What is the fade cut in basketball
The fade cut consists of action that occurs when an offensive player utilizes an off-ball screen such as a down screen to cut towards one area of the basketball court, typically the wing area, but afterwards, that same player cuts away toward another area, which is usually the adjacent corner.
Why would an offensive player use a fade cut
The fade cut is effectively a counter option that the offensive player, who is initially using an off-ball screen, can execute when the defender shoots the gap by going under the off-ball screen.
Essentially, the defender goes under the ball screen to converge on the offensive player and limit potential scoring opportunities, particularly mid-range or three-point shots.
So, to circumvent that possible problem, the offensive player who initially utilized the screen to get open near one particular area of the basketball court can simply change the original pathway to a new destination, which could then lead to a similar scoring opportunity but at a new location on the court.
What is a basic example of a fade cut
This is a very basic example of what a fade cut could look like on the basketball court. For this example, 2 begins to cut towards the right side wing area by way of the pin down screen set by 5.
However, X2 reads that action and decides to shoot the gap by cutting under the screen in an attempt to converge on 2, which could limit any potential scoring opportunities.
Afterwards, 2 counters that defensive action by executing the fade cut towards the right side corner.
Next, 2 receives the ball from 1 and could take the open three-point shot.
What are simple plays that feature a fade cut
Simple Play 1
This is an example of a simple floppy action that includes the fade cut. To start, 2 begins to cut towards the left side wing via the single pin down screen set by 4.
However, as that happens, X2 goes under the screen to meet 2 on the other side of the screening action.
Therefore, to counter that defensive tactic, 2 performs the fade cut to the left side corner while 1 dribbles toward the left slot to get a better passing angle.
Following that, 2 receives the ball from 1 and takes the open jump shot.
Simple Play 2
This is another example of a simple floppy action that includes the fade cut. To start, 2 begins to cut towards the right side wing via the double pin down screen set by 3 and 5.
However, as that happens, X2 goes under the screen to meet 2 on the other side of the screening action.
So, to bypass that issue, 2 performs the fade cut to the right side corner while 1 dribbles toward the right slot to get a better passing angle.
Following that, 2 receives the ball from 1 and takes the open jump shot.
Simple Play 3
This is an example of a simple 4 out 1 in play that includes a fade cut following back screen action. To start, 4 receives the ball from 1 and then 3 receives the ball from 4.
After that occurs, 2 cuts to the basket on the baseline side via a back screen set by 5.
Nevertheless, X2 is able to avoid the screen and get inside position near the lane to converge on 2 in an attempt to hinder the potential high percentage layup or dunk near the basket.
When that happens, 2 executes the fade cut towards the right side corner, receives the ball from 3 via the skip pass, and takes the open jump shot.
What is a basic fade cut basketball drill
This is an example of a basic basketball drill that involves two players that could practice the fade cut.
One of the players, denoted as 1, will set up near the perimeter area near the top while the other player, denoted as 2 stands near the basket in the lane.
The players could also include at least one cone, which could be positioned near the wing area just inside of the three-point arc.
The main purpose of the cone is act as a marker that indicates to the player when the fade cut should be executed.
Additionally, before starting the drill, 2 grabs possession of a basketball. Next, to initiate the drill, 2 throws the ball to 1, preferably via an overhead pass.
After that, 2 cuts toward the cone and then immediately executes a fade cut to the right side corner. Once that occurs, 2 receives the ball from 1 and takes the open jump shot.
As soon as 2 releases the ball, 1 sprints into the lane to grab the ball as it passes through the basket ring on a made field goal or to grab the offensive rebound on a missed shot, which could be followed up by a layup.
Moreover, as 1 sprints to the basket following the shot, 2 cuts to the perimeter area to fill the space that was recently vacated by 1.
From there, the players can repeat the drill again but this time, with 1 near the basket and 2 near the perimeter.
It should be mentioned as well that the players could make the drill a mini-competition to see who can make the most shots a certain number of times or during a certain amount of minutes.