How to Teach Players to Move Without the Ball

Off-ball movement is one of the most overlooked but essential components of a successful offense. Players who can move with purpose, change speeds, and create separation without the ball become constant scoring threats and open up the floor for their teammates.

Here’s how to teach players the key foundational cuts that form the backbone of intelligent, dynamic off-ball play:

1. V-Cut

The V-cut is perfect for players trying to shake a tight defender on the wing. Teach players to walk their defender down into the paint slowly, then explode out with a sharp change of speed and direction. Emphasize showing their hands and squaring up after catching the pass.

Key teaching points:

• Start slow, change speeds quickly

• Get low and plant hard before changing direction

• Pop out to the wing and show hands

2. L-Cut

This cut is ideal for setting up at the elbow. Players start low (on the block), then make an "L" shape to the elbow. Have them plant into their defender, show the outside hand, and catch the ball while facing up.

Key teaching points:

• Create contact with the defender on the plant

• Catch ready to shoot or attack

• Useful for mid-post entries

3. Zipper Cut

Used to get the ball to the top of the key, players start low (under the basket) and cut vertically up the middle of the floor. Often, a ball handler will dribble toward them, keeping the dribble alive while the cutter uses a screen or timing to get open at the top.

Key teaching points:

• Maintain a tight, vertical path

• Use the change of speed and angle

• Time the cut with the dribble

4. Blast Cut

Great for creating wing entries, players begin under the rim, step out laterally, then explode straight out to the wing. Teach them to catch with their back to the basket, square up, and assess quickly.

Key teaching points:

• Be explosive and deliberate

• Step out wide before sprinting out

• Turn and face immediately after catching

5. Iverson Cut

Named after Allen Iverson, this cut starts from the wing and goes over the foul line, typically over two screeners positioned at the elbows. The cutter catches on the opposite wing, often leading into a quick attack or layup.

Key teaching points:

• Cut shoulder-to-shoulder off the screen

• Change speeds to lose defenders

• Read the screener’s positioning

Curl Variation:
Instead of popping to the wing, the cutter curls off the screen into the paint, heading straight for a layup. Emphasize reading the defender’s trail position.

6. Laker Cut

This cut follows a post entry pass. The passer then cuts either:

• High: Around the elbow to the front of the rim

• Low: Along the baseline to the opposite side

Key teaching points:

• Be decisive after the post feed

• Catch in scoring position or finish the cut to clear space

• Read whether to score, screen, or relocate

7. Post Feed & Relocate

Instead of cutting, the passer can relocate after a post feed. Options include:

• Drift to the corner

• Slide to the top
  This movement keeps defenders engaged and opens up perimeter shots or drive-and-kick opportunities.

Key teaching points:

• Always move after a post entry

• Time relocation with the post player’s moves

• Stay shot-ready

Final Teaching Reminder:

No matter which cut you're teaching, emphasize:

• Changing speeds

• Leading defenders into screens

• Using body positioning to seal

• Showing hands for the catch

When players master these off-ball movements, they become irreplaceable parts of any offensive system.