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Fade

The cutter fades away from the basket toward the perimeter for a catch-and-shoot three off the screen.

When It's Used

Defender goes over the screen aggressively, taking the high path to cut off the curl.

What It Creates

Going over tries to take away the curl. Fading the opposite direction uses the screen as a barrier for a perimeter shot.

About This Action

The 'Fade' is a sophisticated off-ball cutting action executed primarily to exploit a defender who aggressively commits to 'going over' a screen. When a defender takes the high path, attempting to deny a potential curl or drive towards the basket, the cutter capitalizes on this overplay by using the screen as a physical barrier and sharply changing direction. Instead of continuing towards the paint, the cutter plants hard off the screener's shoulder and pushes *away* from the basket, often towards the wing, slot, or corner, for a perimeter catch-and-shoot opportunity, most commonly a three-pointer. This action is a direct counter-read to the defender's commitment. The timing is crucial: the cutter must recognize the defender's trajectory over the screen before fully committing to a curl. As the defender clears the screen on the high side, the cutter seals the defender on the screener's backside, exploding into open space along the three-point line. The primary purpose is to punish aggressive defense that aims to cut off penetration, forcing the defense to respect perimeter shooting and stretching the floor. It creates significant spacing, opening driving lanes for teammates or allowing the screener to roll unimpeded. From a strategic standpoint, the Fade is the matched pair to the Curl. Where a defender trailing over the screen creates opportunity for a Curl, a defender committed to going over the screen creates the Fade. This fundamental read-and-react dynamic is critical for offensive flow and player spacing. A successful Fade demands a high-level offensive read, precise footwork to create separation, and the ability to knock down an open perimeter shot, transforming defensive aggression into offensive advantage.

Connections

Set Up Your Man → tight-off-Screen-offball → Fade-Cut" class="inline-link">Fade Cut → Catch-and-Shoot

Defensive Counters

Go Over

Common Mistakes

One of the most common offensive mistakes when executing a Fade is an incorrect read of the defender's commitment. Players often pre-determine their cut, fading even if the defender sags, 'goes under' the screen, or doesn't aggressively 'go over.' This negates the advantage, as the defender can easily recover or sag into passing lanes. The correction is to emphasize reading the defender's hips and shoulder position relative to the screen. If the defender's path allows for a curl to the rim, that option should be taken; the Fade should only be deployed when the high-side overplay is clear. Additionally, failing to truly use the screen as a barrier, not making sufficient contact with the screener, allows the defender to slip over or through, minimizing separation for the shot. Another frequent error is the lack of readiness to shoot upon receiving the ball. After executing the cut, players may catch the ball flat-footed, or take an extra gather dribble, allowing the recovering defender to contest or block the shot. To correct this, cutters must develop the habit of squaring their shoulders to the passer as they emerge from the screen, having their hands ready and feet prepared for a quick catch-and-shoot release. For defenders, the primary mistake is over-committing to 'going over' the screen without a secondary recovery plan or communication. When a defender commits to the high side but fails to track the cutter, they create an open perimeter shot. The correction involves better communication on switches if the defender cannot recover, or disciplined closeouts if they are forced to chase. Defensive players must also anticipate the counter. If they consistently 'go over,' they should expect the Fade and be prepared for a quick change of direction and contest, or a well-timed switch from a teammate.