What is 4 out 1 in continuity offense in basketball?
4 out 1 in continuity offense incorporates actions that could be implemented and performed on either side of the floor consecutively, initially by way of four perimeter players around one interior player, ultimately to generate scoring opportunities.
Related: 4 Out 1 In Motion Offense & Continuity Offense
How to understand the player roles and diagrams on this page
In reference to any diagrams below, each of the offensive players are generally represented by the standard basketball positions in number format, unless otherwise noted.
In essence, 1 is the point guard; 2 is the shooting guard; 3 is the small forward; 4 is the power forward; 5 is the center.
Furthermore, in terms of a brief legend for the diagrams:
- Black Dot or Small Circle: The black dot or small circle represents the basketball.
- Solid Arrow: The solid arrow indicates movement or a cut on the basketball court.
- Dotted Arrow: The dotted arrow represents a basketball pass.
- Wavy Arrow: The wavy arrow indicates dribbling.
- T-Shaped Symbol: The T-shaped symbol signifies a screen, also known as a pick.
- Double pipe symbol: The double pipe symbol denotes handoff action.
What is an example of 4 out 1 in continuity offense featuring flex action?
This is an example of 4 out 1 in continuity offense featuring basic flex action to create a high percentage scoring opportunity near the basket.
It is derived from the initial base action within 4 Out 1 In Spots Offense by Pat Clatchey.
It should also be noted that in terms of this example, player positions could be positionless and interchangeable if necessary.
Part 1: Flex action
To begin, 1 initiates the offense by executing a slot to slot pass with 2 as the recipient. As that happens, 3 cuts to the basket, which could occur on the high side or low side.
For this case, 3 cuts on the low side via the flex screen set by 5. At the same time, 1 spaces out to replace near the right side corner that was just vacated by 3.
Furthermore, 2 passes the ball inside towards the basket. 3 receives that pass and could score around the rim.
Otherwise, 3 simply continues the cut through to the left side low post area while 5 lifts up to the empty right slot area, recently opened up by 1.
Part 2: Flex action continuity
Next, it’s possible to execute the continuity pattern of the offense on the other side of the floor.
Essentially, 2 makes a slot to slot pass with 5 as the receiver. That action triggers the basket cut by 4 via the flex screen. 2 also spaces away to the left corner.
Additionally, in this instance, 4 cuts on the high side and has the option to briefly post up in the middle of the lane. That could result in a potential high low opportunity followed by a low post shot.
Alternatively, 4 could just receive the ball and try to score via a layup at the rim. Otherwise, if it is not open, then 4 simply cuts through.
Moreover, 3 cuts to the left slot following the screening action. From there, it’s feasible to perform the continuity pattern once again with another slot to slot pass.
What is an example of 4 out 1 in continuity offense featuring a stagger screen?
This is an example of 4 out 1 in continuity offense featuring a stagger screen as well as an initial back screen set at an angle.
Part 1: Angled back screen
To start, 4 receives the ball from 1. As that happens, 2 utilizes a small V-cut to get open and receive the ball from 4.
Afterwards, 3 cuts to the basket via the angled back screen set by 5 and could receive the ball from 2, which could lead to a layup.
Otherwise, 3 could step out of the lane, establish position near the left side low post area, potentially receive the ball from 2, and attempt to score via a low post move if feasible.
Part 2: Stagger screen
Assuming 3 did not receive the ball from 2, this triggers 5 to cut towards the left slot via a stagger screen set by 1 and 4.
Following that, 5 could receive the ball from 2 and take the open three-point shot if possible.
If 5 retains possession of the ball without shooting, then 4 could fill the right slot and 1 could occupy the right side wing area.
Part 3: Back screen continuity
At this point, it is possible to execute the continuity pattern on the other side of the floor.
4 receives the ball from 5. As that happens, 1 v-cuts to get open and receive it from 4.
Next, 2 cuts to the rim via the angled back screen set by 3. From there, 2 could receive the ball, which could lead to a layup in the lane.
Alternatively, 2 could receive it instead near the low post area and score via a low post move if that is feasible.
Part 4: Stagger screen continuity
If 2 never received the ball, then 3 could cut to the right slot via the stagger screen set by 5 and 4.
After that, 3 could receive the ball from 1 and take the three-point shot if that is open.
Otherwise, 3 could keep possession of the ball while 4 fills the left slot area and 5 occupies the empty left side wing.
From there, it’s possible to execute the continuity once again. So, there would be ball reversal happening between 3, 4, and eventually 5. That would then be subsequently followed by 1 cutting to the rim via the back screen set by 2 and so on.
What is an example of 4 out 1 in continuity offense featuring UCLA action?
This is an example of 4 out 1 in continuity offense that features the UCLA cut, derived from the UCLA offense in addition to other scoring options.
Part 1: UCLA cut
To begin, 3 receives the ball from 1 and afterwards, 5 lifts up toward the strong side elbow area to set a back screen with 1 as the recipient.
Following that, 1 performs a UCLA cut towards the basket and could receive the ball from 3, potentially resulting in a scoring opportunity at the rim.
If 1 does not receive the ball from 3, then 1 could continue the cut through to the left side low post area. 5 could also fill the right slot area after executing the screening action.
Part 2: Backdoor cut
Next, 5 could receive the ball from 3 who also slides down toward the adjacent corner area.
After that, 2 moves toward 4 as if to set a screen or interchange spots but immediately hits the defender with a backdoor cut instead.
From there, 2 could receive the ball from 5 and score via a layup if that is open.
Otherwise, 2 moves out of the lane to the right side low post area while 1 moves out toward the vacant left side wing area.
Part 3: Flex screen
Following that, 4 receives the ball from 5. After that, 3 cuts to the basket via the flex screen set by 2.
At the same time, 2 could cut towards the right slot area by way of a down screen set by 5, which also completes screen the screener action.
If open, 3 could receive the ball from 5 and score around the rim. Alternatively, 2 could receive it instead and take the open three-point shot.
If neither player is open and 5 keeps possession of the ball, then 3 can cut through to the left side low post area while 5 fills the empty right side wing.
Part 4: UCLA cut continuity
At this point, it’s possible to run the continuity pattern of the offense.
Basically, 1 receives the ball from 4 who then goes to the rim via the UCLA cut and back screen action.
If open, 4 could receive the ball again from 1 and score via a layup or dunk. If it’s not open, then 4 cuts through to the right side low post area while 3 replaces at the left slot.
Part 5: Backdoor cut continuity
Next, 3 receives the ball from 1. Afterwards, 5 executes the backdoor cut to the rim and could receive the ball from 3 if it’s open, which could lead to a layup or dunk.
Otherwise, 1 fills the left side corner, 5 occupies the left side low post area, and 4 replaces at the right side wing.
Part 6: Flex screen continuity
Continuing, 3 passes the ball with 2 as the recipient. From that point, 1 cuts to the basket via the flex screen by 5.
Simultaneously, 5 replaces at the left slot via the down screen set by 3. If it is open, 1 could receive the ball from 2, potentially resulting in a layup opportunity.
As an alternative option, if 5 has perimeter shooting ability, then 5 could possibly receive the ball instead and take the open three-point shot.
If neither player is open, then 1 fills the right side low post area while 3 occupies the left side wing.
Following that, the continuity could keep going with 4 receiving the ball from 2, which then leads to the UCLA action and so forth.
Affiliate Disclosure: I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through the link below.