Four Out One In

Four Out One In is an offensive formation and system in basketball where four players position themselves on the perimeter while one player operates in the post area near the basket. This alignment has become increasingly popular in modern basketball at all levels due to its versatility, spacing advantages, and ability to exploit mismatches. The formation creates optimal floor spacing by spreading the defense across the entire court while maintaining an interior presence for rebounding, post-up opportunities, and high-low passing actions. Understanding the Four Out One In system is essential for contemporary basketball strategy as it balances the need for three-point shooting and driving lanes with traditional inside scoring. The positioning in a Four Out One In alignment typically features players at the top of the key, both wings, and one corner, with the fifth player stationed in the low post or high post depending on the specific action being run. This spacing ensures that defenders cannot help on drives or post-ups without leaving shooters wide open. The formation maximizes the floor area utilized, stretching defenses horizontally and vertically. When executed with proper spacing, each perimeter player stands approximately fifteen to eighteen feet apart, creating driving lanes and passing angles that are difficult to defend. The player operating "one in" carries specific responsibilities that make this position crucial to the system's success. This player must be capable of scoring in the post against various defenders, setting effective screens for perimeter players, finishing around the basket, and being a reliable passer from the post when double teams arrive. Modern Four Out One In systems often feature versatile forwards or centers who can step out to the perimeter when needed, creating five-out spacing temporarily before returning inside. This flexibility makes the formation even more challenging to defend as it constantly morphs between four-out and five-out alignments. Offensive actions within the Four Out One In framework vary widely based on personnel and coaching philosophy. Common actions include high pick-and-rolls with the post player setting screens for ball-handlers, ball reversals that shift the defense and create post-entry opportunities, dribble drive actions where perimeter players attack the paint while the post player relocates for offensive rebounds or kick-out passes, and isolation plays for skilled one-on-one players. The system's flexibility allows coaches to emphasize whatever actions best suit their personnel. Post entry passes represent a critical skill in Four Out One In offenses. Perimeter players must be able to deliver accurate passes into the post from various angles and against different defensive coverages. Skip passes, bounce passes, and lob passes all have their place depending on how the defense is positioned. The timing of post entries is equally important, as throwing the ball into a player who is not ready or properly positioned results in turnovers. Teams that excel at post entry feeding typically practice these passes extensively against defensive pressure. The spacing discipline required from the four perimeter players is non-negotiable for system success. Players must resist the temptation to drift toward the ball or collapse the spacing, which would allow defenders to help more easily. Maintaining proper spacing means staying wide in corners, holding position on wings, and spacing appropriately at the top of the key. When one player moves, others must adjust to maintain balance. This spatial awareness and discipline separates teams that merely run the formation from those who truly execute the Four Out One In system effectively. Defensive strategies against Four Out One In offenses have evolved as the formation has become more prevalent. Defenses might front the post player to deny entry passes, though this creates vulnerability to lob passes. Doubling the post from the weak side is another option, though it leaves perimeter shooters open. Playing three-quarter defense on the post, which allows the defender to see both the ball and their assignment, represents a balanced approach. Switching on perimeter screens can neutralize some actions, though it may create mismatches that the offense can exploit. The Four Out One In system facilitates excellent offensive rebounding positioning. With one player already near the basket and four players on the perimeter in positions to crash from various angles, teams can create favorable rebounding triangles. The post player establishes inside position while perimeter players attack the glass from different trajectories, making it difficult for the defense to box out everyone. This rebounding advantage often leads to second-chance points that accumulate over the course of a game. Transition opportunities often develop naturally from Four Out One In alignments. When the ball is turned over or a shot is missed, the four perimeter players are typically in good position to sprint back on defense while the post player may trail as the defensive rebounder or safety. Conversely, when the team secures a defensive rebound, the pre-existing spacing allows for quick transition attacks with players already spread across the court. This seamless flow between offense and defense makes the Four Out One In system efficient. Player development benefits significantly from Four Out One In systems. Post players learn to operate with space rather than in crowded paint areas, developing face-up skills and decision-making abilities. Perimeter players improve their shooting, driving, and cutting skills while learning to read defenses and make appropriate decisions. The system requires all players to be well-rounded, encouraging skill development across multiple areas rather than narrow specialization. Variations of the Four Out One In system include having the post player flash from the weak side, which adds movement and makes the player harder to defend. Some teams run their post player from elbow to elbow across the high post, creating different passing angles and screening opportunities. Others employ a "motion weak" concept where the weak-side players engage in continuous cutting and screening while the strong side runs traditional post actions. These variations keep defenses off balance while maintaining the core principles of the formation. The pick-and-roll game integrates beautifully with Four Out One In spacing. The post player can set ball screens for perimeter players with the remaining three perimeter players spaced perfectly to punish help defense with open shots. The screener's roll creates two-on-two situations with optimal spacing for passing and finishing. If the defense switches, the post player often gains favorable position against a smaller defender, while the ball-handler might have a mismatch against a slower big man. Modern analytics support the Four Out One In approach, showing that spacing the floor and creating three-point attempts while maintaining some interior presence produces efficient offense. The system generates corner three-point attempts, which are statistically the most efficient shots outside of layups. It also creates driving opportunities that lead to free throws or finishes at the rim. By combining these high-value shot locations, Four Out One In offenses typically produce above-average points per possession. Coaching the Four Out One In system requires teaching players to read defenses and make decisions within the framework. Rather than running rigid plays, many coaches prefer a read-and-react approach where players recognize defensive coverages and respond with appropriate actions. This requires basketball IQ and experience but ultimately produces more dynamic and harder-to-defend offense than purely scripted plays. The system's flexibility allows it to adjust to various talent levels and playing styles while maintaining its core spacing principles.