Motion Offense
Ages 13–15, Ages 16+

UCLA Cut

The classic 'UCLA cut': the point guard enters the ball to the wing, then cuts hard through the lane off a screen from the high post toward the ball-side block for a return pass and layup.

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Alignment
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Action — Entry Pass & Cut Off the High Post

Reads & options

  • 1. If the cutter's defender trails, hit him immediately on the block for a quick catch and finish.
  • 2. If the defense denies the return pass, the cutter clears through to the opposite corner and the offense resets into its normal continuity.
  • 3. The high post can pop out to the top after screening if his own defender switches out to cover the cutter.

Coaching points

  • · The entry pass and the cut are one connected action — the passer should be cutting almost the instant the ball leaves their hand.
  • · The cutter needs to brush tight off the high post screen, not run a wide, slow arc through the lane.
  • · The high post has to hold the screen long enough for the cutter to actually use it before popping or rolling anywhere else.

Draw and animate your own plays

Build sets like UCLA Cut in the interactive Play Designer — drag players, chart cuts, screens, and passes, then watch the play run.

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