Fade Cut
A cut using a screen but fading away from the basket toward the perimeter for a catch-and-shoot opportunity.
When It's Used
Off a down screen when the defender goes over aggressively — the cutter reads this and fades to the perimeter instead of curling.
What It Creates
The counter to a defender who goes over. The cutter creates separation for a perimeter shot using the screen as a barrier.
About This Action
The Fade Cut is a sophisticated off-ball movement designed to punish an overzealous defender reacting to an off-ball screen, typically a down screen or pindown. Instead of cutting toward the rim or curling around the screen to the paint, the offensive player 'fades' laterally away from the basket, using the screener as a barrier to create separation on the perimeter for a catch-and-shoot opportunity. This action is a direct counter to a defender who aggressively attempts to 'go over' the top of the screen, anticipating a curl cut or drive toward the basket. By leveraging the screener's position, the cutter maintains a wider arc, effectively extending the distance the trailing defender must travel to recover. This nuanced cut is critical within modern offensive schemes that prioritize floor spacing and perimeter shooting. It transforms a standard screening action into a read-and-react scenario, empowering the cutter to exploit defensive overplays. When executed correctly, the Fade Cut generates high-percentage three-point attempts, forcing the defense to respect the perimeter and adjust their off-ball coverage. It integrates seamlessly into continuous motion offenses, as a successful fade can open up subsequent actions like a drive against a closeout or a pass to an interior player if the defense over-rotates. The timing is paramount: the cutter must feel the defender commit to 'going over' the screen before initiating the outward fade, ensuring maximum separation at the point of the catch. Positionally, a Fade Cut often originates from the block or wing, moving towards the wing or corner. For instance, a player starting on the strong-side block may receive a down screen near the elbow. If their defender aggressively topside denies the curl, the cutter fluidly redirects their momentum away from the basket, 'rubbing' off the screener's shoulder to create a clean catch-and-shoot window on the wing. This action not only creates a scoring chance but also highlights the importance of precise footwork and body control to quickly change direction while maintaining shooting balance.