A system and method that improves the speed and efficiency through which ultrasound practitioners acquire and develop essential basic ultrasound skills in a simulated environment without the need of actual patients or subjects. The system utilizes a simulator with an input device that manipulate a virtual transducer probe in a simulated 3D space to cut a slice through a basic shape. A 2D section of the cut plane is also displayed so that the practitioner can learn to relate 2D section with their 3D objects cut in cross-section.