Cut your clones before you move from the veg stage to the Bloom stage! In the veg stage, our favorite plant is "programed" to divide and multiply when cut, preserving the species in such a way.
In the bloom stage (12/12) the plant is programed to form bud in order to preserve the species; thereby any plant material cut has a more difficult time forming roots. Notably less (mostly no) branching occurs when you cut in the bloom stage also.
This is not to say it cannot happen, as I and I'm sure many others will testify to. It is just more difficult.
If you are worried about males, mark or label your cuttings and keep a close eye on the bloomers. If ya find out they're males, you can junk them.

Hey, it's just advice. Read, Research, Results.....