Helena Frye
Cutting in basketball is an offensive skill used by players without the ball to create space and get open from a defender. It is a simple concept but must be executed properly with planning, appropriate timing, and quickness. There are several types of cuts, including the V-cut, L-cut, Iverson cut, banana cut, and backdoor cut. To cut faster, players should focus on changing speed and direction as quickly as possible, utilising athleticism, and exploding into new positions. Additionally, faking skills, such as jab steps, shoulder shrugs, and verbal fakes, can be used to deceive defenders and create opportunities for cuts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To create space and get open from a defender |
| When to use | When you don't have possession of the ball |
| Types of cuts | V-Cut, L-Cut, Iverson Cut, Banana Cut, Backdoor Cut, Baseline Back Cut, Long Blast Cut, Short Blast Cut, Flash Cut, Shallow Cut, Jam-Down V-Cut, Shake Cut, Replace Cut, Front Cut, Flex Cut, Flare Screen, 45 Cut |
| Execution | Quick, short cuts with changes in speed and direction, utilising athleticism and exploding into a new position |
| Body positioning | Hands in tight to your body, ready to catch the ball |
| Faking | Use deception to throw the defender off balance, e.g., jab step, shrug, bob your head, sleep fake, verbal fake |
| Passing | Don't telegraph your pass, use pass fakes, look the defender away |
| Spacing | Maintain proper spacing, don't get bunched up, use cutting to create space for teammates |
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V-Cuts and L-Cuts
V-Cuts
The V-cut is a common cut used by a wing player to get open against man-to-man defences. There are two types of V-cut: the short V-cut and the Jam-Down V-cut. To execute a short V-cut, start with a few medium-speed steps towards the middle of the court, then cut hard in a V-shape back to the ball. When using the Jam-Down V-cut, walk your defender down to the block, then plant your inside foot and quickly make the V-cut back to the ball. Both V-cuts are best used on the weak side of the offence for an isolation situation.
L-Cuts
The L-cut is a great way to get open on the perimeter when starting on the low block. It also creates open space in a location separate from a player's starting point. To execute an L-cut, position a player near the baseline or bottom of the key with a defender on them, looking at the ball. The player should then take the defender up the side of the key at a moderate speed, before cutting up and then out to get open to receive a pass.
The key to successful cutting is proper planning, appropriate timing, and quickness. It is important to read and set up the defender and know where the ball is. Changing speed and direction as fast as possible will leave the defender lost and confused, creating opportunities to score.
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Advanced cuts
Long Blast Cut
The long blast cut is usually used when teams are running a five-out motion offense or if there is a need for floor balance caused by improper spacing. The offensive player quickly beats the defender to the opposite wing to balance the floor.
Short Blast Cut
The short blast cut is similar to the long blast cut, but the position on the court varies slightly and the movement is much more brief. In most dribble drive offenses, there is a need for improved spacing because the court is heavily congested on one side. The offensive player must recognize the need for a short, fast movement towards the ball handler. Once the offensive player receives the ball, the entire opposite side of the court is most likely open to either dribble towards or pass to a teammate.
Baseline Back Cut
The baseline back cut requires the ball handler and cutter to maintain constant eye contact. If the ball handler decides to initiate this cut, they must dribble slowly into the key, and the cutter will then take a step away from the baseline and turn quickly towards the rim.
Iverson Cut
The Iverson cut is when an offensive player on one side of the court, usually near a wing area, cuts through to the other side, typically the opposite wing. The Iverson cut usually involves one or two screens set by additional players for the cutter, although it can be performed without screens as well. It is named after NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson, who used this type of cut to create scoring opportunities.
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Quick, short cuts
V-Cut
The V-cut is a fundamental move used by wing players to escape defenders and create space. To perform a short V-cut, start with a few medium-speed steps towards the middle of the court, then cut hard in a V-shape back to the ball. This move is best used on the weak side of the offense. When executing the V-cut, it's important to keep your hands in tight to your body before catching the ball to avoid an offensive foul.
L-Cut (Up-and-Out)
The L-cut is another valuable technique for creating space and getting open. This move starts on the low block, with a quick cut down towards the basket, followed by a pivot to seal the defender. Then, space out to the corner for a jumper. The L-cut is an excellent way to generate open space away from your starting point.
Backdoor Cut
The backdoor cut is a quick move that can be executed near the wing area. Take a quick step towards a teammate with the ball, then immediately cut to the basket, creating an opportunity for a pass and a layup. This move is effective when the defender is overplaying the ball.
Iverson Cut
Named after NBA legend Allen Iverson, this cut involves a player cutting from one side of the court to the other, typically from the wing to the opposite wing. It is often used with screens set by teammates to create scoring opportunities.
Short Blast Cut
The short blast cut is similar to the long blast cut but is executed when the court is congested. It involves a short, fast movement towards the ball handler, creating an opportunity to dribble or pass.
Advanced Techniques
To further enhance your cutting skills, consider these advanced techniques:
- Faking: Use deception, such as a jab step or a verbal fake, to throw the defender off balance and gain an advantage.
- Timing: Pay attention to the timing of your cuts. Change speed and direction as fast as possible, exploiting openings in the defense.
- Court Awareness: Understand proper spacing and movement on the court. Recognize defensive weaknesses and exploit them with quick cuts.
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Backdoor cuts
To execute a backdoor cut, an offensive player without possession of the ball takes a quick initial step towards a teammate who has the ball, followed by an immediate cut to the basket. This movement can be used to counter an off-ball denial defence near the perimeter, creating a potential scoring opportunity.
For example, if an off-ball defender at the top, wing, or corner attempts to deny the offensive player they are guarding from receiving the ball (usually by putting a hand in the passing lane), the offensive player can counter this tactic with a backdoor cut. This movement can cause the defender to trail behind, creating an opportunity for the offensive player to receive the ball and score.
It is important to note that the defender can try to diminish the effectiveness of the backdoor cut by mirroring the path of the offensive cutter on their inside shoulder. Therefore, when executing a backdoor cut, it is crucial to be aware of the defender's positioning and make adjustments accordingly.
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Iverson cuts
The Iverson cut is a great way to create various scoring or playmaking opportunities near the basket or the perimeter. For example, it can be used by an offensive team's best mid-range or three-point shooter to get open for a jump shot. Alternatively, it can be used by a player with strong dribbling skills to attack the basket, which can also result in a scoring/playmaking option.
- Start with a 1-4 high alignment with player 1 at the top, players 2 and 3 near the respective wings, and players 4 and 5 near the respective high post elbows.
- Player 2 executes the Iverson cut by moving across from the right side wing to the left side wing via a pair of screens set by players 4 and 5.
- As this happens, player 3 cuts through via the baseline to the right side corner.
- Player 2 receives the ball from player 1, while player 4 fills the vacant right side wing, and player 5 stays near the middle of the high post area.
The Iverson cut is a popular move that can be used in various offensive sets and provides countless options for counters, making it challenging for the defence to guard and allowing the offence to find a rhythm.
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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 basketball cuts include the V-cut, L-cut, Iverson cut, banana cut, backdoor cut, and the baseline back cut.
A V-cut is commonly used by wing players to shake a defender during man-to-man defense. Start outside the three-point line, facing the middle of the court and the ball. Move forward towards the basket at medium speed, then plant your inside foot, pivot, and step off quickly, exploding in the opposite direction. Keep your hands up and be ready to receive the ball.
Good scorers are always trying to get open by coming off screens or faking and cutting to open areas within their shooting range. Use fakes like a jab step, a shrug, or a bob of the head to throw the defender off balance and gain an advantage.
Advanced cuts like the long blast cut and short blast cut require speed, agility, and court awareness. These cuts are used to improve spacing and balance on the court, allowing for better dribbling and passing options.
