Loop Cut

The Loop Cut is an advanced off-ball movement pattern in basketball where a player makes a curved, circular path around a screen or through a designated area before cutting toward a specific destination, typically the basket or an open spot on the perimeter. Unlike straight-line cuts, the Loop Cut uses a rounded trajectory that allows the offensive player to navigate around screens more effectively, create separation from defenders, and generate momentum for catch-and-shoot opportunities or drives to the basket. This cutting action is particularly prevalent in motion offenses, continuity systems, and plays designed for shooters who excel at coming off multiple screens. The Loop Cut gets its name from the loop-shaped path the cutter takes, which can vary in size and shape depending on the offensive set, defender positioning, and the type of screen being utilized. In execution, the offensive player begins by reading the defense and the screen setup, then accelerates into a curved path that takes them around one or more screens while maintaining spacing and creating the optimal angle for receiving a pass. The loop motion serves multiple purposes: it allows the cutter to use the screen more effectively by maintaining contact and preventing the defender from taking shortcuts; it generates momentum that can be converted into a shooting motion or drive; and it creates deception by making it difficult for defenders to predict the final destination of the cut. Professional shooters like Ray Allen, Reggie Miller, and Klay Thompson have mastered the Loop Cut, using it to come off screens and get into their shooting rhythm seamlessly. The physics of the Loop Cut are advantageous because the curved path allows the cutter to maintain speed while changing direction, whereas sharp cuts often require deceleration. When executing a Loop Cut off a down screen, the player starts at the baseline, makes a curved path around the screen, and emerges on the wing or elbow with momentum toward the perimeter. The screener's positioning is critical - they must set a solid screen at the right angle and timing to enable the looper to use the screen effectively. Defenders face challenges when defending Loop Cuts because they must navigate around screens while tracking a moving target, and the curved path makes it difficult to fight over or go under screens cleanly. Trail defense is often the result, leading to open catch-and-shoot opportunities. In the Princeton Offense, Loop Cuts are fundamental components of the back door and flare screen series, where players loop around screens to receive passes in optimal shooting positions. The Loop Cut can be executed in various directions: looping high toward the three-point line, looping to the mid-range area, or looping tight to the basket for layup opportunities. The size and shape of the loop are adjusted based on defensive pressure and spacing requirements. Against switching defenses, the Loop Cut can create mismatches, as the curved path often results in bigger defenders having to chase smaller, quicker players around screens. Modern NBA offenses have incorporated Loop Cuts into their screen-heavy actions, particularly in elevator door sets, stagger screen series, and pindown screen combinations. The Golden State Warriors' motion offense features extensive use of Loop Cuts, with players like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson constantly looping around multiple screens to free themselves for three-point attempts. Coaching the Loop Cut requires emphasis on several key points: reading the defender's position, setting up the screen with proper spacing, accelerating through the cut, maintaining a low center of gravity during the curve, and being ready to catch and shoot immediately upon receiving the pass. Footwork is crucial - players must use short, choppy steps through the curve to maintain balance and control while building momentum. The hand positioning should show a target for the passer, and the eyes should track both the ball and the defender. Variations of the Loop Cut include the tight loop, where the cutter stays close to the screener, creating a rubbing effect; the wide loop, where the cutter creates more space before curving around the screen; and the double loop, where the player loops around two consecutive screens in a stagger formation. The Loop Cut is also effective in transition offense, where players can loop around early post-ups or trail players to receive passes for quick-hitting shots. Defensively, countering Loop Cuts requires communication, screen navigation technique, and sometimes switching assignments. Defenders must fight through screens, maintain visual contact with the cutter, and close out with control to contest shots. Help defenders need to provide early warnings about incoming screens and be prepared to hedge or show if the primary defender gets caught on the screen. In youth basketball development, teaching the Loop Cut helps players understand how to use screens properly, read defenders, and create scoring opportunities through movement rather than isolation. The concept reinforces the importance of constant motion and working to get open rather than standing still. Advanced offensive systems layer Loop Cuts with other actions such as drag screens, ghost screens, and slip screens to create complex defensive problems. When a defender anticipates a Loop Cut and overcommits, the offensive player can counter with a straight cut or a backdoor cut, adding another layer of deception. The Loop Cut principle applies to all positions - guards loop around screens for three-pointers, wings loop for mid-range opportunities, and big men can loop around pin-down screens for post position or short-range shots. Film study reveals that the most effective Loop Cuts are those executed with proper speed, timing, and reading of defensive positioning. Players who can vary the size and speed of their loops based on defensive reactions become extremely difficult to defend. The Loop Cut also fatigues defenders, as constantly chasing around screens requires significant energy and focus. In international basketball, particularly in European systems, the Loop Cut is taught as a fundamental cutting technique, with emphasis on efficiency of movement and screen usage. The cutting patterns in FIBA play often incorporate loops as part of structured offensive sets. Analytics show that Loop Cuts generate quality shot attempts, particularly when combined with accurate passing and proper spacing. The action creates rhythm shooting opportunities, which typically have higher success rates than contested or off-balance attempts.