A straight cut in basketball is not a very hard move to use, but most players do not use this move effectively. They either don’t set their man up the right way, loop their cut, or drift backward when they catch and shoot the basketball. Any of those 3 things will drastically reduce the effects of using a straight cut. The straight cut is a key basketball fundamental for shooters that use off-ball screens.
This basketball drill will teach you how to use a straight cut in a game and make you a better shooter. It is important that you really lock in on the footwork and make sure that the player has a strong foundation on their shot. Another big key is making sure that the player doesn’t predetermine their cut. As a player is coming to a down screen, they must read their defender and then determine which type of cut they will make. This is a basketball fundamental for players that are using screens off the ball.
Basketball Drill Overview
Drill Name: How to Use a Straight Cut in Basketball
Equipment Needed: 1-2 basketballs and 1-2 partners.
Similar Basketball Drills and Resources
- Ray Allen Curl Cut Basketball Shooting Drill
- Ray Allen Fade Cut Basketball Shooting Drill
- Ray Allen Straight Cut Basketball Shooting Drill
Goals of the Drill
- Learn how to effectively use a straight cut and practice the footwork and shooting involved.
Coaching Points
- Imagine the defender and practice setting them up the right way every time.
- After coming off the straight cut, make sure that you catch the basketball with your momentum moving in towards the basket, not drifting away.
- Cut tight to the chair so that the defender will not have space to cut through.
Basketball Drill Instructions
- Place a chair on either side of the floor just outside the elbow.
- The passer is going to stand at the top of the key and the shooter under the basket.
- The shooter will set his man up by walking to the opposite lane line and then quickly coming back in the other direction to use the screen.
- He/she will straight cut up the outside of the chair and receive a pass for a catch and shoot shot 2 or 3 point shot.
- Make sure that the shooter gets his/her body turned and squared to the basket on the shot.
- After the shot, the player will reset under the basket and repeat the cut.
- You can also mix in some shot fake one dribble pull-ups or finishes at the basket if desired.
- The drill can go for a certain number of shots, makes, or time.
