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OffenseCutting

Give-and-Go Cutting Drill

The give-and-go is the simplest way to break down a set defense — pass, cut hard to the rim, and catch a return pass before help arrives.

Age RangeAges 11+
Duration10–12 minutes
Group Size3 players + 1 defender
SportBasketball

Equipment Needed

  • One basketball
  • Half court

Build out your practice kit

This cutting drill just needs a ball and a half court, but a basic coaching-aid kit keeps the rest of practice moving.

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Setup

  • A passer starts at the top of the key with the ball; a cutter lines up on the wing with a defender.
  • A third player waits on the opposite wing as a second outlet.
Give-and-Go Cutting Drill12Passes & cuts3XcutreturnPass, cut hard to the rim, catch the return before help arrives

Instructions

  1. The wing player passes to the top and immediately cuts hard to the basket.
  2. The top player looks to hit the cutter with a bounce pass if the lane is open.
  3. If the cutter isn't open, they clear through to the opposite corner and the drill resets from the other wing.
  4. Rotate passer, cutter, and defender every few reps.
Coaching Points
  • The cut has to be hard and direct — a lazy cut never gets open.
  • Pass first, THEN cut; cutting before releasing the pass is a common early mistake.
  • The passer should have the ball ready to deliver the instant the cutter is open, not a beat later.
  • A bounce pass to a cutter moving toward the rim is easier to catch in stride than a chest pass.

Variation

Add a second defender to contest the return pass, or require the cutter to finish through contact for older groups.

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