Master the 5v0 Pass & Cut Drill: Teach Youth Players Movement & Spacing
Setup
All 5 offensive players are spaced in standard positions: PG, SG, SF, PF, C.
No defenders are used.
Start at half-court or on the wings—whatever fits your offensive system.
Emphasize full-speed movement, game-like passes, and sharp cuts.
Execution
The drill begins with a pass from the point guard (Player 1) to the wing (Player 2).
Immediately after passing, Player 1 makes a basket cut—cutting hard through the paint and exiting opposite.
Player 2 passes to the top (Player 3), then makes the same basket cut.
This sequence continues with each pass: pass, then cut—players read spacing and replace the cutter by rotating naturally.
Bigs (post players) may stay in position or rotate through based on your offense (e.g., high-post motion, 4-out 1-in).
Encourage drive-and-kick simulations, post entry passes, and skip passes for added variation.
Let the team flow through continuous movement for 30–60 seconds before resetting.
Full Breakdown for Coaches
Why the 5v0 Pass & Cut Drill Matters
In youth basketball, developing off-ball instincts is critical. Too often players freeze after passing the ball. This drill corrects that by teaching automatic movement—cutting to score, shifting to fill, or relocating to space.
It also builds the core of most motion or read-based offenses.
“Pass and stand” kills offense.
“Pass and move” creates chaos for defenses.
This drill reinforces the second.
Key Coaching Points
Off-Ball Cutting
Cut hard through the lane—not a lazy loop.
Read defenders even if they're imaginary: would a curl, flare, or backdoor work better?
Cut all the way through the paint and then fill the opposite corner, wing, or top based on your system.
Passing
Use crisp chest and bounce passes.
Emphasize timing—pass as the cutter turns, not after.
Eye contact, ball fakes, and quick decisions simulate real-game reads.
Spacing
Teach 15–18 feet between players.
Never crowd—replace the cutter only once they’ve cleared.
Corners must be filled to stretch defenses (even if this is offense-only).
Teaching Modifications
To evolve the drill as players progress:
Add a Coach Defender: Have a coach or helper simulate light defensive pressure to cue cuts and spacing reads.
Add a 5-Second Shot Rule: Simulate a shot clock to speed up decisions.
Call Plays Mid-Drill: Teach players to react to verbal play calls like “screen away,” “backdoor,” or “dribble at.”
When to Use This Drill
Great as a pre-practice warm-up to reinforce fundamentals.
Ideal after teaching new offensive actions (screen away, post entry).
Use it before 5v5 to build natural spacing and movement habits.
Final Takeaways
The 5v0 Pass & Cut Drill may seem simple, but its value is massive. It sets the tone for movement, spacing, and teamwork—three pillars of effective team basketball.
For youth players, it's also a great confidence builder. With no defense, they can focus on:
Executing clean cuts
Making smart passes
Staying engaged off the ball
Over time, this drill builds the foundation for advanced team offense. Run it daily or weekly and you'll see your players begin to “feel” the game—not just run plays.
Pro Tip: Film this drill and highlight moments where players cut too early, too late, or stand after passing. It’s the easiest way to teach motion flow visually.
