What is a basketball cut
A basketball cut is an offensive skill that occurs when a player without possession of the ball uses a specific action to move from one location on the court to another with the primary purpose of creating space and getting open from a defender.
Also, offensive players can use certain types of basketball cuts such as the UCLA cut or the backdoor cut to get open near the basket.
On the other hand, offensive players can use other types of basketball cuts such as the V-cut or the or the Iverson cut to get open near the perimeter.
Why is cutting important in basketball
Cutting is an important fundamental skill because if an offensive player stands in one spot on the court, then it will be easier for a defender to guard and contain that stationary offensive player.
Additionally, if players do not move without the ball, particularly via cutting, then it would be much more challenging to score points, which would be detrimental to the offensive team but beneficial to the defensive team.
Furthermore, if an offensive team implements cutting without the ball in the team’s offensive strategy, then the defensive team will not be able to effectively stop two actions at the same time.
In other words, the defensive team will not be able to efficiently guard the player with the ball as well as one or more off-ball cutters.
Eventually, the defensive team would have to decide if they would want to focus more on the ball itself or prioritize off-ball cutters. Either way, off-ball cutting presents a challenge for the defensive team to adequately guard the ball as well as the other players, who could potentially move/cut without the ball.
What are general definitions and examples of basketball cuts
This is a list of general definitions for different types of basketball cuts with simple diagram examples.
Backdoor Cut
The backdoor cut occurs when an offensive player typically takes a quick step towards the player and immediately cuts to the basket. It should also be noted that the backdoor cut is one of the most common basketball cuts and it is used at every level from youth basketball up to the professional ranks such as the NBA.
One of the best times to use the backdoor cut is when a defender prevents the offensive player from easily receiving the ball by way of denial defense, typically with a hand in the passing lane.
When that occurs, the offensive player can step towards the ball and then follow with a backdoor cut. This will usually cause the defender to trail behind and have to chase the offensive player.
On the diagram example, 2 executes a backdoor cut towards the rim from the slot area as a counter action to the denial defense of X2. Following that, 2 receives the ball from 1 and can score at the basket.
Banana Cut
The banana cut occurs when a player executes a curved cut towards the top, or the slot areas, or towards the basket. On the diagram example, 2 makes a banana cut from the left side corner to the left side slot area and receives the ball from 1.
Baseline Cut
The baseline cut occurs when a player runs the baseline from one end of the court to the other end.
On the diagram example, 3 receives the ball from 1 and as that happens, 2 executes the baseline cut from corner to corner via the basketball screens set by 4 and 5. Next, 2 receives the ball from 3 and could take the open three-point jump shot.
Curl Cut
The curl cut occurs when a player utilizes a curling path towards the basket, primarily via a screen from another player.
On the diagram example, 2 curls to the basket via the wide pin down screen set by 5 and receives the ball from 1. After that, 2 scores at the basket with a layup.
Deep Cut
The deep cut occurs when a player cuts from one side of the court, usually the wing area, to the other side, generally the short corner or deep corner.
Additionally, the player executing the deep cut would generally run along the baseline as well.
On the diagram example, 2 receives the ball from 1 and afterwards, 3 makes the deep cut from the left side wing to the right side corner behind the three-point arc.
Dive Cut
The dive cut, also referred to as a straight cut, occurs when a player cuts directly to the basket, usually from the top.
On the diagram example, 2 receives the ball from 1 and after that, 1 immediately dives straight to the basket. Next, 1 receives the ball back from 2 and quickly scores at the basket.
Drift Cut
The drift cut occurs when a player on the weak side cuts from the wing to the corner on the same side of the floor. Additionally, the drift cut is used alongside the drift pass to create scoring opportunities.
The diagram example shows the drift cut by way of hammer action on the weak side. To start, 2 receives the ball from 1 and afterwards, 2 dribbles toward the baseline via the step up screen set by 5.
At the same time, 3 executes the drift cut to the left side corner via the hammer screen set by 4. Following that, 3 receives the ball from 2 via the drift pass and immediately takes the open jump shot.
Face Cut
The face cut, also known as a front cut, occurs when the offensive player positions themselves between the ball and the defender. In other words, the offensive player cuts in front of the defender, as the name implies.
On the diagram example, 2 receives the ball and afterwards, 1 executes the face cut towards the basket against X1. Following that, 1 could receive the ball back via the give and go action and score by way of a layup.
Fade Cut
The fade cut occurs when a player utilizes an off-ball screen, especially a down screen, to cut towards one area of the court, typically the wing, but afterwards, that same player will then cut away towards another area, which is usually the nearby corner.
Essentially, the offensive cutter changes the original path to another destination on the court, commonly as a counter to a defender that attempts to shoot the gap by cutting under the screen.
On the diagram example, 2 cuts toward the wing via the pin down screen set by 5. However, X2 cuts under the screen to cut off the pass from 1.
When that happens, 2 changes direction by backpedaling and fading out towards the corner. 2 receives the ball from 1 and takes the open jump shot.
Fill Cut
The fill cut, also known as a blast cut, occurs when one player fills an empty spot on the court, typically near the top, wings, or corners.
Additionally, if the spot that a player filled was previously occupied by another player, then that would be generally referred to as fill and replace.
On the diagram example, 2 receives the ball from 1 and after that, 1 cuts to the basket from the top. Next, 3 executes a fill cut to the top, previously occupied by 1. Following that, 1 executes a fill cut to the wing area, previously occupied by 3.
Flash Cut
The flash cut occurs when a player moves from a low area of the court such as the low post block to the high post area.
Also, as a side note, the flash cut could be used against man to man defense but is more common against zone defenses such as the 2-3 zone. In addition to that, a flash cut versus a zone defense could occur when a player cuts from a perimeter area such as the wing or corner into the gaps of the zone.
On the diagram example, 4 executes the flash cut towards the left side high post area and receives the ball from 3. Following that, 5 cuts into the lane, receives the ball from 4 (aka high low action), and scores near the basket.
Iverson Cut
The Iverson cut occurs when a player is initially on one side of the court (usually near the wing area) and then cuts across, typically via the high post elbows, to the opposite wing area.
Furthermore, it should be noted that the Iverson cut is named after and popularized by former professional NBA player and Hall of Famer, Allen Iverson.
On the diagram example, 2 executes the Iverson cut from the left side wing area to the right side wing via screens set by 4 and 5. At the same time, 3 cuts through to the left side corner. Afterwards, 2 receives the ball from 1 and could shoot the three-pointer or drive to the basket.
L Cut
The L cut occurs when a player starts near a low post block area and after that, the player cuts up towards the mid-post or high post area near the lane line. Immediately afterwards, the player then pops out towards the wing area.
Essentially, the player will execute a cut in the shape of the letter L, hence the name of the cut. On the diagram example, 2 executes an L cut and receives the ball from 1. Following that, 2 could take the open three-point jump shot or drive to the basket.
Laker Cut
The Laker cut occurs when an offensive player, typically near the strong side wing or corner, passes the ball to another offensive player near the low post block and then immediately cuts to the basket above or below that same post player.
Following that, the post player with the ball could pass it back to the cutter for a scoring opportunity at the basket.
On the diagram example, 5 receives the ball from 2 and after that, 2 executes the Laker cut to the basket above 5. Afterwards, 2 receives the ball from 5 and scores at the rim.
Also, an interesting note about the Laker cut is that it is essentially the opposite of the split cut. In other words, with a split cut, a player will pass to the low post and cut away from the post player. However, with the Laker cut, a player will pass to the low post and then cut towards the post player.
Scissors Cut
The scissors cut occurs when two perimeter players, typically near the slots or wings, split between a high post player, forming somewhat of an X on the court.
On the diagram example, 2 receives the ball from 1 and afterwards, 1 and 4 split between 5 towards the low post blocks. Also, it should be noted that 1 should be the first cutter while 4 should be the second cutter in this case.
Following that, 4 receives the ball from 2 and scores near the basket via a layup or low post move.
Shallow Cut
The shallow cut occurs when a player who is occupying space at the top, slot, or wing area initially cuts toward the high post area before swiftly changing direction towards the top or adjacent slot or wing, depending on that player’s starting location.
To provide more clarity of this, let’s say an offensive player initially fills the top or slot area. In that case, the player could shallow cut to an adjacent slot or wing area on the court.
Alternatively, let’s say that an offensive player initially occupies one of the wing areas. In that situation, the player could shallow cut to an adjacent slot or fill the top area of the court.
In addition to that, if dribble action is involved, then the player in possession of the ball will typically dribble it towards the area that was recently vacated by the player executing the shallow cut.
Generally speaking, the shallow cut is commonly used as a method for two teammates to interchange positions on the court.
Furthermore, the shallow cut could also be utilized as an alternative counter to denial defense instead of the backdoor cut.
As a simple example of this concept, on the diagram, 2 would like to receive the ball from 1. However, X2 denies 2 the opportunity to easily receive the ball. From that point, 2 would prefer to backdoor cut to the basket.
However, there are two defenders (X4 and X5) near the basket with one of them (X5) directly protecting the basket in the lane.
Therefore, 1 dribbles towards the right side wing, 2 executes the shallow cut to the top, and then 2 receives the ball from 1.
Shuffle Cut
The shuffle cut, which is also a main staple within the shuffle offense, occurs when a player at the top or near the wing cuts into the lane towards the basket.
On the diagram example, 3 executes the shuffle cut towards the basket via the screen near the high post set by 5. Following that, 3 receives the ball from 1 and scores at the rim with a layup.
Slice Cut
The slice cut typically occurs when a player cuts across the lane from the perimeter (usually near the wing area) to the opposite mid-post or low post block.
On the diagram example, 2 receives the ball from 1 and then 3 slice cuts across the lane to the left side low post area via the screen set by 5. Afterwards, 3 could receive the ball from 2 and score with a low post move.
It should also be noted that the slice cut has similarities with the shuffle cut. The main difference though is that with the shuffle cut, the player cuts into the lane towards the basket as opposed to cutting across the lane towards the low post block with the slice cut.
Split Cut
The split cut occurs when a perimeter player (usually near the wing area on the court) passes the ball to a low post player and afterwards, that same perimeter player cuts away from the post, typically to set or receive a screen.
On the diagram example, 2 receives the ball from 1 and after that, 5 receives the ball from 2. Next, 1 executes a curl cut to the basket via the screen set away from the post by 2. Following that, 1 could receive the ball from 5 and score at the rim.
UCLA Cut
The UCLA cut occurs when a perimeter player near the top or slot cuts to the basket via a back screen set by a high post player.
On the diagram example, 2 receives the ball from 1 and following that, 1 immediately executes the UCLA cut towards the basket by way of the back screen set by 5. Afterwards, 1 receives the ball from 2 and scores at the rim via a layup.
V-Cut
The V-cut occurs when the offensive player executes a cut, typically away from the ball and then that same player pops back towards the perimeter, in the shape of the letter V, hence the name.
On the diagram example, 2 cuts toward the right side low post area but then executes the V-cut by popping back out towards the perimeter. After that, 2 receives the ball from 1 and can take the open three-point jump shot.
Zipper Cut
The zipper cut occurs when the player cuts from the corner or low post area towards the top, usually through the lane and via a down screen.
On the diagram example, 2 executes a zipper cut from the right side corner to the top. Following that, 2 receives the ball from 1 and could take the open jump shot or dribble drive to the basket.
What are examples of basketball cutting drills
These are examples of basic basketball cutting drills that can help teams learn and execute a variety of the basketball cuts. In addition, these simple drills could be used with youth basketball players or with more advanced level players as well.
Backdoor Cut Drill #1
This is an example of a backdoor cut drill that consists of a line of players at the top and a line of players near the right side wing.
Players in the line at the top will pass the ball while players in the line near the wing will execute the backdoor cut.
To begin, 1 takes a single dribble towards 2 and after that, 2 executes a backdoor cut to the basket. Next, 2 receives the ball from 1 (via a bounce pass) and scores at the rim with a layup.
After that, 2 receives the ball as it passes through the basket ring, and afterwards, 3 receives the ball from 2, shown with the gray dotted arrow.
Following that, 2 sprints to the back of the line at the top while 1 cuts to the back of the line near the right side wing.
Backdoor Cut Drill #2
This is an example of a backdoor cut drill that consists of a line of players on the right side wing and a line of players near the right side corner.
Players in the line on the right side wing will pass the ball while players in the line in the right side corner will execute the backdoor cut.
To start, 1 takes a single dribble towards 2 and after that, 2 executes a backdoor cut to the basket. Next, 2 receives the ball from 1 (via a bounce pass) and scores at the rim with a layup.
After that, 2 gets the ball as it passes through the basket ring, and afterwards, 3 receives the ball from 2, represented by the gray dotted arrow.
Following that, 2 sprints to the back of the line on the right side wing while 1 cuts to the back of the line near the right side corner.
Backdoor Cut Drill #3
This is another example of a backdoor cut drill that consists of a line of players on the right side wing and a line of players at the top.
Players in the line on the right side wing will pass the ball while players in the line at the top will execute the backdoor cut.
To start, 1 takes a single dribble towards 2 and after that, 2 executes a backdoor cut to the basket. Next, 2 receives the ball from 1 (via a bounce pass) and scores at the rim with a layup.
After that, 2 receives the ball as it goes through the basket ring, and afterwards, 3 receives the ball from 2, represented by the gray dotted arrow.
Following that, 2 sprints to the back of the line on the right side wing while 1 cuts to the back of the line at the top.
Face Cut Drill
Here is an example of a face cut drill that includes a line of players at the top who will cut to the basket and a defensive player that will try to deflect the pass near the high post.
In addition to that, a coach, indicated by the letter C, gets positioned near the right side wing who will pass the ball.
To start, the coach receives the ball from 1 and after that, 1 executes a face cut between X1.
Also, at the same time, X1 tries to deflect the pass while staying near the high post area. Next, 1 receives the ball from the coach and scores at the basket with a layup.
Following that, 1 gains possession of the ball once it goes through the basket ring and after that, 2 receives the ball from 1, shown with the gray dotted arrow.
From there, 1 becomes the new defender near the high post while X1 moves to the back of the line at the top.
Pass and Cut Drill
Here is an example of a basic pass and cut drill that could be used to teach youth players about the give and go offensive concept as well as the cut and fill principle.
The drill features a line of players at the top who will cut to the basket and one player near the right side wing who will pass the ball.
In addition to that, a coach, indicated by the letter C, could be positioned near the basket to rebound for youth players.
However, if the players are older, then the coach may not be necessary and the players could get the ball as it passes through the basket ring themselves.
To begin, 2 receives the ball from 1 and afterwards, 1 immediately cuts to the basket. Next, 1 receives the ball back from 2, which is the give and go action, and scores at the rim with a layup.
Following that, the coach receives the ball as it goes through the basket ring and then 3 receives the ball from the coach, shown with the gray dotted arrow.
At the same time, 1 cuts to the right side wing to become a passer while 2 cuts to the back of the cutting line at the top.
V Cut Drill
This is an example of a V cut drill that includes a line of players at the top who will pass the ball and a line of players near the right side wing who will execute the V cut.
In addition to that, a coach, indicated by the letter C, gets positioned near the basket to rebound and pass the ball to players at the top.
To begin, 2 executes a V cut towards the low post and pops back towards the perimeter. Next, 2 receives the ball from 1 and takes the open jump shot.
Following that, the coach takes possession of the ball after it goes through the basket ring and then 3 receives the ball from the coach.
Also, at the same time, 1 moves to the back of the cutting line near the right side wing while 2 moves to the back of the line at the top.