4-Out 1-In Motion

The 4-Out 1-In motion offense consists of 4 players spread out behind the three-point line and 1 post player inside the lane. The 4-out 1-in motion is run using a set of rules that help players in making their own decisions based on reading the defense.

Strengths of 4-Out 1-In Motion Offense:

1. Teaches players how to play basketball – This offense allows players to develop because it forces them to learn how to read the defense and make decisions based off what they’re seeing the defense do.
2. Spaces the court – The 4-out players around the perimeter are close enough to make direct passes but far enough away that one defender can’t guard two players. It’s the ideal offense for a team that has players who can penetrate the basketball and players who can knock down an outside shot.
3. Can adjust to any team’s talent – There are so many actions that go with this offense and a player can adjust it to fit their team. If a team is tall and athletic, the offense can focus on using the space to attack the rim, curling off screens, and back cuts. If a team shoots a high percentage, the offense can use the space to attack and kick for open shots. The options are endless.
4. Maximizes dribble penetration – Due to the great spacing of the offense, the driving lanes are going to be wide open. And as long as the post player and perimeter players don’t get closer as the offense moves along, there will be many opportunities to attack the rim off the dribble.
5. Difficult to scout – The 4-out 1-in offense can be difficult to figure out for defenses because it’s a true read-and-react offense which makes it hard to scout and defend.

Weaknesses of 4-Out 1-In Motion Offense:

1. Can be difficult to learn – Because this offense revolves around a defense that requires reading an opponent. This can be hard to understand at first because it takes time for players to learn what to do on certain reads. With more experience and playing time, this offense becomes easier.
2. Poor shooting percentage – It’s harder to hide a poor shooter with this offense because if the defense realizes a player can’t shoot then it allows the defender to sag off of them. When this happens it disrupts dribbling, cutting, and passing lanes as well as makes it difficult for players to post up.
3. Lack of movement – The critical part of this offense being successful is motion and if a team fails at attacking, cutting, and screening then they may get stagnant and start watching the ball more than moving to get open. Without movement, it’s easy for the defense to guard and make stops.
4. Post players – In order for this offense to be effective a team needs a solid post player who can be a scoring threat. If the defense doesn’t have to guard a post player, it makes it harder for the team to score as a whole.

The 4-out 1-in motion offense can be run by any team. The base of this offense comes with so many different scoring options that all can be adjusted depending on the skills level and strength/weaknesses of players.

This offense is highly recommended for teams with a strong post player and outside shooters who understand the importance of spacing and ball movement. The spacing on the court makes it an easy offense to get the ball into the post player who can either score or find open shooters. If a team has the inside-outside combination, this offense will be hard to stop.

A team successful with the motion offense must be able to read the defense and make offense moves accordingly. If each player can understand what they’re looking for out of their offense and are good decision makers then there’s going to be an open scoring opportunity every trip to the offensive end.

4-Out 1-In Motion Offense Rules:

1. Space the floor – If there’s anything a player needs to be sure their team does its space the floor. Perimeter players should be about 18 feet from each other which keeps the floor open for the offense to works its magic.
2. Cut hard every time – Cutting is a big part of this offense. Because of that, every cut needs to be with a purpose as if a player is going to receive the ball. A team should make sure their cutter is calling for the ball and has their hands ready.
3. Pass and Move – Players around the perimeter should be constantly moving which means each time they pass the ball, they need to move. A team never wants their passers to be standing still after they have made a pass.
4. Watch for the open look – It’s crucial for the player with the ball to see the open player and be ready to make the pass. This offense involves a tremendous amount of cutting and screening; both of which are going to provide a player with plenty of scoring opportunities as long as their passer is ready and makes the pass on time for the open shot.
5. Catch looking to shoot every single time – With each catch of a pass, players must be ready to shoot the ball. If their offense has executed perfectly for the open shot they must make the defense pay by being ready to knock it down!
6. Do not dribble excessively – Players must be smart with dribble and not immediately put the ball on the floor. They should take a split second to read the floor and see what the defense is doing – then use their dribble to attack the rim, come off a ball screen, or create a better passing angle for a teammate.