Amanda Knapp
Cutting in basketball is a crucial skill to create space, get open, and score buckets without running set plays. While there are various cutting techniques, such as the V-cut, L-cut, flash cut, and shallow cut, the concept of cutting remains constant: moving without the ball to create advantageous situations. Pickup basketball, with its emphasis on hustle and less complex strategies, provides a unique context for applying cutting skills. In this environment, mastering techniques like the pick and roll, back cut, and understanding the nuances of screening and spacing become essential for success in pickup games.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hustle | Getting layups is more important than shooting 3-pointers |
| Passing | Passing is less common in pickup basketball than in 5v5 |
| Defence | Play good defence and be active on rebounds |
| Fouls | Refs use a philosophy of "advantage/disadvantage" when calling fouls |
| Cutting | Use cuts like V-cut, L-Cut (up-and-out), flash cut, shallow cut, Iverson cut, 45 cut, front cut, and more |
| Screening | Set a screen for the ball carrier and then streak toward the basket |
| Height | If you're tall, spend at least 50% of your time near the basket |
| Practice | Practice jumpers so you can make yourself look respectable |
| Strategy | Pickup basketball has less orchestrating and strategy than 5v5 |
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What You'll Learn
Pick and roll
The play involves three players. It begins with a defender guarding a ball handler. The ball handler moves toward a teammate, who sets a "screen" or "pick" by standing in the way of the defender, who is now separated from the moving ball handler. The defender is forced to choose between guarding the ball handler or the screener. If the defender tries to guard the ball handler, the screener can move toward the basket. If the defender chooses to guard the screening teammate, the ball handler has an open shot or can pass the ball to an open teammate.
The second step to an effective pick and roll is for the screener to create as much separation as possible between themselves and their defender before setting the on-ball screen. This decreases the defender's ability to help on the dribbler, leaving them open for a shot or forcing them to attack a defender who is still closing out to the basketball.
The final step of the pick and roll is for the dribbler to read the defense and make the correct decision. This could be to attack the rim, pass to the roll player, or dribble in and kick the ball out to the outside shooters or players cutting to the rim.
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Pick and pop
To execute a successful pick and pop, the ball handler must attack the paint by dribbling towards the middle of the floor. This action forces the post defender to make a choice between stopping the ball or recovering to the pop. If the defender focuses on stopping the ball, the pop player is likely to be open for a jump shot.
The pick and pop is particularly effective when used against certain defensive coverages, depending on the shooting ability of the screener and the post defender. For example, if the post defender is large and unathletic, they are more likely to defend the paint than guard on the perimeter. In this case, the pop forces them out of their comfort zone, creating an advantage for the offence.
Additionally, the timing and positioning of the pop are crucial. The post player should arc towards the perimeter immediately after setting the screen, with their shoulders already turned towards the basket, ensuring they are ready to shoot as soon as they receive the ball.
Defending the pick and pop depends on the personnel and the ability of the defensive players to guard in space. If the defensive team has an athletic post player, switching the screen may be effective, preventing the ball from penetrating too deep into the paint. If the post player is less athletic, a hedge and recover strategy or zone defence may be more suitable.
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Handoffs
To perform a handoff, the player with the ball dribbles towards their teammate, who then takes the handoff. This can be done by simply passing the ball to the receiving player, or by using a more complex sequence of movements and passes to create space and confuse the defence. For example, in a simple 2-handoff play, Player 1 dribbles at Player 2, who steps high to take the handoff. Player 4 then moves higher on the weak wing and receives a cross-court pass from Player 2. Player 3 relocates to Player 4's original position and also receives a pass. Player 5 then screens for Player 2, who runs backdoor, and the play continues with various passes and movements to create scoring opportunities.
The dribble handoff is a versatile play that can be used in different ways. One option is to have a teammate run towards you while you have the ball. You can then hand it off to them and immediately screen their defender, or you can fake the handoff and drive to the basket yourself if your defender overcommits. This play can also be used to counter defensive strategies. For example, if the defence tries to jam up the handoff, the receiving player can backdoor cut to the basket, receive the pass, and score.
The DHO is similar to a pick-and-roll (PnR) but with some key differences. The DHO allows the guard receiving the handoff to move at a higher speed than if they already had the ball, making it harder for the defending guard to stay with them. This can create passing lanes or force the defence to provide help, opening up other scoring options.
Some players are particularly well-suited to the DHO, such as LeBron James and James Harden, due to their ability to handle double teams and attack the defence from various spots on the floor. Overall, the dribble handoff is a powerful tool in pickup basketball that can create scoring opportunities and disrupt the defence.
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Back cuts
To execute a back cut, you must first set up your defender. Start at a slower speed to relax your defender, then change pace and direction. You want to sell to your defender that you are coming up to receive the ball, so they will try to deny the pass. As soon as they jump to your high side, cut backdoor. An explosive first step is key to a successful back cut.
The passer plays a big role in a back cut. Don't stare down your receiver, and if it's a bounce pass, keep the ball low to the ground and away from the defender. Lead the cutter to the basket. As the cutter, make sure you go and get the ball and finish.
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V-cuts
The V-cut is a common basketball move used by wing players to get open against man-to-man defences. It is an effective way to create space and get open for a pass on the wing or perimeter when up against a pressure defence.
To perform a V-cut, start by walking towards the basket with your hands high. Your defender should stay close and move in the same direction. After taking a few steps, cut hard in a V-shape back to the ball. This will help you gain some separation from your defender. You want to slow them down and then catch them off-guard with your quick cut.
There are two basic types of V-cut: the quick or short V-cut, and the Jam-Down V-cut. For the short V-cut, take a few medium-speed steps towards the middle of the court, then cut hard in a V-shape back to the ball. For 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 types of V-cut are best used on the weak side of the offence for an isolation situation.
To practice the V-cut, set up cones in the shape of a 'V' starting and ending at the perimeter. Start at the top of the 'V' and walk to the bottom point before quickly popping back out to the final point. If you have a teammate or coach who can assist, have them throw you a pass as you get to the end of the V-cut so you can practice catching and squaring your body to the rim quickly in your triple-threat position.
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Frequently asked questions
Pickup basketball is mostly a hustle game. It's about getting layups, picking and rolling, and back-cutting your defender. There's not a lot of passing, so play good defence and be active on rebounds.
If you screen the ball, roll to the basket. If the ball is on the wing and no one is on the strong side block, cut to the basket for a pass. If you draw your man on a double team, cut to the basket.
Some common cuts include the V-cut, L-cut, flash cut, shallow cut, front cut, Iverson cut, and 45 cut.
There are no charges or offensive fouls. Don't touch the ball as an offensive player after it goes through the net. Best Player/Hot Hand must get a touch offensively when the game is on the line.
