5-Out Motion Offense for New Coaches
Quick coach guide
This offense creates space, teaches movement, and gives all five players a role—no complicated sets required. Use this as your foundation for building a team that moves with purpose and makes the right reads without relying on position labels.
Setup
1 player at the top of the key
2 players on the wings (free-throw line extended)
2 players in the corners
Everyone starts behind the three-point line. This clears the paint and allows for constant motion through passes, cuts, and spacing.
Core rules
1. Pass and cut
After a pass, the player cuts hard to the rim. If not open, they exit through to the opposite corner.
2. Fill the open spot
When someone cuts, another player fills the empty perimeter spot. This rotation keeps spacing balanced.
3. Drive if there’s space
If a defender closes out late or there’s a gap in the defense, encourage immediate drives to attack the paint.
4. Back cut when denied
If a defender is playing tight and denying a pass, the player back cuts to the rim to maintain flow and punish pressure.
Options after a pass
Basic basket cut (most common and easiest to install)
Screen away to help a teammate get open
Set an on-ball screen for the ball handler
Post up for bigs after cutting, especially when they’ve sealed deep
Coach’s cues
“Pass and move”
“Cut to score”
“Fill where it’s empty”
“Back cut if you’re denied”
Why the 5-out motion offense works
The 5-out motion offense is popular at all levels—from youth to the pros—because of its clarity, flexibility, and player development value.
This offense spreads the floor, simplifies roles, and encourages real-time decision-making. Whether you’re coaching 5th graders or a varsity squad, 5-out teaches movement, spacing, and how to play unselfishly.
A true positionless system
The 5-out motion puts five players around the arc, allowing for continuous motion and driving opportunities. It removes the need for a traditional post and lets every player touch the ball, pass, cut, and read the floor.
The goal isn’t running scripted plays—it’s creating spacing and structure so your players can attack, pass, and cut with intention.
Benefits for youth coaches
Easy to install
Every player stays active and involved
Builds basketball IQ through simple reads
Great for teams without size
Encourages teamwork and unselfish play
Young players learn to move after passing, cut hard with purpose, and recognize basic defensive cues (like when to back cut or fill a spot).
Benefits for high school coaches
Gives your offense structure without rigidity
Makes your team harder to scout
Adapts to different lineups and player strengths
Scales up with advanced layers (screens, slips, flare actions)
Teaches players how to play, not just how to run plays
You can still run ATOs and sets—5-out becomes your default structure when the play breaks down.
How to teach it: four progression drills
Drill 1: give-and-go layup series
Two lines at half court. Player passes to the wing, cuts for the layup, then fills to the opposite corner. Emphasizes timing and finishing.
Drill 2: fill drill with cones
Players simulate cutting and filling after a pass. Use cones or spots to reinforce correct spacing and perimeter movement.
Drill 3: full 5-out cycle
Five players run continuous pass-cut-fill actions across the perimeter. End with a layup, open jumper, or backdoor finish.
Drill 4: live defense progression
Start 2-on-2 or 3-on-3. Emphasize reacting to defense: back cuts, on-ball screens, driving gaps. Let players play through reads in real time.
Common mistakes to watch for
Standing after passing—players must cut or screen immediately
Not filling spots—leaves gaps and breaks spacing
Lazy cuts—teach players to cut to score, not just rotate
Ignoring the drive—remind players to recognize closeouts and attack lanes
Correcting these habits early is key to keeping the offense clean and dangerous.
Advanced layers you can add later
Once your players master the pass-cut-fill cycle, layer in:
Rejecting screens into staggered options
Flare screens off weak side action
Screen-the-screener sequences
“Boston” or “strong” actions with trailer screens and reversals
Drive-and-drift spacing into three-point looks
These actions keep the offense dynamic without overhauling the foundation.
Final thoughts
The 5-out motion offense teaches the game the right way.
It’s not about memorizing plays—it’s about understanding spacing, reacting to defenders, and building habits that scale. You’re not just installing an offense—you’re teaching your team how to play.
Start simple with pass, cut, and fill. Let your players rep it, read it, and run it. Over time, it becomes second nature—and your offense becomes harder to guard every possession.
Need printable diagrams, drill cards, or a practice plan for 5-out motion? Let me know—I'll help you build it.
