The Truth About 5 Out (And Every Other Formation in Read & React)

Whenever I find myself in a conversation about my favorite subject—the Read & React Offense—I know exactly what’s coming.

It starts with a great question about formations:

• “Rick, doesn’t 5 Out mean you lose an inside threat?”
• “What about spacing—does 5 Out get too crowded on drives?”
• “How are you supposed to rebound when no one’s inside?”

These are good questions. But they’re also telling questions.

They tell me that we need to clear up a few things because the Read & React doesn’t operate like other offenses. It’s built differently. And once you see how the moving pieces interact, the answers come easily.

But before we look into that, here are a couple more resources to help you with the Read & React Offense…

1. Why I Spent 12 Straight Practices on the Read & React (and Didn’t Teach Defense)
2. How Should I Teach the Read & React

Alright, now let’s start with a common misunderstanding.

Formation ≠ Spacing in the Read & React Offense

One of the biggest mental shifts coaches need to make is this: Formations are only static on paper.

Once the ball starts moving in the Read & React, nothing stays the same.

Take the classic 5 Out formation. When I draw that up on a whiteboard, yes, I’m showing five players on the perimeter. But in the actual flow of the Read & React, the moment someone passes, they MUST basket cut.

Now the floor isn’t 5 Out anymore. It’s 4 Out 1 In—with that one “In” constantly changing.

That cut does a lot more than get a player open. It reshapes the floor. It creates dynamic spacing. And it automatically gives you an interior presence on every possession.

So when someone says, “There’s no inside threat in 5 Out,” I know they’re looking at a still photo of what should be a motion picture.

Let’s Break It Down Formation by Formation

5 Out

• What you see on paper: 5 players around the perimeter.
• What actually happens: Every pass triggers a basket cut, turning it into 4 Out 1 In.
• Your inside threat: The cutter—always moving, always changing.
• Rebounding: That same cutter is already in the lane when the shot goes up.

4 Out 1 In

• What you see on paper: 4 on the perimeter, 1 post player.
• What actually happens: Still one cutter every time the ball is passed.
• Your inside threats: The permanent post + the cutter = 2 interior threats.

3 Out 2 In

• What you see on paper: 3 outside, 2 inside.
• What actually happens: With one player always cutting, it becomes a 3-player wave of interior action.
• Your inside threats: 2 posts + the rotating cutter = 3 interior threats.

So let’s stop thinking of 5 Out as an empty lane.

Let’s stop thinking of formations as locked-in positions.

Because in the Read & React, motion changes everything.

So What’s the Point?

When coaches get hung up on formations, they often miss the bigger truth:

Your formation is just your starting point. The Read & React transforms it with every pass.

Spacing isn’t static. Neither is your inside presence.

You’ve always got movement, always got action.

That’s the beauty of it—and that’s what separates this system from every other offense out there.

One More Thing

If you’re a coach who’s ever said, “I’d love to go 5 Out, but we don’t have shooters,” or “We’re too small to have a post presence”—then the Read & React was made for you.

Because this offense doesn’t need one formation. It adapts to all of them—and transforms each one in motion.

FAQ: Understanding Formations in the Read & React Offense

Q: What is a 5-out Read & React Offense?
A: It refers to alignment at the start of the possession, where all five players are positioned around the perimeter. However, it’s not a static formation. Every pass triggers a basket cut, instantly shifting the formation to a 4 Out 1 In alignment, giving your offense a rotating inside presence.

Don’t think of 5 Out as an empty lane—think of it as a dynamic launchpad for continuous movement and cutting.

Q: Is it true that 5 Out removes your inside scoring threat?
A: Not at all. That’s one of the most common misconceptions. The moment a pass is made in 5 Out, a basket cut occurs, sending a player inside. This creates a constant stream of interior threats—even without a traditional post player. Every possession includes cutting, filling, and interior action.

Inside presence isn’t about where you start—it’s about how you move. The Read & React creates it automatically.

Q: How do you rebound out of a 5 Out offense?
A: The key lies in the timing of the basket cut. When a shot goes up, the cutter is already in the paint, positioned to rebound. That built-in movement creates natural rebounding positioning, often more dynamic than a stationary post setup.

Worried about rebounding from 5 Out? Train your cutters to pursue the rim aggressively—problem solved.

Q: What’s the difference between 4 Out 1 In and 5 Out in this system?
A: 4 Out 1 In starts with one dedicated post player inside, while 5 Out starts with five players on the perimeter. However, once the ball moves, both formations result in similar movement patterns—pass, cut, fill, and space. In 4 Out 1 In, the cutter joins the post for double interior threats.

Choose your base based on your personnel—but trust that the Read & React will create balance no matter the formation.

Q: Is 3 Out 2 In too congested for spacing?
A: It can be if static—but not in Read & React. The constant cutting, relocating, and passing ensures interior action flows without clogging the lane. With two posts and a cutting guard, you’re looking at a rotating triangle of inside threats that overwhelm static defenses.

Spacing is fluid. Even in 3 Out 2 In, smart cuts and timing preserve space while maximizing post efficiency.

Q: Can you run Read & React without elite shooters?
A: Absolutely. In fact, Read & React was built to thrive with any roster—not just teams stacked with shooters. Because it emphasizes cutting, spacing, and attacking off movement, your team can generate quality shots even with average perimeter threats.

No shooters? No problem. Leverage movement, cutting, and paint touches to generate high-quality looks.

Q: How should I choose which formation to start with?
A: Start by analyzing your personnel:

• No post players? Begin with 5 Out.
• One strong post? Use 4 Out 1 In.
• Two capable bigs? Try 3 Out 2 In.

But remember—your formation is just the starting point. The Read & React Offense transforms with every action.

Let your players’ strengths guide your formation—but let movement define your offense.

Q: Does Read & React work with small or undersized teams?
A: It’s perfect for them. The offense is built on skill, spacing, and decision-making—not size or isolation mismatches. By using constant movement and cutting, even smaller lineups can create high-percentage shots and dictate tempo.

Small team? Embrace Read & React and leverage your speed, IQ, and spacing for a competitive edge.

Q: Is the Read & React Offense too complex for youth or high school players?
A: Not at all. The offense is taught in layers, starting with simple actions like pass-and-cut. Youth and high school players adapt quickly when it’s broken down step-by-step, and many programs find it actually simplifies decision-making in games.

Teach it in layers and let it grow with your team—Read & React is perfect for long-term development.

Q: Where can I learn more about running the Read & React Offense effectively?
A: The PGC Coaching Community is a premier resource. With access to expert training videos, practice plans, install guides, and a supportive network of coaches, you’ll find everything you need to confidently teach and evolve your Read & React system.

Join the PGC Coaching Community today and master the Read & React with clarity and confidence–grab 7 days of FREE access.

Final Thought

Your formation isn’t the offense—it’s the starting point. With Read & React, every pass, cut, and fill reshapes the floor. Stop coaching from still frames. Start building dynamic movement, spacing, and rhythm—one rep at a time. And if you want the tools and support to make it stick, we’ve got just the place to start.

Get 7 days of FREE access to the entire Read & React offense inside our paid PGC Coaching membership.

Coach Rick

Check more Read & React resources here.

About the Author

Rick Torbett

Rick Torbett, creator of the Read & React Offense, has dedicated over 40 years to revolutionizing the game of basketball. His innovative methods have earned him recognition as a mentor to coaches and players in more than 100 countries.

Throughout his two decades coaching high school teams, Coach Torbett developed systematic approaches to mastering the fundamentals—shooting, ballhandling, passing, and more. His expertise attracted athletes of all skill levels, from aspiring All-Americans to those preparing for NBA tryouts.

A trailblazer in the world of basketball, Coach Torbett blends personal experience with groundbreaking techniques to inspire players and coaches to unlock their full potential, transforming teams and careers along the way.