Square The Top

This concept refers to the constant filling and refilling of the top two slots.

In this diagram 1 & 4 are sucessfully "Squaring The Top" at set up.

1 passes to 4 and makes a deep basket cut.

After 1's basket cut, the top is not squared. There is a "vacancy" that needs to be filled.

4 could fill with the dribble or 3 could execute one of two Fill Cuts: the Blast Cut or the V-Cut

Blast Cut

If X3 moves to help and gets in "ball-you-man" helpside below the plane of 3, 3 then "blast cuts" to square the top.

No setup needed, just blast to the top and make X3 play closeout basketball to the catch.

1 would then fill the vacated wing.

V-Cut

If X3 is still up in deny or helping on a plane level to or higher than 3, 3 then "v-cuts" to square the top.

The V-Cut forces X3 to drop to prevent the threat of the back door, then 3 can square the top forcing X3 to play closeout basketball to the catch.

1 would then fill the vacated wing.

1/0 Blast Cut Shooting

Player 2 skips to 1

Coach simulates help position

2 blast cuts to square the top

1 passes to 2

2 can:

- shoot

- fake and drive

Drill can be advanced to 1/1 blast cut where when 2 catches he is closed out and can shoot or play 1-on-1 with a 2 dribble max.

1/0 V Cut Shooting

Player 2 skips to 1

Coach simulates help position

2 v cuts to square the top

1 passes to 2

2 can:

- shoot

- fake and drive

Drill can be advanced to 1/1 v cut where when player 2 catches he is closed out and can shoot or play 1-on-1 with a 2 dribble max.