Backdoor Cut 2-on-2 with a Point Passer

A half-court 2-on-2 with a neutral passer at the top of the key: offensive players get open with V-cuts and, when their defender denies the pass, cut backdoor to the rim. It works on getting open, reading the defense, and off-ball individual defense.

How to play

1. Groups of 5 at each basket: a neutral passer up top, two offensive players on the wings, and two defenders in pinnies. Explain the V-cut and the backdoor cut (2 min).
2. Guided phase: defenders always deny. The offense cuts backdoor and the passer hits them with a bounce pass toward the rim (3 min).
3. Live phase: defenders choose to deny or allow the catch. If denied, go backdoor; if not, V-cut, catch, and play 2-on-2 (5 min).
4. Scoring: a backdoor basket is 3, any other basket is 2, and a steal or defensive rebound is 1 for the defense. Three possessions per pair (3 min).
5. Rotation: offense to defense, defense to passer and out, and the waiting pair steps in. Close by discussing when to cut (2 min).

Rules

• The neutral passer may not shoot or dribble toward the rim; they only pass.
• Man-to-man defense: each defender always guards the same player.
• Safety: cut while looking at the ball, and the passer doesn't throw if someone is blocking the lane, to avoid passes to the face.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students who use wheelchairs: play the neutral passer, a key role in reading the play.
• Students who are deaf or hard of hearing: agree on an open-hand signal to call for the backdoor pass.
• Group students by similar ability; in beginner groups, the defender denies with hands behind the back.

Learning goals

• Get open with V-cuts and backdoor cuts based on the defense.
• Read the defender's position to choose the right cut.
• Defend off the ball while seeing both the ball and the player.

Equipment for a class of 25

• basketball: 5
• pinnies: 10
• basketball hoops: 5

Teacher tip

The backdoor fails when it is slow; ask for a hard step out and an explosive cut to the rim. To help defenders learn, ask after each basket allowed whether they could see the ball and their player at the same time.

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