Penetration and Cutting

What is a cut? 

Cuts in basketball are a sudden change of direction with the intention of creating space and opening the floor. It is a technique often used by players off the ball, it often results in havoc for the defense and easy opportunities for the offense. 

Cutting is one of the most used and effective techniques that help the offense run their game. Defenses cannot handle cutting for a number of reasons. It helps offenses get players open and it creates correct spacing, which gives offenses space to operate effectively. Cutting makes defenses pay attention to every player on the court.

What is penetration? 

It's the act of dribbling past the defender to attempt to score. Dribble penetration not only leads to easy layups for players but it can also set up other players for open shots.

Although cutting and penetrating are two very effective techniques, there are different types of cutting and penetrating. Types of cuts such as the L-cut, the zipper cut and the iverson cut can get your players open while cuts like the UCLa cut and backdoor cut typically get players open near the rim for easy points. 

Learn how to teach and incorporate cuts and penetrations to your team. Work smarter and not harder.

**Penetration and subsequent cutting training**

In this course, Assistant Coach Russ Willemsen teaches penetration and cutting philosophies. He breaks down the different types of cuts, advantages and opportunities. As well as different forms of penetration. Learn these philosophies and techniques to help your team's offense. 

Simply click the ‘Book This Course’ button at the top right of this page, place your order, and you’ll immediately be logged into the training with full access. You’ll hit the ground running and improving your team's offense today!