Newsletter #317

Hall of Fame former Villanova coach Jay Wright used the 4-out offense, but with some modifications.  Instead of 4 guards and a post player, he used 3 guards and two interchangeable "forwards" (posts). One forward always occupies one of the top slots, resulting in 4-out. This allows him to have two "bigs" for better rebounding and defensive matchups.

His rules are fairly simple and could be used by a high school team.

Be sure to see Jay Wright's 4-out Motion Offense for diagrams and more details.

4-Out Spots

There are 4 spots that can be occupied by the forwards - two mid-post spots and two "slot" spots at the top.  The "slots" are defined as the two spots at the 3-point arc, lane line extended.  The two forwards are always "hi-lo opposite", meaning if one is at the right mid-post, then the other is at the left slot position, and vice versa. This results in good spacing.

Guards can use the two slots and two wing spots.

Motion Rules

Guards - after passing, guards can (1) basket cut, (2) screen or (3) use a screen.  Guards can only screen for each other, never for a forward.  So the only time guards can set a screen is when two guards are on the same side of the floor, which could be a either flare screen or a down-screen.

Forwards - are screeners but they only screen for guards, and they screen at the slot positions. Forwards never screen for each other.

Guards basically are cutters, while forwards are screeners.

Another rule is "leave a spot, fill a spot". When a guard basket cuts and does not get the ball, he then fills out to an open spot on the perimeter. When he leaves his spot, his spot is filled by an adjacent player.

Again, guards can only screen for each other, and the only time a guard can screen is when there are two guards on the same side of the court.

Forwards can only screen for guards (at the slots).

And basically that's it.  See coach Wright's video below and be sure to see the article Jay Wright's 4-out Motion Offense for diagrams and more details.