Step through it
The cue: “Cut across, then drive and fill.” Only the defender who gives the read is drawn.
Read the three steps as text
- 1 has the ball at the top and 5 waits at the high post. 3 is on the right wing, with X3 guarding.
- 3 starts to cut across the lane and 5 steps across to screen X3 as 3 moves.
- X3 is stuck behind the screen with no time to react. 3 finishes the cut and 1 passes to him. If he is covered, 1 drives and a teammate replaces. The cue: Cut across, then drive and fill.
Ask, don't tell
After the rep, ask one question: “Where was the help when you cut?” Judge the decision, not whether the shot went in.
Why it is in this library
Every read here passes the same tests: it is a read, not a reaction; it has few moving parts; it fits five-out spacing; it transfers as a concept; and it falls back into normal play if the read is not there. Teach the roles (screener, cutter, passer), not the positions.
Unofficial fan-created resource. The read is distilled from published coaching playbooks, curated and reviewed by Ravi Sundram, and the diagram is a schematic drawn for this site. Not affiliated with any team, coach or league.