lane is clear, so O3 passes into O5 on the block. O3 then moves down to the right corner to give O5 room.
- 5
O5 can score one on one or kick out to an open shooter. Every perimeter player is spaced so one defender can't help and guard two players.
When to use a 4 out 1 in motion offense
Use a 4 out 1 in motion offense when you have one player who is best near the basket, either a tall kid or a strong one who finishes well. The post gets touches inside while the other four still pass, cut, and shoot from the perimeter.
It works as a motion offense for youth teams from about 9U. It's a good next step after 5 out, because players already know pass and cut and now learn to play around a post.
See also: 5 out motion offense
4 out 1 in motion offense rules
Post player (O5)
When the ball goes to a wing, get to the ball-side block and post up. When a teammate cuts to the basket, stay out of the cutter's path. If the ball is at the top, flash to the high post. If you don't get it after two or three seconds, go to the other block and try again.
Passer
After you pass, cut hard to the basket. If you don't get the ball, keep going and fill an open perimeter spot. Don't stop in the lane, because the post needs that space.
Wings
Your first look on the catch is the cutter, then the post, then a shot or drive. After you pass into the post, move so your defender can't help on the post. Dropping to the corner works well.
Guards up top
Keep the ball moving side to side. When a spot next to you opens, fill it. Stay 12 to 15 feet from your nearest teammate.
How the post player fits in a 4 out 1 in motion offense
The hard part of this offense is keeping the post and the cutters from ending up in the same spot. The simplest rule for young teams: the post plays on the ball side, and cutters go through the lane and out the other side.
Teach the post to seal the defender with their body, show a target hand, and keep the lane open for cutters. A post who stands in the middle of the lane blocks every cut.
Post entries work best from the wing. The wing should pass away from the post defender, usually with a bounce pass, and then relocate so the post has a kick-out option.
4 out 1 in drill: 5-on-0 into 5-on-3
- Put four players on the perimeter spots and one post on the block. Run pass, cut, and fill with no defense. The post slides to the ball-side block each time the ball goes to a wing.
- After eight passes, the wing with the ball throws into the post, who scores or kicks out.
- Add three defenders who can guard anyone. The offense must make five passes and one post touch before it shoots.
- Finish with 5-on-5 for three possessions each way.
Coaching point Watch the lane after every cut. If the cutter stops in the lane or the post floats to the middle, the next cutter has nowhere to go. Stop the drill and reset spacing right away.
Common 4 out 1 in motion offense mistakes
- The post player standing in the middle of the lane, which takes away every cut.
- Cutters stopping on the block where the post is trying to play.
- Wings passing into the post and standing still, so their defender can double the post.
- Perimeter players drifting toward the ball, which lets one defender guard two players.
- Only looking for the post, so the other four players stop cutting.
4 out 1 in vs. 5 out motion offense
Both run on pass, cut, and fill. The 5 out keeps all five players on the perimeter, so the lane is empty for cutters and drives. The 4 out 1 in keeps one player inside to post up and rebound. If you have one strong post player, 4 out 1 in gets them the ball. If you don't, 5 out gives more room.
4 out 1 in motion offense FAQ
What is a 4 out 1 in motion offense?
A motion offense with four players spread outside the 3-point line and one player in the post. The perimeter players pass, cut, and fill open spots, and the post player moves with the ball to get open near the basket.
What is the best motion offense for youth basketball?
Many coaches start young teams with 5 out motion, then move to 4 out 1 in once they have a post player. Both teach passing, cutting, and spacing.
Where does the post player go in a 4 out 1 in offense?
Usually the ball-side block when the ball is on the wing, and the high post when the ball is at the top. The post moves out of the way when a teammate cuts to the basket.
Does 4 out 1 in work against a zone?
Pass and cut is built for man-to-man. Against a zone, keep the 4 out 1 in shape but put perimeter players in the gaps and move the post to open spots in the zone.