Iverson Cut
The actual wing-to-wing cut used in Iverson action, designed to make a defender chase across high screens before the catch.
Actions And Plays
Iverson Actions
A wing-to-wing cut across high screens that moves a scorer before the catch and flows into handoffs, post entries, or ball screens.
Direct answer
What is Iverson Actions?
A wing-to-wing cut across high screens that moves a scorer before the catch and flows into handoffs, post entries, or ball screens.
Quick facts
| Category | Actions And Plays |
|---|---|
| Also called | Iverson cut, Iverson action |
| Diagram | iverson-action |
| Source volume | BASKETBALL_PLAY_VAULT.md |
What it is
- Iverson action sends a player across the floor, usually over two high screens near the elbows, to receive on the opposite wing.
Why it matters
- It makes a defender chase through traffic before the catch.
- It creates timing for a scorer to receive with momentum.
- It can disguise entries into post-ups, DHOs, ball screens, or isolation.
How it works
- Cutter sprints across the free-throw line area.
- Screeners create two contact points.
- Passer hits the cutter on the opposite wing.
- The offense flows into shot, drive, DHO, post entry, or ball screen.
- Screeners can open, slip, or re-screen after contact.
Reads and counters
- Trail defender: catch and attack downhill.
- Top-lock: back cut behind the screen.
- Switch: seal the smaller defender or slip the screener.
- Help shows early: skip to the corner.
- Defender goes under: stop behind the screen for a shot.
Teaching cues
- The cutter should run to score, not just to catch.
- Screeners must angle their bodies to punish the defender's route.
- The passer waits for separation, not for the cutter to stand still.
Bilingual terms
| English | Iverson Actions |
|---|---|
| Simplified Chinese | Iverson系列战术 |
| Traditional Chinese | Iverson 動作 |
Related concepts
Iverson Back Screen (Tom Izzo / Michigan State)
Tom Izzo has run this play for 15+ years (documented back to 2010).
Defending Specific Actions
Modern offenses are built on specific movement patterns (called actions) designed to create advantages.
Pin-Down Into Handoff (Pro)
Mechanics: An Off-Screen Shooter is initially stationed in the corner or wing.
SLOB Plays (Sideline Out of Bounds)
SLOB (Sideline Out of Bounds) plays occur when the ball goes out of bounds on the sideline during the half-court or three-quarter-court phase of play.
Solution 2: Iverson Cuts and Off-Ball Screens
Non-shooters running off screens puts the defense in a dilemma: chase the cut (opening driving lanes for others) or sag (letting the cutter score easy inside)