Fill Cut

A fill cut (sometimes called a blast cut) in basketball is when a player fills an empty spot on the court, usually after that spot was vacated due to a cut or other action by the player previously positioned there. The fill cut is a fundamental part of modern basketball offenses, emphasizing teamwork, awareness, and spacing. When executed properly, it keeps the defense off-balance and creates a dynamic, unpredictable offensive flow. Motion offenses rely heavily on fill cuts, making them a critical skill to master.

Two fill cuts occur in our example: The swing player (3) first fill cuts to the top when that spot if vacated by the point guard (1), then the (1) cuts to fill the spot left open by the (3).

To kick it off, we start out in a 3-Out 2-In High formation (or alternatively a tight 1-4 High) running a simple pass-cut-fill motion sequence. The (1) makes a pass to the (2) in the left wing, then makes an immediate basket cut.

The swing player (3) then makes the first fill cut over to the top to fill the spot the (1) left vacant when making the cut to the basket.

If no pass to the basket cutting (1) occurs, the (1) then reverses their movement and curls back out, turning their basket cut into a second fill cut to occupy the spot left vacant by the (3) who moved up top.

• Enhances Team Chemistry: Encourages unselfish play and improves overall offensive efficiency.
• Maintains Offensive Spacing: Keeps the offense spread out, creating driving lanes and open passing options.
• Disrupts the Defense: Forces defenders to adjust and cover new areas, potentially leading to breakdowns.
• Promotes Ball Movement: Facilitates fluid offensive flow by ensuring there are always passing options.
• Opens Scoring Opportunities: Provides the cutter with a chance to catch and shoot, drive to the basket, or make a secondary play.

• Enforce Proper Spacing: Ensure player movement doesn’t crowd other teammates or disrupt the offensive setup. Try to maintain at least 10 feet of space between offensive players.
• Move with Purpose: Cut decisively and with a sense of urgency, staying alert with a target hand ready for a pass.
• Timing is Critical: Players should synchronize their fill cut with the actions of your teammates, such as a drive or ball reversal.
• Read the Ball Handler: Be aware of the ball handler’s movements and adjust your positioning to provide them with a passing angle.
• Make it Automatic: When teaching fill cuts as part of a motion offense, cycle through pass-cut-fill play actions until filling empty spots left by a cutter becomes instinctual for players.

In our 3-Out 2-In High motion offense scenario, we demonstrate two successive fill cuts. First, the (1) initiates a pass-and-cut play by making a pass to the (2) in the left wing immediately followed by a basket cut. This creates an open spot at the top for the (3) to fill with the first fill cut in the sequence.

While the (1) is in motion making their basket cut, the (3) makes the first fill cut in the sequence by quickly cutting over to the top to fill the empty spot the (1) vacated. The (3) should be alert and watching the ball handler while cutting, ready for a pass or play.

A second fill cut can occur in this scenario if no pass is made to the (1) while making their basket cut. The (1) simply reverses direction uphill and curls out towards the wing to fill the spot left open by the (3) who is now positioned at the top.