Curl, Pop, Flare

In the game of basketball, cuts are made on nearly every offensive possession. The types of cuts made can vary depending on the situation and the defense. Three types of flares that are typically seen in most offenses include the curl, the pop, and the flare. As a team running the blocker/mover offense, it is essential for the offensive players to make the correct cut at the proper time. In each of the following situations, the screener will be setting a down-screen on the low block while the ball is at the top of the key. A down-screen is one where the screener is facing the baseline typically with their back to the position of the ball.1

The “Pop” cut is one that is used when the screen is set and used effectively. This means the defender runs into the screen and is delayed in their recovery to a successful defensive position. When the down-screen is successfully set on the defender at the low block, the cutter should pass by the screener with as little space as possible between the two and continue straight up the lane line, creating as much space as possible between themselves and their defender. If done successfully, the offensive player should have an open shot from the elbow.

The “Curl” cut is where the offensive player starts closer to the sideline or baseline and begins to cut towards the middle of the floor. The screener is set up near the laneline. The cutter sets their defender up by crossing the face of the screener, then proceeding to essentially run around the screener from the outside moving inward. The cutter will finish their cut moving towards the basket to finish with a layup or shot in front of the rim. It is important for the cutter to leave no space between themselves and the screener to let the defense through, causing the defender to follow in the offensive player’s footsteps and giving the offense room to finish the play.

When the defense goes underneath or ball-side on the screen, the offensive player should “Flare” cut. A flare cut is one where the offensive player cuts towards the sideline or wing for a perimeter shot.2 This happens as a result of the defensive player going on the opposite side of the screen as the cutter, attempting to prevent the curl or pop. It is the cutter’s responsibility to recognize this and flare cut, once again creating space between themselves and the defender. If done successfully, the cutter should have an open shot from the perimeter.

All of the above cuts can lead to successful opportunities for the offensive players when used correctly. “Pop” cuts are best used when the defender is successfully screened. Curl cuts are best used when the defender attempts to follow the footsteps of the offensive player. The flare cut is best used when the defender attempts to go ball-side. All cuts are best used with the mindset of creating space between the cutter and their defender and presenting themselves as a passing opportunity to the player with the ball. As long as this is kept in mind, it becomes easier for someone to be able to score without the ball, which is essential for any complete basketball player.

References

1Basketball Screen Plays. (n.d.). Retrieved February 28, 2016, from http://www.basketball-plays-and-tips.com/basketball-screen-plays.html

2Gels, J. A. (n.d.). Basketball Fundamentals - Setting Screens, Coach's Clipboard Basketball Coaching and Playbook. Retrieved February 28, 2016, from http://www.coachesclipboard.net/Screens.html