Back Screens, Down Screens, Cross Screens, and Flare Screens
Beyond on-ball screens (ball handler uses the screen), off-ball screens create movement and spacing for non-ball handlers.
Individual Skills
Flare Cut: Creating Perimeter Space
A flare cut (or flare screen cut) occurs when a screener sets a screen for an off-ball player on the perimeter, and the off-ball player cuts away from the basket using the screen to create space on the perimeter.
Direct answer
What is Flare Cut: Creating Perimeter Space?
A flare cut (or flare screen cut) occurs when a screener sets a screen for an off-ball player on the perimeter, and the off-ball player cuts away from the basket using the screen to create space on the perimeter.
Quick facts
| Category | Individual Skills |
|---|---|
| Source volume | Basketball Knowledge Vault/vol2_intermediate_building_your_game.md |
What it is
- A flare cut (or flare screen cut) occurs when a screener sets a screen for an off-ball player on the perimeter, and the off-ball player cuts away from the basket using the screen to create space on the perimeter.
How it works
- Unlike a roll or curl, a flare cut is designed to get the cutter space on the outside, typically for a three-point shot or to drive off the perimeter.
- The danger of the flare is that it can create offensive spacing problems if not executed correctly (the cutter ends up too far from the ball handler, creating a gap).
- Proper flare cuts maintain good spacing and floor balance while creating a legitimate three-point or drive opportunity.
Bilingual terms
| English | Flare Cut: Creating Perimeter Space |
|---|---|
| Simplified Chinese | 外展切：创造外线空间 |
| Traditional Chinese | 喇叭形切割：創造周邊空間 |
Related concepts
Basket Cut and Fill
Both actions are read-based and must be executed at the right moment.
Rolling to the Basket vs. Popping to Perimeter
After setting a screen, the screener must decide between two primary actions: rolling (cutting to the basket) or popping (stepping back to the perimeter, typically the three-point line).
Curl Cut: Movement Off Screens
A curl cut occurs when an off-ball player cuts around a screen set by a teammate, typically using the screen to change direction and cutting toward the ball or rim.
Shooting Guard (2): Wing Scorer and Perimeter Threat
The shooting guard traditionally fills the second offensive option role, providing consistent outside scoring and perimeter shot creation.
Pace-and-Space Philosophy
Pace-and-space is an offensive philosophy: play fast, spread the floor, take 3s and layups (avoid mid-range).