In basketball, offensive players use passing and dribbling to get past the defense. You can get open by breaking down your defender with slick ball-handling moves or by setting screens for teammates, which frees them to receive a pass. However, when setting screens is not an option, you can still get open by using proper footwork and executing a V cut to create separation between you and your defender.
V Cut Definition
The V cut is a basketball move that is designed to get your defender moving in the opposite direction of your intended cut. Basketball coaches sometimes explain V cuts as taking your defender away before coming back to meet a pass. Although the primary function of a V cut is to free yourself to receive a pass, V cuts can also be used to gain positioning for an offensive or defensive rebound as well.
How to Execute a V Cut
To execute the V cut, step into your opponent and walk him in the direction you want to go. If he resists and tries to hold his ground, slip past him for an open cut to the basket. If he moves with you, walk him away from the ball for three or four steps. On your last step, plant your foot closest to your defender, pivot toward the ball and step off with the other foot, coming back toward your teammate to receive the pass. Perform a two-foot jump stop when catching the pass so you can pivot in either direction, depending on where your defender is trailing you.
Why Use a V Cut?
The primary function of a V cut is to gain separation from an opposing player. In order to receive a pass from your teammate, there must be space for her to fit the pass to you. Using a V cut creates that space. When going for a rebound you need to avoid being blocked out by your opponent. Using a V cut helps keep her off-balance, thus helping you avoid contact and gain a free path to the ball.
When to Use a V Cut
V cuts are used when you are isolated on one side of the floor and there is no one to screen for you to get open. You can also use a V cut if your teammate has picked up his dribble and can't move and you are the closet person to him and need to get open. If your team is being picked up in a full-court press and you are the only person available to receive the inbound pass, use a V cut to get open.
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