What to remember

  • Do not stand beside a teammate.
  • Keep a clear passing lane to the ball.
  • Move because the play changed, not just to stay busy.
  • A drive needs room and visible outlets.

01

Start with five spots

The top, two wings, and two corners give beginners a simple picture. Players do not need to stand on exact dots, but the spots help prevent everyone from following the ball.

Spacing changes with age, court size, shooting range, and the offense being taught. Use the spots as a learning map, not a rigid rule.

02

See the ball and the next pass

Stand where the ball handler can see you and a defender cannot guard two players easily. Show a target hand and keep enough room to catch in balance.

If a teammate fills your space, communicate and move to the next open area rather than staying shoulder to shoulder.

03

Move after the pass

  1. Cut toward the basket if the lane is open and the timing is useful.
  2. Screen away for a teammate if that is part of your team's rules.
  3. Replace an open perimeter spot to maintain a passing outlet.
  4. Stay still briefly when movement would bring your defender into a teammate's drive.

04

React to a drive

Do not chase the driver into the lane. A player near the basket may move along the baseline, while perimeter players hold or slide into clear passing windows according to the team's system.

The goal is to give the driver room to finish and safe places to pass if help defense arrives.

Avoid these

Common beginner mistakes

  • Following the ball everywhere.
  • Standing in the same gap as a teammate.
  • Cutting through a teammate's driving lane.
  • Moving constantly without reading defenders.
  • Catching too close to the sideline or corner to move safely.

Try this next

Five-spot pass and move

12 minutes
  1. Place five markers at the top, wings, and corners.
  2. Use three players and one ball.
  3. Pass, then cut or fill a different open spot.
  4. Keep two useful passing options visible.
  5. Add one guided defender after the pattern is clean.

Score it: Earn one point whenever the ball has two clear passing options after a move.

Beginner questions

How far apart should players stand?

Far enough that one defender cannot easily guard two people, but close enough for a safe pass. The useful distance changes with age, strength, court size, and pressure.

Does spacing mean everyone stays outside?

No. Players can cut, screen, post, drive, and rebound. Spacing means those actions use different areas and useful timing instead of crowding.

Sources and further learning

We use official basketball organizations for rules, standards, and instructional references. Always confirm the current rules for your league.