A “4 Out” alignment provides room for players to drive into the key. The alignment can have 2 wing players and 2 players at the top of the key.

In this alignment, a post player (e.g. 4 or 5) will be required to play on the perimeter. All players should be taught the fundamentals of both post and perimeter play.

This provides the opportunity for 3x3 on one side of the floor (the shaded triangle) as well as providing opportunities for off-ball screens.

There are many options for movement and inexperienced players may have difficulty choosing what to do or how to read the defence. To avoid this, the coach may introduce some general rules that can be applied.

If players make a “read” that is different to the rules, the coach should not automatically criticise them and instead should speak to the player about why they did (what “read” they make) and suggest other factors that the player should have considered if necessary.

Any time a guard passes the ball (regardless to which side), they screen away, setting screens for all outside players on the other side of the court.

1 screens for both 5 (shown in black) and 2 (shown in red.)

After reversing the ball, 1 screens for 3 who is on the opposite side of the ball.

Instead of screening for the perimeter players, 1 can set a screen for the post player on the weak side and the other perimeter players move to balance the floor.

If a player in the guard position is denied the ball, they move away to screen the perimeter players on their side of the floor.

There are many options for movement of players in accordance with these rules and players need to be given many opportunities in practice to develop familiarity with the rules and also their decision making in playing to these rules (i.e. when not to follow the rule).

A wing player that is on the post side of the court, may use the post player to get open.

Players on the opposite side of the floor to the post player, may cut back door to the basket if they are denied the ball.

They may also use a change of direction and/or change of pace to get open to receive a pass in the open post area.

The use of off-ball screens also provides many opportunities. 3 may move toward the screen and if their defender is on the high side of the screen, 3 may cut straight to the basket.

In any screening situation, the screener must also look for opportunities to receive a pass. If the cutter goes high, the screener should go to the basket. If the cutter goes to the basket, the screener should “pop” and move high.