V-Cuts and L-Cuts to Get Open on the Wing

Learning off-ball cuts to catch on the wing against a defender who denies: the V-cut (take the defender inside and pop out) and the L-cut (come up from the low post and break out to the wing). It pairs with the passer, who has to deliver the ball at the right moment.

How to play

1. Demo: on a V-cut, walk toward the lane and explode out to the wing; on an L-cut, come up the lane to the free throw line and break out at a right angle (3 min).
2. Groups of three per basket: passer at the top, receiver and a passive defender who denies; the receiver alternates V-cuts and L-cuts and the passer hits them when they win position (5 min).
3. The defender goes live; if the receiver does not catch within 5 seconds, the passer counts out loud and roles switch (6 min).
4. 2-on-2 from the top and wing: you can only score if the first pass came after a V-cut or an L-cut; rotate after every basket (6 min).

Rules

• The receiver may not push the defender to win position.
• The defender denies with an arm in the passing lane, without grabbing.
• The catch happens outside the three-point line or at the wing marked with a cone.
• Groups at each basket stay on their half of the court.

Variations

Adaptations

• Hearing impairment: the receiver calls for the ball with a raised hand instead of their voice.
• Limited mobility: plays as the fixed passer at the top, the role with the most timing decisions.
• Overweight students: shorter cuts, from the lane to a short wing, with rests between reps.

Learning goals

• Perform V-cuts and L-cuts with a change of pace.
• Time the pass with the receiver's cut.
• Catch facing the basket and ready to play.

Equipment for a class of 25

• basketballs: 8
• cones: 12
• pinnies: 8

Teacher tip

The change of pace is what frees the receiver: ask for slow going in and fast coming out. One rotation per basket works well with groups of six or seven.

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