Amanda Knapp
Passing to cutters is an important tactic in basketball that can create scoring opportunities for your team. The pass and cut action involves a player passing the ball and then moving towards the basket, forcing the defender to follow them and creating space for teammates. There are many types of cuts, including the Iverson cut, the backdoor cut, the V-cut, the L-cut, the flash cut, and the deep cut, each with its own advantages and applications. Mastering the art of passing to cutters requires understanding the different types of cuts, developing court awareness, and executing precise timing and footwork.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pass and cut tactic | Player in possession of the ball passes to a teammate and then cuts towards the basket to limit the effectiveness of the defense |
| Passing player | Should be near the perimeter |
| Receiving player | Should be near the right side wing, right side corner, or right side low post area |
| Scissors cut | Two offensive players near the perimeter split between another offensive player near the high post |
| Laker cut | Performed by a player on the high side through the elbow to the basket |
| Back cut | Used when a defender is overplaying or denying the pass on the perimeter |
| Deep cut | A wing player cuts underneath the basket from one side of the court to the other |
| Iverson cut | An offensive player on one side of the court cuts through to the other side, usually the opposite wing area |
| V-cut | Requires body-to-body contact and involves walking the defender inside the 3-point line before exploding out to receive the ball |
| L-cut | Effective for getting open on the perimeter when starting on the block; requires good footwork and body usage |
| Curl cut | Involves curling around a screen and reading the defender's movements |
| Banana cut | A curved or arched cut from one area of the court to another |
| Face cut | Cutting in front of the defender to get on the ball-side |
| Timing | The move should be timed to be open to receive the pass |
| Speed | Changing speeds makes it difficult for the defender to guard |
| Hands | Hands should be ready to catch, and the player should be in position to shoot |
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What You'll Learn
Basic pass and cut actions
Passing and cutting is an offensive tactic in basketball that involves a player passing the ball to a teammate and then executing a cut, often towards the basket, to limit the effectiveness of the defense. Passing and cutting can create scoring opportunities as it forces the defense to move and adjust, potentially leading to defensive breakdowns.
The Iverson Cut
The Iverson cut is performed when a player on one side of the court, typically near a wing area, cuts through to the opposite side, usually the other wing area. This cut is often used with one or two screens set by additional players. It is named after NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson, who used this cut to create scoring opportunities.
The Backdoor Cut
The backdoor cut is used when a defender is overplaying in the passing lane, denying the pass. This creates a large gap for the offensive player to cut into. The backdoor cut requires good passing skills to be effective, as it should result in an easy layup. To perform a successful backdoor cut, players must set up their defender and then quickly change direction and explode towards the basket.
The V-Cut
The V-cut requires body-to-body contact and is executed by walking the defender inside the 3-point line, planting your foot, and then exploding out to receive the pass. The V-cut works because the defender's reaction time won't be quick enough to stop the pass.
The L-Cut
The L-cut is ideal for getting open on the perimeter when starting on the block. It doesn't require speed but instead relies on good footwork and body usage. To perform an L-cut, take the defender up to the elbow, get your top foot over theirs, nudge them slightly to create space, and then lead directly out to the wing while calling for the pass.
The UCLA Cut
The UCLA cut involves two perimeter players and a player in the high post. It usually results in a layup for the cutter. It starts with the player at the top of the key passing to the wing player and then cutting directly to the strong side block off of the high post's screen.
These are some basic pass and cut actions that can be utilized in basketball to create scoring opportunities and improve offensive flow.
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Back cuts
To perform a back cut, you need to first read your defender and the help defence. If your defender is playing off you or on your low side, then the back cut is not open. If a help defender is sitting in the lane, the back cut is not available. However, if your defender is trying to deny you the ball and the help-side defence is cleared out, the back cut is wide open.
Once you have made this read, you need to set up your defender. The two components to setting up your defender are a change of pace and a change of direction. Start at a slower speed to get your defender to relax. Then, cut hard to the basket. Sell to your defender that you are coming up to receive the ball or down-screen.
The passer also plays a big part in a successful back cut. If you are on the passing end of a back cut, don't stare down your receiver. If it is a bounce pass, make sure the ball stays low to the ground and away from the defender's hands. Lead the cutter to the basket.
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Deep cuts
A deep cut is a basketball offensive tactic where a wing player cuts underneath the basket from one side of the court to the other. The cutter should aim to end up in the opposite corner or between the wing and corner for a 15- to 18-foot mid-range jumper. This move is particularly effective against zone defence, as the defending team often loses sight of the player cutting, especially if they are preoccupied with the ball and other players.
To execute a deep cut, or any other type of cut, it is important to have good timing. Try to time your move so that you are open to receive the pass. Changing speeds can also make you unpredictable and difficult to guard. A quick, hard first step is key, so be sure to explode out of the cut. Have your hands ready to catch the ball, and be in a position to shoot or in a triple-threat position.
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V-cuts
Overall, V-Cuts are an important tool for any basketball player to master. They can create space and scoring opportunities, while also disrupting the defense. By using V-Cuts effectively, players can improve their offensive capabilities and become more unpredictable on the court.
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L-cuts
To execute an L-cut, start by positioning a player near the baseline or the bottom of the key, with a defender on them, looking at the ball. The player should then begin by taking the defender up the side of the key at a moderate speed. As the player approaches the edge of the cut, they should 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 are outside the arc.
The L-cut is similar to a V-cut, but instead of cutting in a V shape, the player cuts in an L shape. This means the cutter will cut up and then out to get open to receive a pass. This movement can be used to get open on the wing or other areas of the court.
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Frequently asked questions
Pass and cut is an offensive tactic in basketball where a player with the ball passes it to a teammate and then executes a cut, usually towards the basket, to limit the effectiveness of the defense. This influences defenders to move towards the ball and creates scoring opportunities.
Some common cuts used in basketball include the Iverson cut, back cut, deep cut, banana cut, L-cut, V-cut, flash cut, and curl cut.
When passing to cutters, it is important to time your move so that you are open to receiving the pass. Varying your speed can also make you less predictable and harder to guard. The passer must also watch the cutter to help with timing for the next player filling the vacant spot.
When defending against cutters, the defender should maintain an "ear on chest" position and use their shoulder to block or resist the opponent's cut to the basket. The defender should also maintain vision on the ball and force the cutter towards a baseline.
