NBA Basketball 101: How to play without the ball in your hands

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ZionDunk

One of the hardest things to learn how to do when playing basketball is how to be effective without the ball in your hands. 

With one ball to share amongst five teammates, it means not everyone will have the opportunity to have the ball in their possession but there are still ways you can impact the game without the ball. The best way to do that is by learning how to cut. 

Cutting is an essential part of the game and it's something everyone can do without the ball on offence. All you have to do is move. That's it, it's that simple. Constant movement without the ball will open up passing lanes and also force the defence to pay attention to all five players on the court. Not just the one with the ball. 

Two of the best cutters in the NBA this season are Rudy Gobert and Zion Williamson. Both Gobert and Williamson aren't the best ball-handlers but with their ability to cut, they still find a way to score and help their teams win by constantly moving and getting open for a pass or an alley-oop. 

WNBA Legend Kiesha Brown shows you how you can practice your cutting in this Youtube video. The next time you're on the court, spend some time practicing your cuts, it's a good way to become a more complete player on offence.

Click the player above for the drill.

Author(s)
Carlan Gay Photo

Carlan Gay is a deputy editor at The Sporting News.