Picture yourself away from the ball and cutting toward it. You're trying to get open to receive a pass, with your defender near you. Let's take a look at reads and reactions to help you get open and receive the ball...
If you're starting your cut outside the three-point line, stay outside the arc as you cut toward the ball. Now you can use the three-point arc to simplify your read...
- 1. Reading the defender: If your defender remains behind the arc, then you're open. There is no need to make a corner. This is an easy passing read for your teammate as well. If your defender is behind or inside the arc, then you're open -- it's that simple. Give eye contact and show target hands.
- 2. Making the corner: On the other hand, if your defender steps on or over the three-point line, then you're not open and you should "make a corner" by planting your outside foot parallel to the arc and pushing off it, straight to the goal behind your defender. Or, you may be cutting right in front of your defender (which is called "cutting his face") if he's trailing you a little. Either way, you will have plenty of space between you and the goal to receive the ball, take a step, and go strong to the hole.
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