Flex Cut
Run the flex action — a baseline screen into a layup, with a continuous, hard-to-guard pattern.
What this drill teaches
Playing inside a continuity pattern. Flex loops the same actions — reverse the ball, baseline screen, cut to the block, down-screen up — so every player screens, cuts and scores, and ball reversal becomes the habit that triggers movement.
In games: Fixes stagnant, one-player offence on game day — your team learns that moving the ball side to side and screening for each other creates layups without anyone beating their man off the dribble.
- Cutters waiting for the screen, then cutting tight off the shoulder
- Ball swinging quickly on the reversal, not held
- Screeners stepping up to the elbow ready to shoot, not spectating
U14: the pattern breaks down constantly — walk one rep at a time and that's fine. U16: expect flowing continuity both ways and live reps against three defenders.
Equipment
1 ball, half court
Setup
Two players on the wings and one at the top; two more along the baseline. Ball starts on a wing.
Steps
- 1Wing reverses the ball to the top.
- 2A baseline player sets a flex screen for the opposite baseline cutter.
- 3The cutter uses the screen and cuts hard to the block for a layup.
- 4The player who passed down-screens the flex screener up to the elbow.
- 5The screener pops to the elbow for the jumper. Reverse the ball and repeat the other way.
Coaching points
- Cutter: set up the screen, then cut tight off the shoulder.
- Screener: hold the screen, then step up to shoot.
- Ball reversal is the trigger — move it quickly.
Why kids love it
A classic continuity offence that keeps flowing, so every player screens, cuts and scores.
Variations
Walk one repetition slowly to learn the pattern.
Add three defenders and play it live to a make or a stop.
Make the passer down-screen the flex screener up to the elbow every repetition.