The 45 Cut in Basketball: A Simple, Deadly Weapon for New Coaches
Setup
Used most often in 5-out or 4-out 1-in spacing
Cutter starts on the wing or high slot
Cuts diagonally toward the rim at a 45-degree angle
Core actions
Read the help defender – If your defender loses vision or helps on a drive/post, cut hard to the basket
Timing matters – Cut just as the ball handler creates pressure or the post receives the ball
Finish or collapse – Look for a layup, or drag help to free up shooters
Re-space – If you don’t get the ball, exit to a corner or wing—don’t clog the lane
When to cut
On post entries from the top or opposite wing
On baseline drives from the opposite side
During pick-and-pop actions when your defender stunts
When the big short-rolls into space and your defender rotates
When your teammate dribbles at you (dribble-at cue)
When not to cut
If your defender is in full denial—go backdoor
If someone is already in the paint
If you're a corner shooter and the drive comes toward your side
Coaching cues
“See the back of their head? Cut now”
“Cut to score, not just to move”
“Be ready to pass on the catch—help comes fast”
“Use your cut to shift the defense, even without the ball”
Teaching the 45 cut: a breakdown for youth and high school coaches
The 45 cut is a diagonal basket cut triggered when a player sees their defender ball-watching or helping on another action. It’s one of the simplest reads a player can learn—and one of the most effective in real games.
It fits naturally into 5-out, 4-out 1-in, and motion-based offenses. It doesn’t require a set or call. Instead, it rewards players for reading defenders and cutting with purpose.
Why it works
1. It punishes help defenders
Most defenders at the youth and high school level lose vision when helping on drives or post entries. The 45 cut takes advantage of that moment. One quick read and the cutter is behind the help with a wide-open layup.
2. It generates corner threes
Once help rotates to stop the cutter, the offense now has the advantage. Kick-out passes to the corner become high-percentage shots because they come after a breakdown.
3. It teaches decision-making
Because the cut is based on reading the defender—not a coach’s command—players start to develop their basketball IQ. They learn when to move, where to move, and why it matters.
4. It fits any team structure
You don’t need elite size or athleticism. All you need is spacing, vision, and timing. That’s what makes it ideal for youth teams and high school programs.
Five game situations where the 45 cut applies
1. Post entry
Ball goes inside. Weak-side wing cuts when their defender helps or watches the ball.
→ Creates a layup or forces a rotation.
2. Baseline drive
Ball handler drives from the wing or corner. Help shifts across.
→ Opposite wing cuts diagonally. Easy read. Easy bucket.
3. Pick and pop (top of the key)
Big pops, and the weak-side wing’s defender cheats high.
→ Cut behind him for a backdoor finish or pocket pass.
4. Short roll from a ball screen
The big catches just above the foul line. The help side rotates.
→ Cutter slides into the seam behind the defense.
5. Dribble-at / gap drive
When a teammate dribbles at you—cut at a 45 toward the rim.
→ Creates space, movement, and often an open finish.
Practice drills to install the 45 cut
Drill 1: drive-and-cut read
Coach or player drives from the wing
Wing player on opposite side watches help defender
When vision is lost, cutter attacks the rim
Rotate positions and simulate different drive angles
Drill 2: post entry trigger
Feed the low post
Weak-side wing cuts on defender’s head turn
Start as scripted, then go live with defense
Drill 3: short roll decision drill
Simulate a screen and short roll
Roller catches at elbow
Weak-side wing reads and cuts based on the help
Drill 4: 2-on-2 advantage
Offense starts with a drive and a cutter
Two defenders must rotate to contain
Builds instinct and quick recognition under pressure
Why youth coaches should teach this early
The 45 cut is a perfect introduction to off-ball movement. Instead of telling players where to go, you teach them what to look for—and how to act.
Benefits include:
Better spacing
Fewer wasted possessions
More layups
Teaches movement without the ball
Gives every player a role—even without the ball
Why high school teams rely on it
At higher levels, the 45 cut becomes a key to breaking down help-side defense without forcing tough shots. It lets your team play without calling a set every time down the floor.
You’ll find it layered into modern offenses like:
5-out motion
Drive-and-kick systems
Spread ball screen actions
Flow-based continuity offenses
And because it triggers defensive rotations, it sets up ball reversals, corner threes, and high-low dump-offs.
Final thoughts
The 45 cut isn’t complicated—but it’s deadly when taught right. If your players can recognize when a defender is distracted or helping, they’ll start creating their own scoring chances off movement alone.
Start simple. Practice it with post entries, drives, and rolls. Let them feel the rhythm of cutting behind help. Then step back and watch as your offense becomes harder to guard—without adding a single new play.
