4-Out Motion Spacing
Spacing
Legend
- player
- ball
- movement paths
How it works
Maintain proper 4-out offensive spacing while the ball moves around the perimeter against a live defense.
What you need
- basketball
- hoop
Your focus
4-out spacing is the most common modern offensive structure because it maximizes the space for one inside player to operate while keeping the perimeter spread. Players who understand and maintain 4-out spacing intuitively are ready for any motion offense at the high school or college level. This structure requires every player to understand spacing principles.
Run 4v4 with 4 offensive players positioned at each of the 4 perimeter spots (2 wings, 2 corners).
Ball moves via passing, offensive players must maintain spacing (15+ feet apart) at all times.
Coach calls 'clog!' whenever a player moves into a teammate's space, team resets and continues.
After 2 minutes, add a ball handler who can drive, spacing must adjust as the ball attacks.
Goal
Success is maintaining proper 4-out spacing through 10 consecutive passes without anyone collapsing to the ball, move away from the action, create space for it.
Helpful cues
- Count to 15 from your spot, is anyone within 15 feet?
- When the ball goes to the corner, the wing must go to the top, fill the vacuum
- Great spacing makes great offense, the ball finds the open player automatically
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
No defense, practice spacing movement pattern only.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Add 4 defenders who sag and help, offense must adjust spacing to counter the sag.No account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.