Step through it
The cue: “Pass, cut off the post, get it back.” Only the defender who gives the read is drawn.
Read the three steps as text
- 1 has the ball at the top with X1 guarding. 5 is at the left elbow and 2 is on the left wing.
- 1 passes to 2. X1 turns to watch the ball.
- 1 cuts tight off 5, the high post, to the rim. X1 is a step behind, and 2 passes to the cutter. The cue: Pass, cut off the post, get it back.
Ask, don't tell
After the rep, ask one question: “Where was your defender when you passed?” 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.