Mastering the Modern 5-Out Motion: Court Positioning, Reads & Flow

with Dave Leitao
ABIS Board of Directors
Fox Sports Basketball Analyst
Overtime Elite (OTE) Head Coach from 2021 to 2024
DePaul Head Coach from 2015 to 2021
Tulsa Assistant Coach from 2014 to 2015
Missouri Assistant Coach from 2012 to 2014
Maine Red Claws (NBA D League) Head Coach from 2011 to 2012
Virginia Head Coach from 2005 to 2009
2007 ACC Regular Season Champions
2007 ACC Coach of the Year
DePaul Head Coach from 2002 to 2005
2004 C-USA Regular Season Champions
UConn Assistant Coach from 1996 to 2002
1999 NCAA National Champions
Northeastern Head Coach from 1994 to 1996
Played college basketball for Northeastern (for Jim Calhoun)

The modern game of basketball is full of 4-Out and 5-Out offenses. The shift in the game towards more lay-ups, threes, and free throws-caused by spreading out the defense along the perimeter-has led to increased scoring and running more concepts than plays.

Coach Dave Leitao has developed a concepts-based approach to the 4-Out and 5-Out Offense that can be incorporated into the modern game.

Court Position

A big part of the 5-Out/4-Out Offense is court position. The first part is the eight spots on the floor that can create great spacing. The spots on the perimeter are the two corners, two spots near the wings along the sideline, and the two slots. The last two of these spots are the "reader spots" along the baseline near the free throw lane.

With five players on the court, the eight spots are not hard to fill. The only times when a player is not in a spot is when a cut is made to the basket or to fill a vacant spot.

Uncontested Threes

With effective court position, uncontested threes can occur. Other than lay-ups and free throws, uncontested threes are the most efficient shots in basketball. Using the eight spots to create spacing and movement within the offense, Coach Leitao shows how these shots occur.

One of the actions that can be used is "Chicago Action." On a three-man side, there are multiple actions that can be run. Backdoors, split actions, and ball screens are among some of the things that can happen out of "Chicago Action."

Ball and Body Movement

For any offense to be effective, ball movement and player movement (also known as "body movement") are essential components. A major part of Coach Leitao's offense revolves around rules within roles and concepts. Two of these roles are the "Go Man" and the "Reader."

The responsibility of the "Go Man" is to look to attack in transition. His actions when he brings the ball up the court trigger other actions within the offense. One of these is the dribble handoff in transition. When this occurs, the trailer can follow with a ball screen to create a possible post-up opportunity as well as spacing opposite the action for possible three-point opportunities.

The "Reader" can either be a designated player in the offense within a four-out structure or a revolving role within a five-out structure. Readers have the freedom to set back screens, step-up ball screens, or even look for opportunities to step in on drives when his man rotates to help.

Throughout this video, special attention is given to ball movement and body movement, emphasizing the importance of pace, timing and decision-making.

Coach Leitao wraps up the video with a practical Position Change Drill and thought-provoking insights into team chemistry and unselfish play.

Whether you're building your offensive philosophy from the ground up or looking to fine-tune your 5-Out scheme, this video will give you the tools and understanding to improve your team's execution, spacing and shot quality!

59 minutes. 2025.