3-on-0 Cut and Fill is a fundamental spacing and movement drill that teaches the basics of perimeter cutting, filling, and respacing in an offensive system. It is one of the core building blocks of our flow offense, useful for all levels because the principles of cutting, replacing, and spacing are universal. The goal is to build habits of sharp cuts, coordinated movement, and maintaining offensive spacing at all times.

Setup & Organization

The drill begins with three lines at half-court: one ball handler in the middle with a basketball and two wings outside near the sidelines without balls. The group sprints into their spots to simulate transition spacing rather than starting stationary. The ball handler dribbles into the slot near the top of the key, while both wings sprint wide and set up with V-cuts below the foul line extended before coming back out beyond the three-point line.

Step-by-Step Progression

Once in position, the ball handler passes to a wing. After passing, he immediately sets up his cut by stepping away, then cuts through the paint with hands shown to the ball—palms to the passer—to be a live target on the cut. As he reaches the middle of the lane, he briefly turns with his back to the baseline to “peek” and see if his defender has lost sight, allowing a quick slip behind for a catch. If not open, he continues his route and filters out to fill the weak-side wing to re-space.

At the same time, the opposite wing reads the movement and L-cuts up to the top of the key to replace the vacated spot. The cutter who went through the paint exits to the weak side, and the ball is reversed back through the top and swung to the opposite side, triggering the same cut-and-fill sequence again. The ball should move continuously, with every pass accompanied by a coordinated cut and fill. After twenty seconds of continuous reversal, the possession concludes with a shot of the coach’s choice (three-pointer, pull-up, or drive). Rotate new players in and repeat.

Scoring

This is not scored by made shots but by execution. The group must complete five consecutive twenty-second possessions without a mistake. A mistake includes traveling, sloppy footwork, poor spacing, or failing to properly cut and fill. Any mistake results in a reset.

Coaching Points

Stress sharp V-cuts and L-cuts with contact to create separation. Show hands early on every cut and stay a live target. Players must always square up in triple-threat position on every catch. Ball reversals must be crisp and fast. All movements should happen on airtime—when the ball is in the air—so that the offense flows in unison. Reinforce spacing at least two steps outside the three-point line to maintain driving gaps and shot opportunities.

Variations

Once players master the base version, add a one-dribble limit for each catch to emphasize ball movement. Progress to incorporating away screens or back screens after passes. Later, add a defender to pressure the ball and force realistic decision-making while still maintaining spacing and timing.