Amanda Knapp
Basketball players use cuts to change direction quickly, lose their opponents, and create space to get open for passes or shots. There are many different types of cuts, including the Iverson cut, the banana cut, the front cut, the backdoor cut, the V-cut, the L-cut, and the shake or replace cut. Each cut has a specific purpose and can be used in different situations to create opportunities for scoring. The effectiveness of a cut depends on the player's ability to execute it with speed, balance, and deception.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To create space and get open from a defender |
| Types of Cuts | Front cut, Iverson cut, 45 cut, banana cut, baseline cut, backdoor cut, V-cut, L-cut, flash cut, shallow cut, rip-through cut, Jam-Down V-cut, curl cut, flare cut, deep cut, UCLA cut, shake cut, replace cut |
| Fakes | Look away, shoulder shrug, bob of the head, sleep fake, verbal fake |
| Tips | Timing, using and setting good screens, maintaining good spacing, making contact with the defender, slipping behind the defender, using a quick first step |
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What You'll Learn
Iverson cut
The Iverson cut is a basketball move named after NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson, who would use this cut to get open, especially near the wings of the court. The Iverson cut sees an offensive player who is initially on one side of the court, usually near a wing area, cut through to the other side, typically the opposite wing area.
To begin the play, player 3 moves across the wings via the Iverson cut, as well as by way of a screen set by player 4. Player 3 then receives the ball from player 1. Once that happens, player 5 cuts across to the right side low post area via a cross-screen set by player 2, who also pops out to the empty left side corner. Following that, player 5 could receive the ball from player 2 and score with a low post move.
If player 5 is not open to receive the ball, then players 1 and 4 can set a staggered screen with player 2 as the recipient. From here, player 2 could cut from the left side corner to the top, receive the ball from player 3, and take a three-point shot if that is open.
The Iverson cut is beneficial as it can be used to create various scoring or playmaking opportunities near the basket or the perimeter areas of the court.
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L-cut
The L-cut is a basketball technique used by offensive players to get open on the wing when a defender is trying to block a pass. The L-cut is particularly useful when starting on the low block.
To execute an L-cut, the offensive player should first take a few steps towards their defender, before veering off in the direction they want to go in the shape of an L. This involves cutting up and then out to get open to receive a pass.
To perform the L-cut effectively, players should use fakes and physicality to separate themselves from defenders. For example, players can use a sleep fake, where they pretend to be tired and bend over with their hands on their knees, before making a hard, quick cut. Players can also use verbal fakes, such as yelling the ball-handler's name loudly and waving their arms to distract the defender.
It is important to maintain good spacing when using the L-cut. Players should strive to get their lead hand up as a target for a pass after cutting. Additionally, players should bend their knees to lower their centre of gravity and provide explosiveness from their legs.
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Backdoor cut
The backdoor cut is an offensive basketball move used to get open and create scoring opportunities near the basket. It is a fundamental skill that every basketball player should learn, especially those who play out on the wing.
To execute a backdoor cut, a player without the ball takes a quick initial step towards a teammate who has possession of the ball. This is done to fake out the defender, making them think that a pass will be made. The player without the ball then immediately cuts towards the basket, moving behind the defender, who is now out of position. This creates an opportunity for the player to receive a pass and score near the basket. The backdoor cut is particularly effective when the defender is overplaying in the passing lane, leaving a large gap to exploit.
It is important to note that the success of a backdoor cut relies heavily on the passer's skills. The passer must be able to deliver an accurate pass that leads the cutter to the basket. As the cutter, it is important to commit to the cut and avoid pulling out, as this can result in a turnover. When cutting, extend your lead hand to provide a target for the passer and ensure your hands are ready to receive the pass. Catch the ball with two hands and look to finish quickly and under control.
The backdoor cut is a versatile move that can be used in various offensive strategies, such as the Princeton offense. It is also one of the primary cuts used in basketball, along with V-cuts and L-cuts. V-cuts are commonly used when a player needs to get open for a pass on the perimeter, while L-cuts are effective when starting on the block and don't require the same level of quickness as V-cuts.
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Faking
A fake is a deceptive or decoy motion used to throw off the defender, allowing the offensive player to gain an advantage. For example, a simple fake can be done with a shrug of the shoulders or a bob of the head in the opposite direction of the intended cut. This can cause the defender to lean the wrong way, giving the offensive player an opportunity to make their move.
Another type of fake is the "sleep fake", where the player pretends to be tired and bends over with their hands on their knees. This can cause the defender to relax their guard, allowing the offensive player to make a quick cut or create an opening for a teammate. Verbal fakes can also be used, such as yelling a teammate's name to draw the defender's attention and opening up space for a pass or cut.
In addition to these techniques, players can also use their eyes to fake, looking in the opposite direction of their intended pass or cut to deceive the defender. This is especially effective in high school and youth basketball, where players tend to telegraph their passes by looking at the intended receiver. By faking with their eyes, players can create opportunities for successful passes and cuts that catch the defense off-guard.
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V-cut
The V-cut is a common basketball cut used by wing players to get open against man-to-man defences. It is most effective when started outside the three-point line.
To execute a V-cut, start by positioning a player facing the middle of the court and the ball. Have them progress forward to the basket with medium speed, still looking at the ball. As the player approaches the edge of the cut, have them plant their inside foot, pivot, and step off quickly, before exploding in the opposite direction as fast as they can. The player's hands should be up and ready to receive the ball once they arrive outside of the arc.
The V-cut is similar to an L-cut, but instead of cutting in an L-shape, the player cuts in a V-shape. It is important to change speed and direction as fast as possible, utilising athleticism, and exploding into the new position. This will create proper spacing in your offence and give you more room to operate, while simultaneously creating holes in the defence.
There are two basic V-cuts a player can use to get open: a quick or short V-cut and a Jam-Down, V-cut. When using the short V-cut, start with a few medium-speed steps towards the middle of the court and then cut hard (in the shape of a V) back to the ball.
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Frequently asked questions
A basketball cut is an offensive skill used by a player without the ball to move from one location to another, creating space and getting open from a defender.
Some common types of cuts include the Iverson cut, the V-cut, the L-cut, the backdoor cut, the banana cut, the front cut, the shake cut, and the replace cut.
The purpose of a basketball cut is to create space and get open for a pass or shot. Cuts are used to change direction quickly while staying in balance, making it difficult for the defender to keep up.
A V-cut is used to get open at the wing when the defender has a foot and hand in the passing lane, trying to deny the pass. The V-cut is the quickest method to get open and is often used in isolation situations.
To execute a cut, plant one foot on the court and push off that foot to shift your momentum in another direction. Bend your knees to lower your centre of gravity and provide explosiveness. Use fakes, such as a head bob or a shoulder fake, to throw the defender off balance before making a quick, strong first step.
