Diagram 16 – Basic Scissor Movement – This play involves the high post man and both guards. Player 1 passes the ball into the pivot, who has moved toward the pass, and immediately cuts off the pivots left hip. At the same time teammate 2 fakes right but cuts behind player 1 and off the pivot’s right hip to complete the scissor movement. The passer always cuts first. The pivot must quickly read the defense to determine whether the first or second cutter will be in the better position to score. Also, he must be aware of his own defender’s reaction. After handing off to either guard he should open toward the ball, move toward the basket, allowing for a return pass (generally a high lob) should his defender switch to the cutter. He is also in good rebounding position in case the guard in possession shoots the ball.Diagram 17 Scissor Movement with Shot over Double Screen – Pivot player 5 receives a pass from guard 2 who cuts as in the original scissor movement. Guard 1 fakes and completes the scissor. His defender 1 slides back behind offensive guard 1 and pivot player 5 to negate the effectiveness of the cut. Offensive player 1 stops, takes a pass from 5 and shoots an 18 foot shot over the double screen set by teammates 2 and 5.Diagram 18 Scissor Cut Pivot Technique – Offensive player 2 has passed to pivot player 5 and started his cut. The pivot player observes his defender moving to the right in anticipation of 2’s cut. On seeing this development, offensive player 1 delays his cut. Pivot player 5 pivots on his right foot and steps toward the basket with a long left stride. He can either dribble in for a lay up or take a jump shot.Diagram 19 Scissor Movement where Defenders Prematurely Anticipate the Scissor – Offensive player 2 passes into the pivot player and makes his cut. Teammate 1 starts his cut behind teammate 2. He observes that defender 2 has stopped following teammate 2 and that his own defender, 1, will pick up teammate 2. Guard 1 then changes direction and cuts to the same side of the pivot player as teammate 2.
