Backdoor

A Backdoor is an offensive play designed to exploit an overzealous or inattentive defender who is "ball-watching" or denying a perimeter pass too aggressively. It involves an offensive player (the cutter) faking one direction (often a move to receive a pass on the wing), then quickly executing a back-cut to the basket, usually from the weak side or top of the key, behind their defender. This action creates a direct path to the rim for an uncontested layup or dunk. The ball handler then delivers a timely pass, typically a bounce pass or lob pass, to the cutting teammate for an easy score.

Player 1 dribbles aggressively towards the rim, drawing defensive attention. Meanwhile, Player 2 performs a lift, then back-cuts to the rim, taking advantage of a ball-watching defender. Player 1 delivers a bounce pass to Player 2 for a scoring opportunity.