Running a five-out motion offense at the youth level can look appealing. Every player is spaced out on the perimeter, the ball is moving, and there is plenty of room to attack the basket. Still, this approach isn't one-size-fits-all. Here's a quick rundown of the upsides and potential pitfalls of teaching it to young teams.

Before we weigh the benefits and drawbacks, let's cover the basics of how this offense actually works. Picture your five players forming a wide circle around the three-point line—one at the top, two on the wings, and two parked in the corners.

The guiding principle is simple: pass and cut.

As soon as a player moves the ball, they slice through the paint and then rotate back to an open spot on the perimeter. The other players shift accordingly to keep the floor balanced and the lane empty for drives. With constant movement and spacing, defenders are forced to chase, which can create easy scoring opportunities even without traditional screens.

Why Coaches Like It

• Maximum Spacing – With all five players outside the paint, the lane stays wide open for drives and cuts.
• Skill Development – Players handle the ball, pass, and read the defense from every spot on the floor.
• Equal Opportunities – No one is locked into the post or stuck in the corner. Everyone has a chance to touch the ball and make decisions.
• Easy Transition to Advanced Offenses – Once kids grasp the basic reads, it's simpler to layer in screens and more complex motion later on.

Where It Can Fall Short

• Screening Fundamentals Can Suffer – With so much perimeter action, young players may not learn how to set and use solid screens early on.
• Spacing Breakdowns – If players don't stay disciplined, the floor can get crowded quickly, leading to confusion and turnovers.
• Limited Post Play – Youth athletes who might thrive inside won't get many reps working back-to-the-basket moves.
• Decision-Making Pressure – Constant reads and cuts can overwhelm beginners, especially if they haven't mastered basic dribble and pass skills yet.

Final Thoughts

There's nothing wrong with introducing a five-out motion offense to youth players, but it works best when paired with strong fundamentals. Emphasize spacing, ball handling, and simple reads first. You can use our free practice planner to get started with a solid plan to develop these skills.

Then, as your team gains confidence, you can add more layers—or even mix in other alignments—to keep the game fun and teach the complete package. When five out works, it looks great. Just remember, in the beginning — it'll be a bit messy. Stick with it, encourage the kids and eventually it'll come together.