Q: My question is in regards to the 5 OUT set. I’ve run the Open Post Motion Offense (Bob Huggins) in the past where the wing player was required to first cut to the Free Throw line, then pop out to the top of the key. I found the boys made this “fill” cut more aggressively than they do just filling to the top of the key from the wing. Do you have any experience or opinion on incorporating this “rule” into Read & React?

Thanks for your time and any insight. I believe R&R will separate our High School program from others.

A: Regarding the wing cut to the top of the key: the Bob Huggins FT line cut is the same way they do it parts of Europe. If you want the ball to be passed and caught at the top of the key, then it’s what you should do.

But I have a different philosophy: I want the ball to be passed to the cutter on a rear cut straight down the middle of the lane for a lay-up. To best set this up, I make a high arcing cut (picture cutting along the NBA 3 pt line) and let everyone in the gym know where I’m going (especially my defender). If my defender stays inside the 19′ Read Line, then the ball is easily passed to the top of the key. If my defender is suckered into stepping over the Read Line, then I rear cut (backdoor) with a change of speed (if I have one) and receive the ball going to the basket with my defender behind me.

I prefer that scenario versus catching the ball at the top of the key. If the ball needs to be at the top of the key, then the wing-ball-handler can simply dribble up to the head of the key.

Why don’t other teams with other offenses do the same thing? Because if the wing-to-top cutter rear cuts to the basket via my method, then there’s no one to replace him at the top of the key. But, as you know, with the R&R, if my cutter at the top of the key goes backdoor and does NOT receive the ball, then no big deal because someone else is immediately filling the empty spot at the top of the key (Layer 3 Pass & Cut action).

By the way, good question. I was asked the same thing when I spoke at Belgium’s National Coaching Clinic. My explanation was the same.

Hope this helps.