Youth Basketball Play 5 – “Motion”

Youth Basketball Play 5 is based on the principles of the motion offense. There are many forms of the motion offense being used today. This is a simple version that can be adapted and modified to suit your players’ skill level.

I’m a huge fan of the motion offense, especially at the youth level of basketball. I like the fact that each player is involved in the offense. There’s no standing around watching the other players.

Each player has responsibilities based on the principles of the motion offense. At the same time, each player has the freedom to create scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates. This is a great offense that focuses on solid offensive fundamentals!

Youth basketball play 5 can be used at any level of competition. This play can be modified to fit your players’ skill level and experience. As your players get comfortable with the basic movements, back screens and backdoor cuts can be added.

As always, you must first teach your players the fundamentals of basketball before you can implement an offense. Once your players can perform the offensive fundamentals properly, you can then incorporate those into your offensive strategy.

Check out our youth basketball drills page for some great ideas on teaching your players the fundamentals of the game.

In addition to Youth Basketball Play 5, you’ll find more effective youth basketball plays here.

Youth Basketball Play 5:
“Motion”

To help you understand the play, please follow the key below.

1 = Point Guard
2 = Wing
3 = Wing
4 = Post
5 = Post
Black Dotted Arrow = Pass
Black Straight Arrow = Player Movement

The players will start in a 1-2-2 stack formation.
As player 1 crosses half-court, they will yell “Motion” and then “Go” to start the offense.

4 and 5 will set screens for 2 and 3.
2 and 3 must be sure to run their defender into the screener to get themselves open.
2 and 3 will go out to the foul line extended area outside the three-point line.
1 will make a pass to either 2 or 3. (3 in this example)

As 3 receives the pass from 1, 5 should work to get good post position.
3 should look to pass the ball into 5 in the low post.
If 5 doesn’t receive the pass from 3, they should set a cross-screen on 4’s defender.

Player 4 should set up their defender with a good cut and then run them directly into 5’s screen.
4 will cut across the lane looking for a pass from 3 and scoring opportunity.
As this is happening, 1 will set a screen for 2.

2 will set up their defender with a good cut and then run them directly into 1’s screen.
If 3 is unable to pass the ball to 4 in the lane, they will pass back out to 2 at the top of the key.

As 2 receives the pass from 3 they will yell “Down” or “Down screen”.
1 and 3 will then set down screens for 5 and 4.
5 and 4 should set up their defender with a good cut and run them directly into the screeners.

2 will pass to either 5 or 4, depending on who gets open first. (4 in this example)
You are now back at the beginning stage of this offensive play.

4 will look to pass to 3 in the low post.
If 3 doesn’t receive the pass from 4, they will set a screen on 1’s defender.

1 will use the screen to get open and then look for a pass from 4 and scoring opportunity.
As this is happening 2 will set a screen on 5’s defender.
5 will use the screen to get open and then look for a pass from 4 and scoring opportunity.

Option – The defenders will often overplay and deny the pass as the offensive players cut out to the wing area. When this happens have your players cross at the baseline and then run out to the opposite wing for the pass.

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Youth Basketball Play 5 is a very simple offensive play – yet it can be so effective when executed properly.

The key to this offense, as well as any other offense, is being fundamentally sound. By drilling your players on the fundamentals first, you are setting them up for success.

For more coaching tips and advice, please visit out youth basketball coaching page.
Best of luck!