We recently looked into the great cutting action that UCSD runs in and around their 5-Out PNR Motion, and over the next couple weeks we’ll continue to drill down on the various cutting concepts teams around the world are using to attack all types of helpside defenses during the PNR. Below, in Part 1 of this series we’ll look closer at how teams have used a “Corner Cut” when the ball is going both towards and away from the PNR.
#1 – “Corner to Dunker” Cut – PNR Away from the 2-Man Side
One of the most effective ways the “Corner to Dunker” cut is used, is to create a long closeout on the backside as the ball is going away from the 2-Man side, mostly on a Reverse Angle Screen. Here’s a look…
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Why it’s effective: In most Reverse Angle Screen situations with 2 players behind the ball, the defender at the Nail is often charged with helping tag the Roll or Pop. As seen above, the Corner Cut opens up the entire backside for the top guard to float into and creates a long closeout for the Nail Defender after he/she helps tag the Roll.
And if the Nail defender stays with the Drift, then the defender guarding the Corner Cut can get caught in a 2 on 1 situation having to tag the Roll, leaving an opening for the Corner Cutter…
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“Corner Cut” Variations- Flare and Drift & Shallow Cut
Here are a couple more interesting actions that are closely related to the “Corner to Dunker Cut” with the ball going away from the 2-Man side that can punish help coming from the “Nail” or the “Low I” . The first is from Coach Moncho Fernandez and Obradoiro where the Corner Cutter will turn their cut into a Flare on their own man while the Offensive Wing drifts deeper toward the open corner.
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Corner Shallow Cut
Another action coming from the Corner Cutter that can completely eliminate the “Nail Help” is a “Shallow Cut”. An especially difficult action to guard…
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*Why it’s effective: All of the above actions essentially punish a team committed to stunting from the Nail on a Reverse Angle PNR. The advantage for the offense often comes in the form of a skip where they can play through a closeout.
#2 – “Corner to Dunker” Cut – PNR Toward the 2-Man Side
Many of the same advantages can be created with a Corner Cut when the PNR is going toward the 2-Man side as well. In this instance, the offense will often be attacking the Nail Help defender who is stunting or switching onto the ballhandler (“Next Defense”).
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*Why it’s effective: When done properly, this action against “Next Defense” opens up the entire side of the floor for the Wing defender to drift into. Whether there’s an immediate shot opportunity or not, the defense will certainly be in a closeout situation and the offensive can attack accordingly.
And, like the “Flare and Drift” action from Moncho Fernandez and Obradoiro when the ball is going away from the 2-Man side, the same action can be used when the ball is going toward the 2-Man Side as well…
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Obradovic Spacing
Yet another clever use of the “Corner Cut” comes from the great Željko Obradović in his last years at Fenerbahce. Coach Obradović was intent on getting two players behind the PNR at all times, so anytime the PNR was going toward the two player side Fenerbahce would use three simultaneous cuts, “Obradović Spacing” … a Corner Cut, Corner Drift, and High Lift to move the help.
*Note: You can watch an entire breakdown of many of Coach Obradovic’ Offensive and Defensive philosophies HERE.
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For much more on the “Corner Cut” during the PNR, as well as a refresher on the timing and use of the “45 Cut” as well, view the full breakdown here on SGTV...