Teaching Players How to Be Dangerous Without the Ball
Why Off-Ball Movement Wins Games
Most players only have the ball in their hands about 10% of the time. That means 90% of their offensive effectiveness depends on how they move without the ball. Unfortunately, many youth and high school players stand and watch during possessions.
But great offenses are fueled by constant movement. From baseline cuts to off-ball screens, learning to play without the ball is one of the fastest ways to elevate a player’s impact—and your team’s success.
Core Off-Ball Skills Every Player Must Learn
Change of Speed and Direction
Players who stand still are easy to guard. Players who move with pace and deception—like Steph Curry—become a constant threat. Teach players to:
Vary speed on every cut
Change direction off the ball
Use short bursts and hesitations
Using the Body to Get Open
Getting open isn’t just about speed. Teach players to:
Walk defenders into screens
Use contact to create separation
Seal defenders after setting screens (like Ray Allen or Duncan Robinson)
Backdoor and Read-Based Cuts
Train players when to cut:
If denied on the wing → backdoor cut
If their defender turns their head → basket cut
When a teammate drives toward them → drift or back cut
When the ball enters the post → cut off of it
45 Cuts
The 45-degree cut from the wing to the rim is a staple of great offenses:
Perfect when the ball handler is penetrating from the opposite side
Exploits defenders helping too far into the gap
Creates drive-and-kick or backdoor lob chances
Relocate After the Pass (Steph Cut)
After passing, many defenders relax. Teach players to:
Sprint to space after passing
Use ghost screens or quick flare cuts
Reposition on the perimeter for spot-ups
Off-Ball Screens: Teaching Reads
Every off-ball screen opens multiple options. Train your players on how to read the defense:
Curl Cut
Use this when the defender chases over the top.
Curl tight to the rim
Finish or hit a short jumper like Rip Hamilton
Shot Cut (Pop)
If the defender goes under or gets caught:
Fade to the three-point line
Be ready to catch-and-shoot
Flat/Fade Cut
When the defender cheats under:
Fake curl, then fade to the corner
Especially effective for shooters
Back Cut
If the defender top-locks or denies:
Cut behind them to the rim
Must be timed with passer’s awareness
Slip by the Screener
If the screener’s defender helps or switches:
Slip to the rim instead of completing the screen
Very effective if paired with a shooter being screened for
Teaching Tips for Coaches
Set up small-sided games with cutting and movement constraints
Film sessions to show great off-ball players (Curry, Rip, Ray Allen)
Reward cutting and screening even if players don’t get the ball
Emphasize timing—cutting too early kills spacing
Use language cues like “If you’re denied, backdoor” or “Pass and relocate”
Final Thoughts
Great offensive teams move with purpose—even when they don’t have the ball. Whether you’re coaching beginners or high school athletes, teaching off-ball movement will elevate your team's basketball IQ and scoring efficiency.
From backdoor cuts and 45 angles to relocation threes and slip reads, there’s a blueprint for every player to become a threat. As Kobe Bryant said—standing and watching isn’t winning basketball.
So teach your players to move. With intelligence. With pace. With purpose.
And most importantly: move to win.
