From 1990 to 2010, a period celebrated as a golden age for basketball strategy, the triangle offense, also known as the ‘Triple Post Offense’, reigned supreme. It wasn’t just a tactic; it was a dynasty-maker. The Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, two of basketball’s most iconic franchises, leveraged the triangle offense to secure an astounding 11 NBA championships. This era saw legends like Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Pau Gasol not just play, but flourish within its intricate framework.
Diagram illustrating the basic triangle offense structure, showcasing player positioning and flow.
While the sheer talent of these players undeniably contributed to the offense’s success, the triangle offense itself is a masterclass in strategic basketball. It’s designed to place players in optimal scoring positions, regardless of individual star power. But how does one learn this legendary offense? This guide will break down the triangle offense, making it accessible for coaches and players aiming to master this sophisticated system.
Understanding the Essence of the Triangle Offense
The triangle offense is more than just a set of plays; it’s a holistic basketball philosophy. At its core, it’s a continuity offense that marries impeccable spacing with a fluid series of actions driven by player decision-making. This results in an offensive system that’s as beautiful to watch as it is effective on the scoreboard.
This offense is particularly suited for players who possess a high basketball IQ and a strong foundation in fundamental skills. Unlike rigid set plays with predetermined outcomes, the triangle offense thrives on adaptability. Players are constantly required to read the defense, react to situations, and make intelligent basketball plays based on the unfolding options.
The beauty of the triangle offense lies in its versatility. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach; rather, it’s infinitely customizable. Coaches can tailor it to harness the collective strengths of their team and the unique talents of individual players. The sheer number of possible actions within the triangle system—far too many to detail exhaustively—is what makes it such a formidable offensive weapon.
Tracing the Origins: Where Did the Triangle Offense Begin?
When discussing the triangle offense, Tex Winter’s name often comes to mind, and rightfully so, given his pivotal role in popularizing and perfecting it. However, the genesis of this offensive system can be traced back to Sam Barry at the University of Southern California. It was Barry who initially conceived the offensive framework that would evolve into the triangle offense we know today.
Tex Winter was more than just acquainted with Barry’s system; he was one of Barry’s players. Deeply convinced of its potential, Winter dedicated his coaching career to refining and expanding upon it. Throughout his tenures at universities like Kansas State and Marquette, Winter tirelessly honed the system.
The pivotal moment came in 1985 when Winter joined the Chicago Bulls as an assistant coach, reuniting with Phil Jackson. The Bulls were at a crossroads, needing a more cohesive, team-oriented offensive strategy. Jackson and Winter introduced the triangle offense, and the impact was transformative.
The result? A staggering 11 NBA championships – six with the Chicago Bulls and five with the Los Angeles Lakers. This dynasty cemented the triangle offense’s place in basketball history, proving its effectiveness at the highest levels of competition.
Why Learn the Triangle Offense? Unveiling the Advantages
Learning the triangle offense offers numerous benefits, making it a valuable asset for any team willing to invest the time and effort. Here are some key advantages:
Positionless Offense: In the triangle offense, the traditional constraints of basketball positions become fluid. All five positions are interchangeable. While a center might typically occupy the low post, any player can rotate into any position. This positional flexibility is crucial for developing versatile, well-rounded players who can contribute in multiple roles.
Continuity and Flow: Unlike plays that conclude after a set sequence, the triangle offense is a continuous motion machine. It can run seamlessly until a high-quality scoring opportunity emerges. This continuity provides structure without rigidity, allowing for improvisation within a defined system. If the initial actions don’t yield a shot, the offense doesn’t break down; it simply transitions into another phase.
Elevates Basketball IQ: The triangle offense is a mental workout for players. It demands constant reading of the defense and proactive decision-making based on teammates’ movements and defensive reactions. This constant engagement is a powerful tool for developing a team’s collective basketball IQ. Players learn to anticipate, react, and make smart plays, enhancing their overall understanding of the game.
Inclusive Player Involvement: The triangle offense is inherently egalitarian. It prevents any single player from dominating possession. The ball must move, and all players are integral to the offensive flow, whether they have the ball or not. This promotes team unity and ensures everyone is engaged and contributing throughout the possession.
Addressing the Challenges: Disadvantages of the Triangle Offense
Despite its strengths, learning and implementing the triangle offense also presents certain challenges:
Demands High Initial Basketball IQ: While the triangle offense undoubtedly enhances basketball IQ, it requires a baseline level of understanding from the outset. Players need to be capable of quickly interpreting defensive cues and making sound basketball decisions. Teams with very low initial basketball IQ may struggle to grasp the nuances of the offense initially.
Significant Memorization Required: One of the main hurdles in learning the triangle offense is the sheer volume of actions to memorize. Every player decision triggers a cascade of specific subsequent actions. For the offense to operate smoothly and consistently, every player must internalize these sequences. This memorization aspect can be particularly challenging and is a reason why it is less frequently used in youth basketball.
High Fundamental Skill Level Needed: Executing the triangle offense effectively requires a robust set of fundamental skills. Certain cuts and passes are integral to the offense’s flow, and these must be performed with precision. Players need to master skills like faking, changing pace and direction, and attacking defenders one-on-one. Deficiencies in these fundamentals can hinder the offense’s effectiveness.
Relinquishing Coaching Control: For coaches accustomed to tight control over offensive plays, the triangle offense represents a shift in paradigm. It necessitates entrusting decision-making to the players on the court. Players are empowered to read the defense and dictate the flow of the offense. This can be uncomfortable for coaches who prefer a more prescriptive approach. Adopting the triangle offense requires a coach to be comfortable with player autonomy and strategic flexibility.
Is the Triangle Offense Right for Your Team? Who Should Learn It?
The triangle offense is most likely to flourish with teams composed of well-rounded, high-IQ players who embrace shared ball movement and teamwork. These are players who are not only skilled but also possess a strong understanding of basketball principles and spatial awareness.
While not typically recommended for very young youth basketball teams due to the cognitive demands, the triangle offense can be exceptionally effective for high school teams and higher levels. If you coach players who have been developed with a focus on fundamentals and basketball intelligence, the triangle offense can be a powerful tool to further refine their skills and understanding of the game.
Specifically, teams aiming to run the triangle offense effectively often benefit from having a skilled low-post player who can both score and pass at a high level. The post is a central point in the triangle offense, and a proficient post player can significantly enhance its operation.
Decoding the Triangle Offense Positions: The Blueprint for Learning
Once the triangle offense is initiated, it organizes players into specific court positions, forming a structured yet dynamic framework. It essentially breaks down into two key components: the ‘Sideline Triangle’ and the ‘2-Man Game’.
Visual representation of triangle offense positions, highlighting the corner, trigger, post, trail, and opposite roles.
These five positions are foundational to the triangle offense setup and must be consistently filled to maintain offensive structure and flow. Let’s delve into each position:
Position #1 – Corner: Located in the ball-side corner, this position is often occupied by the point guard. Players here should be adept shooters and capable of creating scoring opportunities off the dribble.
Position #2 – Trigger: Stationed on the wing, the ‘trigger’ player usually initiates the offense by receiving the entry pass. Their decision-making from this spot is crucial, as their passing choice dictates the subsequent offensive actions. Smart, perceptive players are ideal for this role.
Position #3 – Post: Positioned high on the low block, directly between the trigger and the basket along the ‘line of deployment’ (explained below). This high positioning creates space for cuts both above and below. The post player should be a skilled passer and a capable scorer in one-on-one post situations.
Position #4 – Trail: Located at the top of the key when the offense is initiated. Typically, this is another guard, who should be a threat from outside and also able to cut and create off the dribble.
Position #5 – Opposite: Positioned slightly off the weak-side mid-post. Often, this is another post player, but versatility is key – they should be capable of interchanging with any position on the floor.
Mastering the Line of Deployment: A Core Concept in Learning the Triangle Offense
The ‘Line of Deployment’ is a fundamental concept in the triangle offense, essential for understanding how to leverage the post position and make correct initial passing decisions. It’s a principle that every player must grasp to effectively execute the offense.
Illustration of the ‘Line of Deployment’, showing the straight line between the trigger, low post player, and the basket.
Simply put, the ‘Line of Deployment’ is the straight, imaginary line connecting the trigger (Position #2), the low post player (Position #5), and the basket.
The strategic logic behind this line is that when the trigger, low post, and basket are aligned, the defender guarding the post player is compelled to play behind them. This positioning creates an undefended passing lane from the trigger directly into the low post – the primary and preferred option from the trigger position.
Deploying the Defender:
When a post defender chooses to front or half-front the low post, they are considered ‘deployed’. This defensive tactic, when recognized and exploited, should consistently lead to high-percentage scoring opportunities for the offense.
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High-Side Half-Front: If the defender half-fronts from the high side, the trigger’s response is to pass to the corner. From there, the corner player can feed the ball inside to the post, often catching the defender out of position.
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Low-Side Half-Front: If the defender half-fronts from the low side, the trigger passes to the top of the key. The player at the top then has a passing angle to deliver the ball inside to the post.
Utilizing the line of deployment effectively hinges on two critical player skills:
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Post Player Awareness: The low post player must be adept at recognizing when their defender is ‘deployed’ and quickly adjust their positioning to capitalize on the defensive misalignment.
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Perimeter Player Recognition and Passing: Perimeter players must be able to promptly identify when the post defender is ‘deployed’ and execute the appropriate pass to give the low post player the best scoring advantage inside.
The Indispensable Role of Spacing: Learning to Create Offensive Harmony
No discussion about learning the triangle offense is complete without emphasizing the critical importance of spacing. In the triangle offense, spacing isn’t just a detail; it’s a foundational principle. Without proper spacing, the offense’s effectiveness diminishes significantly.
Tex Winter, the architect of the modern triangle offense, was famously quoted saying, “I am literally a fanatic of spacing.” This quote encapsulates just how central spacing is to the offense’s success.
Correct spacing in the triangle offense means that players should ideally be positioned 15 to 18 feet apart. This distance is tailored based on the age group and court size, ensuring optimal conditions for offensive flow.
Why 15-18 Feet?
Diagram illustrating proper spacing in the triangle offense, showing the ideal distance between players to maintain offensive flow.
This specific distance range is crucial for several reasons:
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Trap Resistance: At 15-18 feet apart, it becomes extremely difficult for the defense to effectively trap an offensive player. The space allows for better escape routes and passing lanes.
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Disrupting Passing Lanes: Similarly, this spacing makes it challenging for defenders to disrupt passing lanes. The distance creates wider angles and more time for passes to reach their targets.
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Open Shot Creation: This spacing maximizes the opportunities for open shots. Defenders are stretched thin, forced to cover more ground, leading to breakdowns and open looks.
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Efficient Ball Movement: Simultaneously, while providing ample space, this distance keeps players close enough to facilitate quick and accurate ball movement. Passes can be made crisply and efficiently, maintaining offensive rhythm.
To effectively teach correct spacing, coaches can use flat cones placed at strategic court positions. These visual aids help players understand and internalize proper spacing, ensuring they consistently occupy the right spots on the floor.
Initiating the Offense: Entries into the Triangle Offense – A Learning Pathway
Like all structured offenses, the triangle offense begins with setting up in the correct initial positions. This involves establishing both the sideline triangle and the two-man game on the weak side. The setup phase, known as the entry, is crucial for a smooth and effective offensive execution.
While there are numerous initial formations to enter into the triangle offense (such as 1-2-2, 1-3-1, 1-4, etc.), the 2-2-1 formation is a particularly favored and versatile starting point.
The 2-2-1 formation is preferred because a two-guard front provides an extra player who can be a passing outlet if the offense encounters pressure advancing the ball up the court. This extra player also enhances defensive coverage in transition if possession is lost. These advantages are especially beneficial for youth and high school teams, where ball-handling and turnovers are often factors.
Therefore, the following entries into the triangle offense will focus on starting from the 2-2-1 formation.
Entry #1 – Inside Cut: The Quickest Path to Triangle Formation
The inside cut is arguably the most common and quickest method to initiate the triangle offense. It’s a simple yet effective movement that rapidly sets the offense in motion.
The sequence begins with player #1 passing the ball to player #2. Immediately after passing, player #1 executes an inside cut, moving between player #2 and player #5 to occupy the corner position.
Simultaneously, as this cut occurs, player #5 slides over to establish position high on the low block. Player #3 moves to the top of the key, and player #4 shifts to a position near the mid-post area on the weak side. These coordinated movements quickly establish the core triangle offense structure.
Entry #2 – Outside Cut: Adapting to Defensive Positioning
In this entry variation, player #1 cuts above player #2, moving to the corner position. This outside cut provides an alternative entry path that can be advantageous based on defensive positioning or player matchups.
Similar to the inside cut, as player #1 makes the outside cut, player #5 slides to the high post on the low block. Player #3 fills the top of the key, and player #4 repositions to the weak side mid-post area. This maintains the standard triangle offense positional setup, just with a different initial cutting action.
Diagram illustrating the ‘Outside Cut’ entry into the triangle offense, showing player movement and positioning.
The outside cut can be particularly useful if player #2 receives the ball closer to the three-point line than usual, or if it appears that player #2 has a clear passing lane to immediately deliver the ball to player #5 in the post.
Entry #3 – UCLA Cut: Utilizing a Screen for a Quick Score
The UCLA cut entry incorporates a screen to potentially create an early scoring opportunity right at the start of the offense.
Player #5 steps up to set an up-screen at the ball-side elbow area. Player #1 passes to player #2 and then executes a UCLA cut, moving off player #5’s screen towards the basket, looking for a quick return pass and layup opportunity.
If the pass isn’t immediately available for the layup, player #1 continues their cut out to the corner, filling the corner position. Player #5 then slides back down to re-establish their position on the low post. Player #3 moves to the top of the key, and player #4 shifts to the mid-post area, completing the triangle offense setup.
Entry #4 – Dribble Entry: A Guard-Driven Initiation
The dribble entry offers a different approach, allowing the point guard to initiate the offense through dribbling rather than passing.
In this entry, player #1 dribbles directly to the trigger spot on the wing, effectively becoming the trigger player. This action pushes the player who was initially in the trigger position (player #2) down to the corner spot.
Diagram showing the ‘Dribble Entry’ into the triangle offense, with the point guard dribbling to the trigger position.
As player #1 dribbles to the wing, player #5 slides to establish position high on the low block. Player #3 moves to the top of the key, and player #4 repositions to the weak side mid-post area. This entry can be effective if the lead guard is facing difficulty making the initial pass to the wing due to defensive pressure.
Entry #5 – Weakside Entry: Shifting the Point of Attack
The weakside entry provides a variation that can be used to confuse the defense or when the lead guard is struggling to make the wing entry pass on the ball side.
It starts with player #1 reversing the ball to player #3 at the top of the key. Then, player #4 steps out to the wing on the weak side and receives a pass from player #3, becoming the trigger player on the weak side.
Following this, player #3 cuts through to the corner on the ball side. Player #1 fills the top of the key position. Player #2, who was initially in the ball-side trigger spot, becomes the opposite player, moving to the weak side mid-post. Player #5 slides across to establish low post position on the weak side. This entry effectively shifts the offensive focus to the weak side of the court.
Entry #6 – Post Pop Entry: Utilizing Post Versatility
The post pop entry introduces a different dynamic by having the post player initially move away from the basket, creating spacing and potentially exploiting mismatches.
In this variation, when player #1 passes to player #2, player #5 ‘pops’ out to the corner instead of going to the low post.
Diagram illustrating the ‘Post Pop’ entry, where the post player moves to the corner to initiate offense.
From this setup, you can direct various players to cut and establish position in the low post. In this example, player #1 (the lead guard) cuts to the low post to establish position. Player #3 slides to the top of the key, and player #4 moves to the mid-post position on the weak side.
This entry is particularly effective if you have a post player who is comfortable and skilled playing on the perimeter, if there’s a mismatch at another position that you want to exploit, or if you want to draw the post defender away from the basket to open up driving lanes.
Entry #7 – Post Screen Entry: Screening for Post Position
The post screen entry uses a screen set by the post player to facilitate another player’s movement into the post, often leading to a quick inside passing opportunity.
In this entry, player #5 screens across for player #4 as they switch positions. This screen action often creates an opening for a quick pass inside from player #2 to player #4 as player #4 cuts to establish position on the low block.
Following the screen, player #1 fills the corner position using an outside cut. Player #3 moves to the top of the key. Player #5, who set the screen and was initially in the post, now becomes the opposite player and holds their position on the weak side mid-post.
Choosing the Right Entries: Tailoring to Your Team
As demonstrated, there are numerous ways to initiate the triangle offense. The key is to select entries that align with your coaching philosophy and best utilize your team’s strengths and personnel. Feel free to even create your own entries that suit your team’s specific skills and style of play!
A practical approach is to select 2 or 3 entries to focus on initially. This provides variety without overwhelming players with too many options.
Coach’s Recommendation for Youth or High School Teams:
- Inside Cut: Simple, quick, and effective for basic triangle setup.
- Dribble Entry: Useful when facing pressure on the perimeter pass, allows guard initiation.
- Post Pop: Introduces variety and leverages post player versatility.
These three entries offer a good starting point, allowing teams to enter the triangle offense using different movements while keeping the initial learning process manageable.
Running the Triangle Offense: Sideline Triangle and Two-Man Game – The Core Actions to Learn
Once your team is positioned correctly in the triangle offense, the next step is understanding how to operate within its structure. At its most fundamental level, the triangle offense is composed of two interacting parts:
a. The Sideline Triangle: Formed by the corner, trigger, and post players.
b. The Two-Man Game: Formed by the trail and opposite players.
Let’s examine each of these components in detail to understand how they function and how to learn their actions.
a. Mastering the Sideline Triangle: Passing Options and Actions
Diagram illustrating the passing options from the trigger position within the sideline triangle.
The sideline triangle is the heart of the triangle offense’s ball-side actions. The most critical concept to grasp is that the pass initiated from the ‘trigger’ position (Position #2) dictates the subsequent movements and options for all players on the court.
From the trigger position, there are four primary passing options, each leading to a distinct series of actions. The trigger player’s role is to read the defense, assess the available options, and make the most strategic pass to initiate the appropriate offensive sequence.
Here are the four key passing options from the trigger position:
Passing Option #1 – Post Pass: The Primary Target
The first and often most effective option for the trigger player is to pass directly to the post player (Position #5).
Assuming the trigger and low post player are aligned with the basket along the line of deployment, this pass is often a straightforward, low-risk option. It becomes even more appealing if the post defender is playing behind, allowing for an uncontested entry pass.
Refer back to the ‘Line of Deployment’ section to reinforce understanding of how to react when the post defender overplays or denies this pass.
When the post pass is made, and unless the post player has an immediate scoring opportunity, the corner player (Position #1) must immediately execute a baseline cut. This cut aims to receive a quick pass from the post player, potentially leading to a reverse layup. If the pass isn’t made, the corner player continues their cut out to the opposite wing.
Shortly after the corner cut, the trigger player (Position #2) cuts above the post player and sets a screen on the defender guarding the opposite player (Position #4). This screen action allows the opposite player to cut to the high post, often finding themselves open for a free-throw line jump shot.
Diagram showing the actions following a ‘Post Pass’ from the trigger, including cuts and screens.
(Important Coaching Tip: Emphasize that these cuts must be performed with speed and purpose! Players jogging through these actions disrupt the timing and effectiveness of the offense.)
After setting the screen, the trigger player then clears out to the weak-side corner. These coordinated actions keep the weak-side defense engaged and occupied, while allowing the post player space to operate in the post. If the post player feels they have a scoring advantage, they can back down their defender and execute a post move to score.
If none of these initial actions result in an open shot, the ball can be passed back out to the trail player (Position #3) at the top of the key, or it can be skip-passed across to the opposite wing to the player who has rotated into the trigger spot. The offense then resets and can be run again.
Variation: Post Split
A variation off the post pass is the ‘post split’ action.
In the post split, the corner player (Position #1) sets a quick up-screen for the trigger player (Position #2). The trigger player then cuts baseline, looking for a pass and layup before continuing their cut out to the weak-side wing.
Immediately following this, the corner player (Position #1) cuts above the post player and sets a screen on the defender guarding the opposite player (Position #4).
Essentially, the post split reverses the roles of the corner and trigger players compared to the standard post pass action.
Passing Option #2 – Reverse Pass: Initiating the Two-Man Game
The reverse pass, where the trigger player passes back to the trail player (Position #3) at the top of the key, triggers the two-man game on the opposite side of the court.
This pass initiates a series of options and actions within the two-man game setup, which will be detailed in part ‘B’ below. The reverse pass is a crucial option to learn for diversifying the triangle offense and utilizing the skills of players in the trail and opposite positions.
Passing Option #3 – Corner Pass: Setting Up Sideline Screen Action
The third passing option for the trigger player is to pass to the corner player (Position #1).
Upon receiving the pass, the corner player’s first read is whether the post player (Position #5) has established good low post position and if there’s a viable passing lane for a quick inside pass and score.
If the inside pass is not immediately available, the post player steps out from the low post and sets a back screen for the trigger player (Position #2). The trigger player then cuts sharply to the rim, looking for a pass from the corner player and an open layup opportunity. If the pass isn’t made, the trigger player continues their cut out to the weak-side corner.
Diagram illustrating the ‘Sideline Screen’ option, initiated by a pass to the corner and a subsequent back screen.
Immediately after setting the back screen for the trigger player, the post player transitions to setting an on-ball screen for the corner player. The corner player dribbles up towards the screen to create more space and options.
This two-man game between the corner and post player can be highly effective. The ball-side of the court is cleared out, and the help defense will often hesitate to rotate off the weak-side mid-post or leave the opposite player wide open on the other side of the court, creating favorable scoring opportunities.
Passing Option #4 – Weakside Flash: Exploiting Defensive Shifts
The weakside flash option relies heavily on the opposite player’s (Position #4) court awareness and ability to read the positions of other players on the floor. It’s a reactive option, designed to exploit specific defensive situations.
There are two primary scenarios where the opposite player should flash to the ball and receive a pass from the trigger:
1. Post Player Fronted or Low-Side Half-Fronted:
Diagram showing the ‘Flash’ option, used when the post player is fronted, allowing for a quick pass inside.
When the post defender is fronting or half-fronting from the low side, it creates an opportunity for the opposite player to flash towards the basketball. Upon receiving the pass from the trigger, the opposite player can then make a quick pass inside to the post player, who has sealed off their defender with proper footwork.
Even if the immediate inside pass isn’t available, by flashing to the ball when the post is fronted, it effectively eliminates help defense from the weak side. This creates space for the trigger player to make a lob pass directly to the low post player for a high-percentage scoring chance.
2. Trail Player Denied:
If the defender guarding the trail player (Position #3) is aggressively denying the pass from the trigger, it presents an ideal situation for a ‘blind pig’ action.
Diagram illustrating the ‘Blind Pig’ action, used when the trail player is denied, leading to a backdoor cut.
The blind pig action involves the opposite player (Position #4) flashing towards the basketball to receive the pass from the trigger. Immediately upon receiving the pass, the opposite player drops off a quick handoff pass to the trail player (Position #3) as they execute a backdoor cut towards the rim for an open layup. This action capitalizes on the defender overplaying the passing lane to the trail player.
If the trail player doesn’t receive the handoff pass, they continue their cut through to the corner. After the trail player’s cut, the opposite player can then look to face up their defender and attack the basket if they have a favorable matchup.
As soon as the pass is made to the opposite player, the corner player (Position #1) sets up their defender by initially moving towards the key and then cuts to the top of the key off a down screen from the trigger player (Position #2).
If the immediate shot off the down screen is open, the opposite player passes to the corner player for a shot opportunity. If not, the corner player initiates a dribble weave action with the opposite player, receiving the ball back either via a quick dribble pitch or a handoff. This dribble weave creates opportunities for the corner player to curl and attack the rim, pull up for a midrange shot, or drive and either finish or pass to the trail or post players for scoring chances.
If no attacking opportunity arises from the dribble weave, the corner player can dribble to the trigger spot on the wing. All players then readjust their positions to reset and run the triangle offense again.
Diagram illustrating the ‘Readjust’ action, showing how players reposition to restart the triangle offense.
b. Exploring the Two-Man Game: Pinch Post Series and Options
The two-man game component of the triangle offense, often referred to as the ‘pinch post series’, provides a wealth of variations and scoring opportunities. It primarily involves actions between the trail player (Position #3) and the opposite player (Position #4).
There are numerous variations within the pinch post setup, and mastering a few key options can significantly enhance the triangle offense’s versatility. It’s recommended to select 2-3 variations that best suit your team’s personnel and provide a diverse set of actions.
Option #1 – High Post Cut: Direct Drive and Hand-Off Actions
The initial option in the pinch post series is the high post cut. It begins with the trail player (Position #3) passing the ball inside to the opposite player (Position #4), who has stepped up to the high post position.
Immediately after making the pass, the trail player cuts sharply off the high post player, looking for a quick bounce pass or handoff that can lead to a layup. If the pass isn’t made, the trail player clears out to the corner.
From the high post, the opposite player can then face up and attack the basket if they have a favorable matchup against their defender. If driving isn’t the best option, the opposite player can execute a handoff or dribble weave action with the corner player (Position #1). The corner player cuts around to the top of the key off a down screen set by the trigger player (Position #2).
This sequence often leads to the corner player getting an open midrange or three-point shot, a drive to the basket for a layup, or a passing opportunity to either the trail or post players if driving to the hoop. If attacking the basket isn’t viable, the corner player dribbles out to the trigger spot, and players reposition to restart the triangle offense.
Diagram illustrating the ‘High Post Cut’ option in the two-man game, showing the cut after the post pass.
Option #2 – On-Ball Screen: Pick-and-Roll Integration
Incorporating an on-ball screen into the pinch post series adds a dynamic pick-and-roll element. Given the pick-and-roll’s effectiveness as an offensive weapon, this option is highly recommended for teams at youth and high school levels.
Diagram showing the ‘On-Ball Screen’ option in the two-man game, initiating a pick-and-roll action.
As the trail player (Position #3) catches the ball at the top of the key, the opposite player (Position #4) immediately steps up and sets an on-ball screen for the trail player. With the entire side of the court cleared, this pick-and-roll action creates excellent opportunities for the trail player to pull up for a midrange jump shot or drive to the rim.
After setting the screen, the opposite player remains at the top of the key as a safety valve, as the post player is already positioned in the key, and having both post players inside could congest the lane.
If the weak-side post defender helps over to defend the pick-and-roll, it opens up a passing lane for a bounce pass to the post player (Position #5) for a layup. Simultaneously, the trigger player (Position #2) sets a down screen for the corner player (Position #1) to cut to the top of the key. This action keeps the weak-side defenders occupied and prevents them from providing further help defense on the pick-and-roll.
Option #3 – Post Pop Reset: Returning to Triangle Formation
Note: This option shares the same sequence as the weak side entry described earlier.
This pinch post variation is designed to reset the offense back to its initial formation, allowing the team to run the triangle offense again.
It can be a useful option for teams that don’t play with a shot clock or when there might be a less skilled player in the opposite position, and resetting the offense provides a more structured approach.
The opposite player (Position #4) steps out and receives the pass from the trail player (Position #3) at the top of the key. Immediately after passing, the trail player cuts to the ball-side corner. The corner player (Position #1) fills the top of the key position after cutting off a down screen from the trigger player (Position #2). The post player (Position #5) slides across the key to establish position in the low post, and the trigger player (Position #2) fills the opposite position. This sequence effectively resets the offense back to the starting triangle formation.
Option #4 – Post Pop On-Ball Screen: Combining Versatility and Pick-and-Roll
If you have a player in the opposite position (Position #4) who possesses good dribbling skills and the ability to create for themselves and others, the ‘post pop on-ball screen’ can be a highly effective variation.
Diagram illustrating the ‘Post Pop On-Ball Screen’ option, combining post versatility with pick-and-roll action.
In this option, the opposite player (Position #4) steps out and receives the pass from the trail player (Position #3) at the top of the key. However, instead of cutting through to the ball-side corner, the trail player immediately sets an on-ball screen for the opposite player to attack the rim.
The corner player (Position #1) cuts to the top of the key off a down screen from the trigger player (Position #2). This cut provides a passing option for the opposite player driving to the basket, as well as a potential bounce pass to the post player (Position #5) if their defender steps across to help on the drive.
Option #5 – Dribble to Wing: Guard-Driven Reshuffle
The ‘dribble to wing’ variation is a good option if your team has a highly skilled and high-IQ player at the point guard position (Position #1).
Instead of passing into the high post, the trail player (Position #3) dribbles directly to the trigger spot on the wing. This dribble action signals for the opposite player (Position #4) to set a screen at the top of the key for the corner player (Position #1). The corner player curls around the top of the key off a down screen from the trigger player (Position #2).
Diagram showing the ‘Wing Curl’ option, initiated by dribbling to the wing and a screen for a curl cut.
If the corner player’s defender trails the screen, the corner player can curl and cut directly to the basket, looking for a pass and an open layup. If the pass isn’t made, the corner player clears out to the corner. If the corner player’s defender goes under the screen, the corner player can step back and receive a pass for an outside shot opportunity.
If the corner player receives the pass and a shot isn’t open, they dribble to the wing and push the trail player down to the corner position, while the corner player fills the trigger spot. The post player (Position #5) slides across and establishes low post position, the opposite player (Position #4) steps out and fills the top of the key, and the trigger player (Position #2) moves to the weak side mid-post area. This reshuffling of positions sets the team up to begin running the triangle offense again.
Conclusion: Embracing the Triangle Offense Learning Journey
There’s a common misconception that the triangle offense is excessively complex, making it unsuitable for teams outside of the professional level. However, this guide aims to dispel that myth. While the triangle offense does possess depth and numerous actions, it can also be implemented in a streamlined and effective manner with a focused selection of offensive options.
If you believe your team has the necessary attributes – players with good basketball IQ, fundamental skills, and a commitment to teamwork – and you are willing to dedicate time to teaching and practicing it, implementing the triangle offense can be a highly rewarding endeavor. It’s an offense that not only creates scoring opportunities but also elevates player understanding and basketball acumen. Embrace the learning process, and you may find the triangle offense to be a transformative addition to your team’s strategic arsenal.
