Spacing

Spacing describes how a team spreads its players across the floor on offense. Good spacing forces defenders to cover more ground, opening driving lanes and clean shot opportunities.

In modern basketball, spacing has gone from advanced concept to baseline principle. The three-point explosion made it crucial to station shooters in the corners and on the wings: if the defense doesn't close out, they punish; if it does, the paint opens up.

Poor spacing (two attackers crowding each other, shooters badly placed) strangles the offense: every defender can help more easily, the paint is crowded, and drivers have no clear kickout option.

Ideal spacing varies by system. Some teams play all five attackers beyond the arc (5-out). Others keep an interior anchor and spread the other four (4-out-1-in). The choice depends on personnel.