Go Under
The cutter's defender goes under the off-ball screen (between screener and basket), conceding the perimeter shot but taking away the basket cut.
When It's Used
When the cutter is not a strong perimeter shooter and the priority is preventing layups — going under stays in front and takes away cuts to the basket.
About This Action
The "Go Under" defensive technique for guarding an off-ball screen is a strategic decision where the cutter's primary defender deliberately navigates *between* the screener's body and the baseline or restricted area, effectively trailing the cutter. This action fundamentally concedes the perimeter jump shot or three-point attempt to the cutter, in favor of proactively eliminating direct drives to the basket or deep interior cuts. It's a calculated risk-reward maneuver, rooted in the defensive team's scouting report and real-time assessment of the offensive player's capabilities and the tactical priorities of the possession. This defensive choice is predominantly employed when the cutter is identified as a non-threat from the perimeter – a player who is either a poor outside shooter or whose primary offensive skill set lies in driving, cutting, or finishing at the rim. The purpose is to maintain an open, direct line to the basket, ensuring the defender remains between the cutter and the rim. By committing to going under, the defender minimizes the risk of being sealed off by the screen, effectively neutralizing common off-ball actions like a straight-cut or a backdoor cut designed to create layups or short-range opportunities. The timing is crucial: the defender must anticipate the screen and initiate their under-movement early, before the cutter fully commits to their path, ensuring they trail closely enough to disrupt an immediate catch-and-go. In the broader defensive scheme, going under an off-ball screen is a pillar of "pack line" or "no-middle" defensive philosophies, prioritizing paint protection above all else. It forces the offense to beat the defense from the perimeter, often against players who are less equipped to do so. This approach dictates that if the offense is attempting to initiate a post-up, a quick cut to the rim, or a drive against a non-shooter, the defender must prioritize staying attached to the hip or trailing shoulder of the cutter, ready to contest any attempt near the basket. It demands communication within the defensive unit, especially from the screener's defender, who must be prepared to briefly "tag" or impede a rolling screener if the offense counters with a screen-and-roll action following the off-ball screen.