What is the Iverson cut in basketball?
The Iverson cut occurs when an offensive player who is on one side of the court, usually near a wing area initially, cuts through to the other side, typically via the use of two screens by additional players.
How to understand the player roles and diagrams on this page
In reference to any diagrams below, each of the offensive players on the diagrams below are generally represented by the standard basketball positions, unless otherwise noted.
In essence, 1 is the point guard; 2 is the shooting guard; 3 is the small forward; 4 is the power forward; 5 is the center.
Moreover, in terms of a brief legend for the diagrams:
- Black Dot or Small Circle: The black dot or small circle represents the basketball.
- Solid Arrow: The solid arrow indicates movement or a cut on the basketball court.
- Dotted Arrow: The dotted arrow represents a basketball pass.
- Wavy Arrow: The wavy arrow indicates dribbling.
- T-Shaped Symbol: The T-shaped symbol signifies a screen, also known as a pick.
- Double pipe symbol: The double pipe symbol denotes handoff action.
What are examples of the Iverson cut?
The Iverson cut could be utilized within a strategy such as the 1-4 high offense, which could then lead to scoring opportunities near the basket or around perimeter areas of the court.
Example 1
A player could execute the Iverson cut while another player cuts through to the opposite corner. Furthermore, additional scoring options could be possible via a back screen or pick and roll action.
The example diagrams below demonstrate these concepts in more detail.
Part 1: Iverson cut and through cut
To begin, 2 moves across from the right side wing to the left side wing via the Iverson cut as well as by way of a pair of screens set by 4 and 5.
Furthermore, as that happens, 3 cuts through via the baseline to the right side corner.
Following that, 2 receives the ball from 1 while 4 pops out to fill the vacant right side wing and 5 stays near the middle of the high post area.
It should also be noted that when one particular player on one side of the court performs the Iverson cut while another player simultaneously cuts through the lane to the opposite side, this is generally referred to as ‘Over Under’ action.
Essentially, one player cuts over the top, in this case with the Iverson cut, as well as over screens near the high post. At the same time, another player cuts under the Iverson cut action and/or under the screens near the high post.
Part 2: Back screen
Next, 1 cuts to the basket by way of a back screen set by 5. From there, 1 could possibly receive the ball from 2 if that is open. Otherwise, 1 cuts through to the left side corner.
Part 3: Spread pick and roll
Following the Iverson cut and the back screen, the offensive team could segue into spread pick and roll action.
Essentially, 2 could dribble towards the middle and attack the rim by way of a pick that is set by 5 who also rolls to the basket.
Additionally, as 2 drives to the basket, shake action can happen in which 1 simply lifts up from the left side corner towards the adjacent left side wing.
From there, multiple scoring options are potentially available: 2 can score at the rim, take the mid-range shot, or pass the ball to any of the other teammates depending on whoever is open to receive it.
Related: Iverson Cut Series- Best Plays – YouTube
Example 2
A player could execute the Iverson cut while another player cuts through to the opposite corner. In addition, players could perform a dribble handoff and step-up screen action, which could lead to one or more scoring opportunities.
The example diagrams below illustrate these points in more detail.
Part 1: Iverson and through cut
To begin, 2 performs the Iverson cut across from the right side wing to the left side wing via the screens set by 4 and 5. At the same time, 3 cuts through to the right side corner area.
Following that, 2 receives the ball from 1 and while that happens, 5 cuts slightly down from the high post elbow area to the mid-post area near the left side lane line.
Part 2: Step-up screen
Next, 2 takes one or two dribbles back towards the general vicinity of 1 and simultaneously, 1 begins to cut towards 2. From there, 2 performs a dribble handoff with 1.
Immediately after receiving possession of the ball again, 1 dribbles baseline via the step-up screen set by 5.
What’s more, after the handoff action occurs, 2 could curl cut towards the lane via the back screen set by 4.
From this point, 1 could take the short jump shot, possibly shoot a floater, or even go all the way to score a layup at the rim.
Alternatively, depending on how the opposing team plays their off-ball help defense tactics, 2 or 3 could potentially receive the ball from 1 and look to score via two-point or three-point field goal attempts, respectively.
What are additional insights in relation to the Iverson cut?
Potential advantage of the Iverson cut
The Iverson cut could be potentially advantageous when utilized by an offensive team’s best mid-range or three-point shooter to get open for an immediate jump shot scoring opportunity.
The Iverson cut could also be used by the offensive player with the best dribbling skills and/or slashing capability to attack the basket, which could also result in a scoring/playmaking option.
Furthermore, after an offensive player performs the Iverson cut, that may lead to isolation actions, which could also result in potential scoring or playmaking opportunities.
Brief history and origin of the Iverson cut
The Iverson cut is named after and essentially popularized by NBA Hall of Famer, Allen Iverson, who would use it to get open, especially near the wing areas of the court.