The 45 Cut in Basketball: A Simple, Deadly Weapon for New Coaches
The 45 cut might be one of the most underutilized yet effective tools in a coach’s offensive playbook. It’s simple. It’s smart. And when used right, it creates open layups, dunks, and wide-open threes—all without running a complicated set.
Whether you're coaching youth, high school, or just looking to add movement to a stagnant offense, the 45 cut is a must-know concept.
🔍 What Is a 45 Cut?
A 45 cut is when a player on the wing or high slot cuts diagonally toward the rim at a 45-degree angle. It’s different from a backdoor cut (which happens when a defender overplays a passing lane). The 45 cut punishes defenders who lose vision while helping on a drive, post touch, or screen.
It’s a read, not a pre-set action. The offense reacts to the defense—and that's what makes it lethal.
🧠 Why Use the 45 Cut?
1. Exploits Help Defense
When defenders rotate to help on drives or post-ups, they often lose sight of their man. The 45 cut attacks that blind spot.
2. Creates Layups and Dunks
A perfectly timed 45 cut often leads to a clean catch right under the basket.
3. Forces Rotations → Leads to Open Threes
If help defenders rotate to stop the cutter, the ball can be kicked to the open shooter in the corner.
🧭 When to Use a 45 Cut (5 Key Scenarios)
1. Post Entry
The ball goes into the low post.
The weak-side wing (or high slot) reads their defender.
If the defender ball-watches or collapses: cut to the rim.
Simple dump pass = layup.
2. Baseline Drive
As the ball handler attacks baseline, defenders sag or help.
The weak-side wing’s defender often drops to the corner.
This opens a cut down the lane for an easy bucket or a kick to the corner if help comes.
3. Pick and Pop (Top of the Key)
After a ball screen, the screener pops to the top.
The weak-side wing’s defender may stunt or rotate high.
Perfect time to cut behind him for a pass at the rim.
4. Short Roll
On a ball screen, if the screener short-rolls into space and receives the pass...
Weak-side defenders will often rotate toward the roller.
The 45 cut slides into the open space created.
5. Dribble At / Gap Driving
If a teammate dribbles at you from the top or opposite wing, cut backdoor at a 45.
Especially effective in 5-Out spacing to create movement off the ball.
🏀 Teaching the 45 Cut: Key Coaching Cues
“If you see the back of your defender’s head—cut now.”
“Don’t wait for the ball—cut with timing and purpose.”
“Be ready to finish or kick—help rotates fast at higher levels.”
“Use the cut to create confusion—you don’t need the ball to make the defense react.”
🔄 When NOT to 45 Cut
If your defender is staying tight or in denial—go backdoor instead.
Don’t cut if someone is already occupying the paint—avoid clogging the lane.
If you’re a shooter and the drive is to your side—consider spacing instead.
🧪 Drills to Practice 45 Cuts
1. Drive & Cut Reaction Drill
One coach drives baseline, a wing reads help and cuts. Repeat from both wings.
2. Post Touch Read Drill
Feed the post, wing cuts on defender’s head turn. Add a live defender as progress.
3. Short Roll Decision Drill
Simulate a ball screen → short roll → cutter reads help rotation.
4. 2v2 Advantage Drill
Drive + cutter vs 2 rotating defenders. Builds timing and decision-making under pressure.
🏆 Final Thoughts for Coaches
The 45 cut isn’t about flash—it’s about reading the defense and timing your movement. Teach it, rep it, and watch your offense come alive.
Whether you coach a high-level squad or a group of eager beginners, this one concept can dramatically increase your team’s ability to punish help defenders, maintain spacing, and generate easy points.
