Great basketball isn’t just about what you do with the ball—it’s also about how you move without it. Off-ball cuts and screens help you find open space, confuse defenders, and keep the offense flowing.

For Lykkers, learning the basics of curls, flares, and slips will not only make you harder to guard but also help your team’s offense become more dynamic. This guide will walk you through the fundamentals of these movements and how to use them effectively.

Off-Ball Cuts Explained

Cutting without the ball is one of the easiest ways to surprise defenders and get high-quality looks.

The Curl Cut

A curl cut is when you use a screen and curl tightly around it toward the basket. If your defender trails you closely, curling gives you a clear path to the hoop for a layup or short jumper. Stay low, brush shoulder-to-hip with the screener, and keep your hands ready for the pass.

The Flare Cut

When defenders chase you too aggressively, a flare cut can create separation. Instead of curling toward the basket, you step away from the screen toward the perimeter. This gives you space for an open jumper beyond the arc or a driving lane if defenders close out late.

The Backdoor Cut

If a defender overplays you, step toward the ball as if you’ll receive it, then quickly cut behind them toward the basket. A well-timed backdoor cut often leads to easy layups, especially if your teammate recognizes it early.

Why Cuts Work

Cuts work because they force defenders to make quick decisions—trail, switch, or fight through screens. The faster and sharper your cuts, the harder it is for defenders to keep up.

Using Screens Effectively

Screens are all about teamwork. Knowing how to read and use them makes the difference between wasted motion and an open shot.

The Slip

A slip happens when your defender anticipates the screen and jumps ahead of it. Instead of holding the screen, the screener quickly cuts toward the basket for an easy scoring opportunity. As the cutter, always keep your eyes open for this sudden switch.

The Pop

After setting a screen, the screener may step out to the perimeter instead of rolling to the basket. This is effective if the screener can shoot, as it creates space and pulls defenders out of the paint.

Reading the Defense

If your defender goes under the screen, pop out for a jumper. If they chase you over the screen, curl hard toward the basket. If defenders switch, look to exploit mismatches—either with the screener rolling to the rim or you isolating against a slower player.

Timing is Everything

A screen only works if both players are in sync. Don’t leave too early, and don’t hesitate after the screen is set. Quick, decisive movement keeps the defense off balance.

Stay Active Off the Ball

Even if you don’t get the ball, good cuts and screens create openings for teammates. Keep moving, keep reading defenders, and stay engaged in the play.

Off-ball cuts and screens may not be as flashy as dribble moves, but they’re just as powerful. Curl cuts, flare cuts, and backdoor cuts help you find space and keep defenders guessing. Screens and slips add another layer, creating easy scoring opportunities when defenders make mistakes. For Lykkers, the key takeaway is simple: by mastering movement without the ball, you’ll become a smarter, more valuable player who makes the game easier for everyone.