Basketball Cuts And Moves Drills For Players, Parents & Coaches

Develop and master your Basketball Cuts And Moves Without The Ball!

Why you ask? An offensive player will spend over 80% of their time without the basketball! Did you realize that?

I think this shows how important it is for players to work on drills that will help them develop this aspect of their game.

By working on and understanding these drills…

  • Players will develop their skills at basketball cuts and moves that do not involve the ball. This will help them in getting open, cutting and moving more effectively in their offense.
  • Parents will develop a better understanding of what these skills are and how they can help their child work on them in order to be successful at the game of basketball.
  • Coaches will learn how to teach their players the importance of moving without the ball. They will teach them how to move with quickness, balance and a purpose.

“Learn to do things right and then do them right every time.” – Bobby Knight

Basketball Cuts And Moves Without The Ball

1. Live Moves Without The Ball

Goal – To practice and simulate the basic basketball cuts and moves made without the ball.

Equipment – Basketball court, fullcourt or half court.

Action – Players divide into four groups and form four lines behind one of the baselines. The players should imagine that the ball is in the center of the court. They will move from side to side down the court without the ball, performing the following moves.

Moves:

  • V-cut to get open for a pass. Players should v-cut and then come to a quick stop in a triple threat position, simulating catching a pass from a teammate.
  • V-cut to get open, then a backdoor cut to get open for a pass. Players should work on proper footwork and make their cuts sharp and quick. Players should keep their hands up ready for the pass.
  • Front cut – Players simulate a pass to half court followed by a front cut. To do this players will v-cut away from the pass, make a fast cut to the ball, and then a quick stop at the free throw line simulating catching the ball. The players should then pivot to face the opposite basket, get into a triple threat position and scan the entire court. This action is repeated at the midcourt line and opposite free throw line.
  • Rear cut – Players simulate a pass to half court followed by a rear cut. To do this players will cut toward their pass, make a quick rear cut, and then a quick stop at the free throw line simulating catching the ball. The players should then pivot to face the opposite basket, get into a triple threat position and scan the entire court.This action is repeated at the midcourt line and opposite free throw line.

2. V-Cut

Goal – To practice the basic basketball cuts and moves used to get open for a pass.

Equipment – Basketball court, one ball per group.

Action – The players form two lines at each basket. One line (guards) forms at midcourt, to the side of the center circle. The other line (forwards) forms at the wing position. The players should switch lines after each move is completed. The groups will work on the following moves.

Moves:

  • The forward will v-cut to get open, receive the pass from the guard, then pivot and square up to the basket in a triple threat position.
  • The forward will v-cut to get open, but instead of receiving the pass will make a quick back door cut to the basket. The forward should have their hands up and ready for a pass.
  • The forward makes a v-cut to get open for a pass. The guard will make a pass to the forward and then make a front or rear cut to the basket. The guard should have their hands up and ready for a return pass (give and go).

Option:

Once the players are able to make to perform these cuts, are able to catch the ball and face the basket, and are able to stay under control – you can then add two defenders to the drill. Let them play a two-on-two situation.

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I hope you found these drills for Basketball Cuts And Moves Without The Ball to be helpful and informative. Remember – an offensive player will spend 80% of their time without the basketball. By developing these basketball moves without the ball, they will be much more effective offensive players.

If you need more great information on these basketball drills or other basketball topics, I would suggest you purchase some good basketball books and videos. These will provide you with a wealth of knowledge about the game of basketball.