What is a split cut in basketball
A split cut, also known as a post split, features offensive action that occurs when a perimeter player passes the basketball to a post player and afterwards, that same perimeter player cuts away from the post, typically to set or receive a screen.
Why is a split cut potentially effective in basketball
A split cut is potentially effective because the offensive team can use it to occupy the defense with off-ball player movement, which in turn could produce additional scoring opportunities.
Additionally, the split cut could help create space for the post player to operate, particularly with 1-on-1 action.
To further explain this, imagine that a post player on the offensive team has the ball while the other teammates stand still.
If that occurs, then it will be fairly easy for the defensive team to mitigate multiple scoring options via the use of techniques such as denial defense, stunt defense, or a double team.
However, if an offensive perimeter player executes a post entry pass and then cuts away from the ball (i.e. execution of a split cut), to set or receive a screen, then that player’s defender as well as another off-ball defender would have to guard against those particular offensive players.
At the same time, as the post split action occurs, the offensive post player with the ball would have the opportunity to play 1-on-1 and possibly utilize a basketball move to score against their defensive match-up.
Furthermore, if the 1-on-1 scoring option is not available, then that same offensive post player could possibly pass the ball to another teammate that set or received a screen (i.e split the post) for additional scoring options.
What are examples of split cuts in basketball
Example 1
This is a basic example in which the perimeter player feeds the low post and then receives a screen from another player.
To begin, 5 receives the ball from 2 and following that, 2 executes a split cut towards the top and receives a flare screen set by 1.
Next, 2 receives the ball from 5 and can take the open three-point shot. Additionally, as a secondary option, 1 could receive the ball from 5 after setting the screen and take the three-point shot if open.
Example 2
This is another example in which the perimeter player feeds the low post and executes the post split action via a screen set by another perimeter player. Following that, the player that set the screen could cut to the basket.
To start, 5 receives the ball from 2 and after that, 2 executes a split cut towards the top by way of the flare screen set by 1.
Also, 1 could cut to the basket after the setting the screen. From there, 1 could receive the ball and score near the basket or 2 could receive the ball and take the open jump shot.
Example 3
This is an example in which the perimeter player feeds the low post and then executes a split cut to set a screen for another teammate. Additionally, that same screener could slip the screen and cut to the basket as an alternative option.
To begin, 5 receives the ball from 2. Following that, 1 cuts to the right side wing via the split cut and subsequent away screen set by 2.
Next, 1 could receive the ball from 5 and take the open jump shot. Also, as another option, 2 could slip the screen and cut to the basket. When that occurs, 2 could receive the ball from 5 and score at the rim.
Example 4
This is an example in which the perimeter player feeds the post and then executes the post split action to set a screen. What occurs though, is that the other perimeter player rejects the screen and cuts to the basket.
To start, 5 receives the ball from 2 and following that, 2 executes a split cut away from the post to set a screen for 1.
However, 1 decides to reject that screen and cut to the basket instead. When that occurs, 1 receives the ball from 5 and scores with a layup or dunk at the rim.
Example 5 – Part 1
This is an example of post split action within the triangle offense which also includes screen the screener action and a couple of scoring options.
To begin, 3 receives the ball from 1 and after that, 1 cuts through to the right side corner. Following that, 5 receives the ball from 3 and at the same time, 2 slides over towards the top.
Example 5 – Part 2
Next, 2 cuts to the right side wing via the split cut and subsequent away screen set by 3. Also, after setting the screen, 3 could cut to the basket via the back screen set by 4.
From that point, 2 could receive the ball from 5 and take the open jump shot or 3 could receive the ball instead and score around the rim.
Example 6 – Part 1
This is an example of the post split action derived from a 4 out 1 in alignment which includes a dribble entry and multiple scoring options.
To start, 1 dribbles toward the right side wing and when that happens, 3 cuts through to the left side low post block. Also, 2 cuts down to the left side corner while 4 cuts toward the top.
Example 6 – Part 2
Next, 1 cuts to the top via a flare screen set by 3 who also received a down screen from 4. Following the screening actions, 1 could receive the ball from 5 and take the open jump shot.
Also, as a secondary option, 3 could receive the ball from 5 instead and take the open shot.
Additionally, as another alternative option, 4 could cut or slip to the basket after the down screen, receive the ball from 5, and score around the rim.
Example 7 – Part 1
This is an example of the post split action derived from the box set offense which also includes a dribble entry and various scoring options.
To begin, 1 dribbles toward the right side wing and when that occurs, 2 executes a zipper cut to the top via the down screen set by 5.
Also, at the same time, 3 cuts to the left side wing by way of the down screen set by 4. Furthermore, following that action, 5 receives the ball from 1.
Example 7 – Part 2
Next, 1 executes the split cut to the top by way of the flare screen set by 2. At the same time, 3 cuts to the basket via the back screen set by 4. Following that, 1 could receive the ball and take the open jump shot.
Also, as a secondary option, 3 could receive the ball from 5 and score near the basket. Furthermore, as another option, 2 could receive the ball from 5 and take the open jump shot.