Triangle Offense
Content
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The Triangle Offense
Contents I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. IX. X. XI. XII. XIII. XIV. Introduction Basic Alignments Post Options Weak-side Options Corner Option Penetration from the Wing Guard Dribble Series Solo Cut Light Pressure Heavy Pressure Initiating The Offense Semi-Fast Breaks Special Situations Conclusion Key To Diagrams 2 3 5 18 39 41 44 49 54 57 63 65 66 67
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I. Introduction
The Triangle Offense, also known as the “Triple-Post Offense,” is a system that is largely based on good floor spacing and ball movement. It was invented and gradually developed by Tex Winter, a former college and NBA coach, and most recently, the assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers. What distinguishes the Triangle from other offenses is the lack of many set-plays. Instead of executing specific plays on each possession, the players are required to read the opposing defense and react to it appropriately. How they react is determined by a series of options, which are all within the structure of the offense. The purpose is to catch the defense off balance and find open spaces on the court through extensive movement of players and the ball. In the Triangle, all five players are crucial to the overall success of the system, either through scoring, passing, screening, rebounding, or initiating of the offense. For the offense to work perfectly, each player has to execute the offense instinctively rather than “think” before passing or cutting. The Triangle is not “better” than other offenses, but it is just another way to get open shots. The biggest misconception about the Triangle is that it’s “difficult to learn.” Other offenses are just as complicated, but the Triangle is radically different because it uses different patterns of movement and is entirely based on defensive recognition.
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II. Basic Alignments
Diagram 1
These are the basic working positions in the offense. The guards are about fifteen to eighteen feet apart and approximately six feet beyond the mid-court line. They always stay on the same lateral plane. The wings are located about two feet above the freethrow line extended. It’s an imaginary line that extends the freethrow line to both sidelines. The center is located in the low post. A “line of deployment” is always to be maintained between the wings, in this case O3, and the center. It’s also an imaginary line, which forms a 45-degree angle with the baseline. This line ensures safe post passes and punishes the defense for wrong positioning on post defense (this will all be explained later).
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Diagram 2
This is the desired alignment on each possession. With this alignment, there’s a player on the strong side wing, in the corner, on the weak-side post, in the low post, and at the top of the key. All of these basic positions are interchangeable between the players. To assign the low post-position exclusively for the “center” or the corner position for the “point guard” would be incorrect. The distance between players of fifteen to eighteen feet stays the same as in diagram 1. This particular spacing extends the defense, which makes double teams more difficult. But it also provides an overload on one side of the court and an easy way to swing the ball to the weak-side.
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Diagram 3
The reason why the offense is called the “Triangle” is simply because the strong-side wing, the corner man, and the post man form a triangle on the sideline.
III. Post Options
Diagram 4
This is the basic entry pass of the offense. In this case, O1 has the ball and passes it to O3 if he’s open.
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Diagram 5
After the pass, O1 cuts to the corner if there’s no pressure on him by his defender. O2 moves to the top of the key, approximately three feet beyond the NBA three-point line. O4 moves somewhere between his original position and the basket. It is important to know that O1’s pass to O3 initiates all of this movement, which means that O2 and O4 only move after the pass. The reason O1 passes it to the wing instead of dribbling himself to the wing is because O3 has a “triple-threat” position every time he gets the ball on the wing. Diagram 6
Once the triangle is formed, the first option in the offense is a post-entry pass to O5 because it will bring the deepest penetration to the basket. In this case, O5 is the closest player to the basket.
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Diagram 7
One of the options after the first post pass is for O3 and O1 to cut immediately after the pass. O1 clears the side and goes to the weak-side. O3 sets a screen for O2. If O2 is open for the shot, O5 can pass it to him. If O2 gets the ball but isn’t open for a shot, he can swing the ball to the opposite side for another triangle to form. Diagram 8
If D2 tries to go over O3’s screen, then O2 reads the defense and cuts towards O5 for a handoff and possible penetration or a midrange jumper.
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Diagram 9
If D2 anticipates O2’s movement or if D2 simply loses sight of O2, O2 can cut fast to the basket and receive a pass from O5. Diagram 10
If D3 and D2 switch on O3’s screen, then O3 reads the defense and cuts fast to the basket. This cut is available because D2 will often be caught on the wrong side and there would be some open space under the basket.
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Diagram 11
Another option for O3 is to set a screen for O4 on the weak-side post. In this instance, D4 gets stuck on O3’s screen and O4 is open for a jumper. Diagram 12
If D4 tries to go over the screen, O4 reads the defense and cuts under the basket for a precise pass from O5.
10 Diagram 13
If D3 and D4 switch on the screen, O3 quickly turns around and receives a pass by O5. Diagram 14
If D3 is late on any of these cuts, O3 reads the defense and cuts fast to the basket for a pass by O5. Diagram 15
Similar as in diagram 14, D1 is late on the cut and O1 gets a pass from O5 on the baseline. This is one of the trademark options of the triangle.
11 Diagram 16
Another thing O1 can do is change direction on the baseline cut and get a pass from O5. In this case, D1 tries to go over the screen, so O1 tries to penetrate on the pass. Diagram 17
D1 goes under the screen set by O5, so O1 shoots a midrange jumper.
12 Diagram 18
Besides screening for O2 and O4, O3’s third screening option is for O1 in the corner. This particular movement is called the “triangle split.” O3 sets a screen for O1, O1 realizes that so he doesn’t cut all the way to the weak-side, and tries to open himself on the screen. D1 goes over the screen, which means that he will be late if O1 tries to penetrate to the basket on O5’s pass. O2 and O4 clear the area. Diagram 19
In this case, D1 goes under the screen, so O1 reads the defense and goes back to the sideline for a long two or a three.
13 Diagram 20
If D3 and D1 switch on O3’s screen, O3 reads the defense and catches O1 on the wrong side and changes direction for a hand-off by O5. Diagram 21
If D1 anticipates the movement shown in diagram 20, O3 can go back to the sideline and set up for a long two or a three.
14 Diagram 22
If D3 loses sight of O3 or if he simply gets stuck behind O5, O3 reads the defense and cuts to the basket expecting a handoff from O5. This cut is almost the same as the one in the previous diagram except that there’s no switch this time. Diagram 23
This is very similar to diagram 22. In this case, D3 is on the other side, so the area around the baseline would be open. O3 first screens for O1, and then cuts and receives a pass from O5.
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Diagram 24
If D1 anticipates O1’s movement on the triangle split, O1 can counter with a change of direction and a baseline cut. Diagram 25
If D5 covers O5 above the post, O3 passes the ball to O1 and he passes it under the basket to O5.
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Diagram 26
If O5 is deep in the post, he either receives the ball from O3 or from O2 from the top of the key. Diagram 27
If O5 is fronted by D5, O4 immediately flashes to the elbow expecting a pass from O3. This movement clears the area under the basket because D4 automatically follows O4 to the elbow. After he receives the pass, O4 looks for O5 who is now directly under the basket.
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Diagram 28
If a pass to O4 is not possible, then the next option is a lob pass to O5. Again, the weak-side was already cleared by O4, who took D4 with him. The last four options are all based on the “line of deployment” in Tex Winter’s terminology. It essentially forces the post defender to defend behind O5. And if he tries to do something else, the angles in the offense can quickly take advantage of that and provide easy scoring opportunities. Diagram 29
If the previous two options aren’t available, O5 continues to the weakside and moves to O4’s original position. O4 is now in the low post.
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Diagram 30
This is the result of diagram 29. All options discussed previously are available again. All screens until now have been initiated by O3.
IV. Weak-Side Options
Diagram 31
Naturally, if the offense has much success with the post pass, the defense will adjust to it. One of the ways to prevent the post pass is by sagging off into the post area. This automatically keys the weak-side options between O2 and O4 (also called the two-man game). O3 passes to O2 and that creates a high number of options that I will now discuss.
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Diagram 32
As soon as O2 gets the ball, he looks for O4 who freed himself on the pinch post. O2 passes the ball to O4, and then cuts off O4 to the basket. If D2 tries to go over the screen, O2 reads the defense and gets a handoff from O4 and penetrates to the basket for a lay-up. Meanwhile, O3 and O1 execute the triangle split on the weak-side. Diagram 33
In this case, D2 goes under O4’s screen. O2 reads the defense and gets a hand-off by O4 for a mid-range jumper.
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Diagram 34
If D2 and D4 switch on the hand-off, O4 cuts fast to the basket expecting a pass to use his size advantage over D2. Diagram 35
If O2 gets double teamed after the hand-off, O4 cuts to the basket for a pass by O2.
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Diagram 36
On the other hand, if O4 is double teamed on the pinch post, O2 continues cutting to the basket expecting a pass. Diagram 37
If D1 recovers late on the handoff, O4 cuts to the post or changes positions with O5. O2 has the option of passing to O5 in the post, and if that’s not available, he swings the ball to the weakside to set up another triangle.
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Diagram 38
If D2 anticipates O2’s movement on the cut, O2 can change direction suddenly and receive a pass on the free throw line for a jumper, or if there’s enough room under the basket, for penetration to the basket and a possible lay-up. Diagram 39
If D2 recovers early on the hand-off, O2 dribbles to the opposite side and executes a classic pick and roll with O4. He can either shoot a mid range jumper, penetrate to the basket, pass to O4 on the “roll,” or if the defense collapses, pass to either O1 or O3.
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Diagram 40
Of course, O4 can fake the handoff to O2, and penetrate to the basket. This is especially effective if D4 expects the hand-off. Diagram 41
If O2 isn’t open on the initial cut, O4 can pass it to him in the post. This is effective if O2 has a size advantage over D2.
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Diagram 42
If a hand-off to O2 is not possible, or if O4 decides not to pass at all, then O2 moves to the corner. Meanwhile, O4 dribbles to the opposite elbow and hands the ball off to O1 who is coming from the corner on O3’s screen. If D1 attempts to go over O4’s screen, D1 penetrates to the basket. He also can pass to O2 in the corner if O2’s defender collapses.
Diagram 43
In this instance, D1 goes under the screen, and O1 quickly realizes that and shoots a midrange jumper.
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Diagram 44
If there’s a switch by D4 and D1 on O4’s hand-off, then O4 cuts to the basket to take advantage of his size over D1. O1 can pass it to him if he’s open or he can take advantage of his speed advantage over the bigger D4. Diagram 45
O4 doesn’t have to dribble to the opposite elbow. Instead, he can simply pass from his pinch postposition. In this particular option, he passes it to O1 coming from the corner off O3’s screen.
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Diagram 46
O1 shoots a mid range jumper after D1 goes under O3’s screen. If you haven’t already noticed, the movement in the last two diagrams is the same as in the triangle split options from the post in diagrams 18 through 24. The only difference is that it’s O4 passing from the high post instead of O5 from the low post. Diagram 47
D3 and D1 switch. O4 passes it to the cutting O3.
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Diagram 48
This is another switch, but this time O3 shoots a long two or a three from the sideline. Diagram 49
O4 passes it to the cutting O3 (go back to the post options to see why this and the following cuts are done). Diagram 50
O4 passes it to the cutting O3.
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Diagram 51
O4 passes it under the basket to the cutting O1 after D1 put pressure on the triangle split. Diagram 52
If nobody is open on the split, O4 can look for O5 under the basket. This pass is dangerous due to somewhat bad spacing, but strong post players like Shaq can easily establish position right underneath the basket against weaker players.
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Diagram 53
Let’s go way back to the #3 pass by O2. If O4 is not open on the pinch post and he’s heavily guarded by D4, he can cut backdoor and receive a pass by O2. Diagram 54
If O4 is not open on the backdoor cut, he stays near the basket for a possible rebound. Meanwhile, O2 dribbles to the opposite side and hands the ball off to O1 who’s coming from the corner off of O3’s screen. In this case, D1 goes over the screen, so O1 penetrates to the basket for a lay up. If O4’s man collapses, O1 can pass it to O4 for a mid range jumper. Again, this movement is almost exactly the same as in Diagram 42. The only difference is that O2 is dribbling to the opposite elbow and passing to O1 instead of O4.
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Diagram 55
O2 passes the ball to O1 for a mid range jumper. Diagram 56
D1 and D2 switch on the hand-off. O1 can either pass it to the cutting O2 or he can dribble the ball to the wing and pass it to O4 in the post.
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Diagram 57
If O2 cannot dribble to the elbow due to D2’s pressure on the ball, then he simply stays at his position and looks for O1 coming off of O3’s screen on the triangle split. And again, the movement is the same as in diagram 45 except that O2 is passing from the top of the key instead of O4 from the high post. For more detailed explanations of the following options, you can go back and review diagrams 45 through 51. Diagram 58
O1 gets the ball from O2 for a mid range jumper.
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Diagram 59
D3 and D1 switch so O2 passes it to the cutting O3 under the basket. Diagram 60
Another switch, but this time O3 gets the ball for a midrange jumper. Diagram 61
O3 cuts and receives a ball under the basket.
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Diagram 62
O2 passes it to the cutting O3. Diagram 63
O2 passes it to O1 cutting on the baseline due to pressure by D1.
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Diagram 64
Let’s go way back to the #2 pass from O3 to O2. What if D2 puts heavy pressure on O2? Well, in that case, O4 automatically flashes to the strong side elbow for a pass by O3. This is the basic backdoor cut of the triangle and is executed numerous times throughout a game. Diagram 65
As soon as O4 gets the ball, he looks for the cutting O2. This cut is made possible due to D2’s heavy pressure. If O2’s open, he gets a bounce pass from O4 and looks to score under the basket. If O5’s man collapses under the basket, O2 has to be ready to pass to O5.
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Diagram 66
If O2 is not open on the cut, he continues to the opposite corner. At the same time, O4 looks for O1 coming from the corner off of O3’s screen. D1 goes over the screen, O1 reads the defense and penetrates to the basket or passes it to O2 in the corner if D2 collapses on the penetration. Diagram 67
D1 goes under O4’s screen, O1 shoots a mid range jumper.
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Diagram 68
D4 and D1 switch on the screen. O4 cuts to the basket to take advantage of his size. If nobody’s open, O1 can set up another triangle with O2 and O4. Diagram 69
Instead of screening for O1 in the corner, O3 can surprise his defender and actually receive a hand off on the elbow from O4. In this case, D3 goes over the screen and O3 penetrates.
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Diagram 70
D3 goes under the screen, so O3 shoots a mid range jump shot. Diagram 71
D4 and D3 switch on O4’s screen. O4 goes to the post or cuts under the basket. O3 can also can advantage of his speed over O4.
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Diagram 72
If O4 is guarded tightly on the weakside flash from diagram 64, he can cut backdoor and receive a lob pass from O3 from the wing. Diagram 73
Instead of cutting backdoor, O4 can simply set a screen on the perimeter for O3 and they can execute the pick and roll. O2 would clear the side and go to the corner.
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V. Corner Option
Diagram 74
Until now, O3 has had the option to pass to everybody except O1 in the corner. This pass is useful when there’s pressure on O3 on the wing and a post pass to O5 is not possible. Diagram 75
As soon as he passes the ball to the corner, O3 cuts fast on the baseline. If he’s open, he can get a lay up. O5 and O4 go for the rebound.
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Diagram 76
If O3 is not open, he continues to the weak-side. Meanwhile, O5 and O1 execute a corner pick and roll. O1 can shoot a midrange jumper, penetrate to the basket, pass to O5 on the “roll,” or pass to O2 if D2 has collapsed. Diagram 77
If O2 gets the ball from O1 but is not open to shoot, he goes to the wing and sets a triangle with O3 and O4. O1 goes to the top of the key and O5 now is on the weak-side post.
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VI. Penetration From The Wing
Diagram 78
Having the option to pass to any of his four teammates, O3 can also penetrate to the basket. He can do that if the defense is sagging off to the paint. If O2’s defender helps out on the penetration, O3 has the option of passing to O2 who has cleared the area and is somewhere around the weak-side wing. O4 also clears the area under the basket. Diagram 79
If O2 gets the ball on the wing but can’t get a good shot, he sets up on the strong-side wing, which was the weak-side a couple of seconds ago. O4 moves to the corner, O3 slides to the post, O1 goes to the top of the key, and O5 is on the weak-side post.
42 Diagram 80
A similar option to the one in diagram 78 can be executed even before the triangle is established. O1 passes to the wing, and then unexpectedly sets a screen for O3 who then quickly penetrates to the basket.
Diagram 81
Just as in diagram 79, then triangle can be established on the other side if there are no openings for O2 after the pass.
43 Diagram 82
If D3 puts heavy pressure on O3 where it is impossible for O3 neither to pass the ball to his teammates nor to penetrate to the basket, then he can relieve the pressure by dribbling back to O1’s original position in the basic alignment. O1 would take over O3’s original position while O2, O4 and O5 go back to their basic positions. Diagram 83
This would be the new alignment with all options open.
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VII. Guard Dribble Series
Diagram 84
If D1 is trailing from the inside before the initial entry pass, then O1 cuts to the outside of O3 and expects a return pass. (O3 always leaves enough space between him and the sideline for a player to cut through comfortably without being forced out of bounds) O1 gets the ball back on a hand-off and tries to penetrate to the basket. Meanwhile, O5 goes to the high post to clear the area under the basket. Diagram 85
If O1 can’t penetrate to the basket, he dribbles back to the corner.
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Diagram 86
As soon as O1 is in the corner, O3 cuts baseline and expects a pass from O1 if he’s open. This cut is identical to the cut discusses previously in the corner option. If O3 is not open, he continues to the weak-side wing. At the same time, O4 moves into the strong-side post and 05 moves to the strong-side wing. The name “triplepost offense” derives from this exchange of the post men. Diagram 87
If O4 is not open in the post, O1 looks for O5 on the wing. Then, O5 looks for O2 at the top, who passes it to O3 on the weak-side wing. Meanwhile, right after the pass, O5 moves to the empty post on the weak side with a screen by O4. When he arrives in the post, O5 looks for the pass by O3 from the wing.
46 Diagram 88
If O5 is not open in the post, O3 looks for O4 coming off the screen set by O2. Diagram 89
Instead of screening for O4 in the post, O2 (and possibly O4) can set a screen for O1 coming from the corner. If he’s open, O3 passes it to him for a long two or a three.
47 Diagram 90
If O3 is not open on the #5 pass in diagram 87, then O2 dribbles to the opposite side for a hand-off to O1. (The execution is similar as discussed in the weak-side options.) Diagram 91
If O3 is defended tightly, he also can cut backdoor for a pass by O2. O5 would clear the post.
48 Diagram 92
If O1 is not open on the initial outside cut as discussed in diagram 84, he simply continues to the corner and all previously discussed options are possible. Diagram 93
O3 can also fake a pass to O1, and penetrate to the basket right after the fake. This is effective if D3 is expecting the pass and preparing to switch. O2 and O4 would clear the area and move to the weak-side.
49 Diagram 94
If O3 is not open on the pass as discussed in diagram 84, then O1 continues dribbling towards O3 who sets a screen. After the screen, the execution is the same as in diagrams 84 through 90.
VIII. Solo Cut
Diagram 95
O1 also has an option of cutting to the weak-side on the “solo cut.” This cut is done mostly early in the game to test the defense to see if and how they are going to defend O5 in the post.
50 Diagram 96
O3 then passes it to the post and cuts on the baseline. Meanwhile, O2 moves to the strong side wing, O4 moves to the weak-side post, and O1 moves to the top of the key. This entire movement basically invites the defense to double team the post man, which will create an open shot because of the good spacing. Diagram 97
O3 also can cut to the corner. As soon as O2 sees that, he moves to the strong side wing, which creates a triangle. O1 moves to the top while O4 moves to the post.
51 Diagram 98
O5 can pass to the wing and then the triangle can start all over again with the normal alignment. Diagram 99
If O5 is not open, O3 swings the ball to O2 who passes it to O4 on the weak-side wing. Then, O5 moves to the other post and O3 moves to the weak-side post.
52 Diagram 100
In this instance, O3 moves to the strong-side post and O5 stays on the weak-side post. Diagram 101
Another option for O3 if a post pass is not possible is for him to dribble to the corner. The movement would be identical to diagram 97. O3 would look for O2 on the wing to start the triangle all over again.
53 Diagram 102
If D1 is trailing to the outside, then O1 reads the defense and cuts FAST to the basket for a return pass by O3. Diagram 103
If O1 is not open on the “basket cut,” then O3 passes to O2, and then sets a screen for O1. This pass basically starts the numerous weak-side options.
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IX. Light Pressure
Diagram 104
If O3 is not open on the #1 pass in diagram 4, O1 passes to O2, who, then, passes the ball to O4 on the wing. In the interim, O1 moves to the weak-side corner. O5 and O3 move to the strong-side post and weak-side post respectively. Diagram 105
This is the newly formed triangle on the opposite side.
55 Diagram 106
In this diagram, O3 moves to the strong-side post instead of O5 but it’s O5 that signals to O3 to execute this option. Diagram 107
This is the result of diagram 106.
56 Diagram 108
If O4 is not open on the #2 pass, then O2 looks for O3 who’s flashing to the pinch post and they execute the same action as discussed in diagram 32. At the same time, O4 sets a screen for O1 on the triangle split. Diagram 109
If O4 is heavily guarded on the #2 pass, he can cut fast to the basket for a backdoor cut by O2.
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X. Heavy Pressure
Diagram 110
Let’s suppose that O3 and O2 are heavily guarded on the #1 pass. If that happens, O4 flashes fast towards the top of the key for a pass by O1. Diagram 111
As soon as he gets the ball, O4 looks for the cutting O2. If O2 is open, he penetrates to the basket for a lay-up. This cut is made possible due to the heavy pressure by D2.
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Diagram 112
If O2 is not open, O4 looks for O1 for a hand-off. Meanwhile, O2 gets a double screen by O3 and O5 on the opposite side. This action is the same as the two-man game hand-off discussed in diagram 32. Diagram 113
If O1 isn’t open, O4 looks for O2 that just came off the double screen by O3 and O5. O3 has now moved to the corner.
59 Diagram 114
If O2 gets the ball but doesn’t shoot, O4 and O1 exchange positions. O4 moves to the weak-side post and O1 goes to the top of the key. Diagram 115
This is the result of diagram 114. All options are now open. Diagram 116
If O4 is heavily guarded on the flash in diagram 109, he cuts backdoor for a lob pass by O1.
60 Diagram 117
O4 can also execute a pick and roll with O1 near the three-point line. Diagram 118
Let’s say all perimeter players are heavily guarded. If that happens, O5 moves to the high post for a pass from O1. In these situations, defenses never put heavy pressure on the post because they want the centers to catch the ball far from the basket and disrupt the offensive flow.
61 Diagram 119
When he gets the ball on the high post, O5’s first option is to pass to the cutting O3. Diagram 120
If a pass to O3 is not available, O3 continues to the opposite wing. O1 sets a screen for O2 at the top who then cuts off O5 for a hand-off. After the screen for O2, O1 sets a screen for O3 who’s moving to the wing. Again, this movement is identical to the weak-side two-man movement that I explained earlier.
62 Diagram 121
If O2 is not open for the hand-off, O5’s next option is O3 who came off the double screen from O4 and O1. If O3 is open, he shoots. Diagram 122
If O3 doesn’t shoot, O5 and O2 exchange positions. The triangle is set up on the other side with all options open. Diagram 123
This is the result of diagram 122.
63 XI. Initiating The Offense Diagram 124
This is how normally the offense would be started. Either O3 or O4 pass the ball in bounds to O1 or O2. Then, one of the guards would dribble the ball forward while always staying on the same lateral plane with the guard that doesn’t have the ball.
64 Diagram 125
Whenever a player tries to stop the advancement of the ball BEFORE the guards cross the mid-court line, then they simply exchange positions. It can be initiated either by the ball handler or by the off-guard. In this case, O2 clears the area for O1 who dribbles to the opposite side due to the pressure by D1. They can exchange positions a couple of times before crossing the mid-court line. As soon as they cross, they execute the option in diagram 118.
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XII. Semi-Fast Breaks
Diagram 126
Often, teams would try a fast break that ends up unsuccessful. Those are called “semi-fast” breaks. When that happens, then everybody fills the closest spot in the triangle at that time. In this instance, O1 dribbles to the wing, O3 goes to the corner, O5 fills the post positions, and because naturally O2 will be ahead of O4, they exchange positions and O2 ends up at the perimeter and O4 slides in the weak-side post. Diagram 127
In this diagram, O2 changes sides and he ends up in the corner while O4 moves to the strong-side post.
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Diagram 128
It’s also possible that three players form a triangle without the ball. If that happens, then O1 passes to the wing, which is occupied by either O2 or O3.
XIII. Special Situations
Diagram 129
Whenever a player, with limited range on his jump shot, is in the corner and a triangle split is executed, he would basically “screen for the screener.” In this instance, O1 sets a screen for O4, who uses that screen to screen himself for O1. O1 then goes back to the sideline expecting a pass from O2. This play is very effective because no other offense features a screen similar to this.
67 Diagram 130
If a “power-forward” or “smallforward” with limited ball handling abilities pass to a smaller player in the pinch post, they would set a screen for that player instead of cutting to the outside for a hand-off. Diagram 131
If a big player finds himself on the perimeter and the ball goes into the post, he would move to the post and set a screen for the smaller player.
XIV. Conclusion
The diagrams follow a logical order and they constitute the entire Triangle Offense. Surprisingly, there are some set-plays that can be incorporated into the system, but what I have shown is the basic Triangle Offense that the Los Angeles Lakers have run.
The Triangle Offense
Contents I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. IX. X. XI. XII. XIII. XIV. Introduction Basic Alignments Post Options Weak-side Options Corner Option Penetration from the Wing Guard Dribble Series Solo Cut Light Pressure Heavy Pressure Initiating The Offense Semi-Fast Breaks Special Situations Conclusion Key To Diagrams 2 3 5 18 39 41 44 49 54 57 63 65 66 67
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I. Introduction
The Triangle Offense, also known as the “Triple-Post Offense,” is a system that is largely based on good floor spacing and ball movement. It was invented and gradually developed by Tex Winter, a former college and NBA coach, and most recently, the assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers. What distinguishes the Triangle from other offenses is the lack of many set-plays. Instead of executing specific plays on each possession, the players are required to read the opposing defense and react to it appropriately. How they react is determined by a series of options, which are all within the structure of the offense. The purpose is to catch the defense off balance and find open spaces on the court through extensive movement of players and the ball. In the Triangle, all five players are crucial to the overall success of the system, either through scoring, passing, screening, rebounding, or initiating of the offense. For the offense to work perfectly, each player has to execute the offense instinctively rather than “think” before passing or cutting. The Triangle is not “better” than other offenses, but it is just another way to get open shots. The biggest misconception about the Triangle is that it’s “difficult to learn.” Other offenses are just as complicated, but the Triangle is radically different because it uses different patterns of movement and is entirely based on defensive recognition.
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II. Basic Alignments
Diagram 1
These are the basic working positions in the offense. The guards are about fifteen to eighteen feet apart and approximately six feet beyond the mid-court line. They always stay on the same lateral plane. The wings are located about two feet above the freethrow line extended. It’s an imaginary line that extends the freethrow line to both sidelines. The center is located in the low post. A “line of deployment” is always to be maintained between the wings, in this case O3, and the center. It’s also an imaginary line, which forms a 45-degree angle with the baseline. This line ensures safe post passes and punishes the defense for wrong positioning on post defense (this will all be explained later).
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Diagram 2
This is the desired alignment on each possession. With this alignment, there’s a player on the strong side wing, in the corner, on the weak-side post, in the low post, and at the top of the key. All of these basic positions are interchangeable between the players. To assign the low post-position exclusively for the “center” or the corner position for the “point guard” would be incorrect. The distance between players of fifteen to eighteen feet stays the same as in diagram 1. This particular spacing extends the defense, which makes double teams more difficult. But it also provides an overload on one side of the court and an easy way to swing the ball to the weak-side.
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Diagram 3
The reason why the offense is called the “Triangle” is simply because the strong-side wing, the corner man, and the post man form a triangle on the sideline.
III. Post Options
Diagram 4
This is the basic entry pass of the offense. In this case, O1 has the ball and passes it to O3 if he’s open.
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Diagram 5
After the pass, O1 cuts to the corner if there’s no pressure on him by his defender. O2 moves to the top of the key, approximately three feet beyond the NBA three-point line. O4 moves somewhere between his original position and the basket. It is important to know that O1’s pass to O3 initiates all of this movement, which means that O2 and O4 only move after the pass. The reason O1 passes it to the wing instead of dribbling himself to the wing is because O3 has a “triple-threat” position every time he gets the ball on the wing. Diagram 6
Once the triangle is formed, the first option in the offense is a post-entry pass to O5 because it will bring the deepest penetration to the basket. In this case, O5 is the closest player to the basket.
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Diagram 7
One of the options after the first post pass is for O3 and O1 to cut immediately after the pass. O1 clears the side and goes to the weak-side. O3 sets a screen for O2. If O2 is open for the shot, O5 can pass it to him. If O2 gets the ball but isn’t open for a shot, he can swing the ball to the opposite side for another triangle to form. Diagram 8
If D2 tries to go over O3’s screen, then O2 reads the defense and cuts towards O5 for a handoff and possible penetration or a midrange jumper.
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Diagram 9
If D2 anticipates O2’s movement or if D2 simply loses sight of O2, O2 can cut fast to the basket and receive a pass from O5. Diagram 10
If D3 and D2 switch on O3’s screen, then O3 reads the defense and cuts fast to the basket. This cut is available because D2 will often be caught on the wrong side and there would be some open space under the basket.
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Diagram 11
Another option for O3 is to set a screen for O4 on the weak-side post. In this instance, D4 gets stuck on O3’s screen and O4 is open for a jumper. Diagram 12
If D4 tries to go over the screen, O4 reads the defense and cuts under the basket for a precise pass from O5.
10 Diagram 13
If D3 and D4 switch on the screen, O3 quickly turns around and receives a pass by O5. Diagram 14
If D3 is late on any of these cuts, O3 reads the defense and cuts fast to the basket for a pass by O5. Diagram 15
Similar as in diagram 14, D1 is late on the cut and O1 gets a pass from O5 on the baseline. This is one of the trademark options of the triangle.
11 Diagram 16
Another thing O1 can do is change direction on the baseline cut and get a pass from O5. In this case, D1 tries to go over the screen, so O1 tries to penetrate on the pass. Diagram 17
D1 goes under the screen set by O5, so O1 shoots a midrange jumper.
12 Diagram 18
Besides screening for O2 and O4, O3’s third screening option is for O1 in the corner. This particular movement is called the “triangle split.” O3 sets a screen for O1, O1 realizes that so he doesn’t cut all the way to the weak-side, and tries to open himself on the screen. D1 goes over the screen, which means that he will be late if O1 tries to penetrate to the basket on O5’s pass. O2 and O4 clear the area. Diagram 19
In this case, D1 goes under the screen, so O1 reads the defense and goes back to the sideline for a long two or a three.
13 Diagram 20
If D3 and D1 switch on O3’s screen, O3 reads the defense and catches O1 on the wrong side and changes direction for a hand-off by O5. Diagram 21
If D1 anticipates the movement shown in diagram 20, O3 can go back to the sideline and set up for a long two or a three.
14 Diagram 22
If D3 loses sight of O3 or if he simply gets stuck behind O5, O3 reads the defense and cuts to the basket expecting a handoff from O5. This cut is almost the same as the one in the previous diagram except that there’s no switch this time. Diagram 23
This is very similar to diagram 22. In this case, D3 is on the other side, so the area around the baseline would be open. O3 first screens for O1, and then cuts and receives a pass from O5.
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Diagram 24
If D1 anticipates O1’s movement on the triangle split, O1 can counter with a change of direction and a baseline cut. Diagram 25
If D5 covers O5 above the post, O3 passes the ball to O1 and he passes it under the basket to O5.
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Diagram 26
If O5 is deep in the post, he either receives the ball from O3 or from O2 from the top of the key. Diagram 27
If O5 is fronted by D5, O4 immediately flashes to the elbow expecting a pass from O3. This movement clears the area under the basket because D4 automatically follows O4 to the elbow. After he receives the pass, O4 looks for O5 who is now directly under the basket.
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Diagram 28
If a pass to O4 is not possible, then the next option is a lob pass to O5. Again, the weak-side was already cleared by O4, who took D4 with him. The last four options are all based on the “line of deployment” in Tex Winter’s terminology. It essentially forces the post defender to defend behind O5. And if he tries to do something else, the angles in the offense can quickly take advantage of that and provide easy scoring opportunities. Diagram 29
If the previous two options aren’t available, O5 continues to the weakside and moves to O4’s original position. O4 is now in the low post.
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Diagram 30
This is the result of diagram 29. All options discussed previously are available again. All screens until now have been initiated by O3.
IV. Weak-Side Options
Diagram 31
Naturally, if the offense has much success with the post pass, the defense will adjust to it. One of the ways to prevent the post pass is by sagging off into the post area. This automatically keys the weak-side options between O2 and O4 (also called the two-man game). O3 passes to O2 and that creates a high number of options that I will now discuss.
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Diagram 32
As soon as O2 gets the ball, he looks for O4 who freed himself on the pinch post. O2 passes the ball to O4, and then cuts off O4 to the basket. If D2 tries to go over the screen, O2 reads the defense and gets a handoff from O4 and penetrates to the basket for a lay-up. Meanwhile, O3 and O1 execute the triangle split on the weak-side. Diagram 33
In this case, D2 goes under O4’s screen. O2 reads the defense and gets a hand-off by O4 for a mid-range jumper.
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Diagram 34
If D2 and D4 switch on the hand-off, O4 cuts fast to the basket expecting a pass to use his size advantage over D2. Diagram 35
If O2 gets double teamed after the hand-off, O4 cuts to the basket for a pass by O2.
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Diagram 36
On the other hand, if O4 is double teamed on the pinch post, O2 continues cutting to the basket expecting a pass. Diagram 37
If D1 recovers late on the handoff, O4 cuts to the post or changes positions with O5. O2 has the option of passing to O5 in the post, and if that’s not available, he swings the ball to the weakside to set up another triangle.
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Diagram 38
If D2 anticipates O2’s movement on the cut, O2 can change direction suddenly and receive a pass on the free throw line for a jumper, or if there’s enough room under the basket, for penetration to the basket and a possible lay-up. Diagram 39
If D2 recovers early on the hand-off, O2 dribbles to the opposite side and executes a classic pick and roll with O4. He can either shoot a mid range jumper, penetrate to the basket, pass to O4 on the “roll,” or if the defense collapses, pass to either O1 or O3.
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Diagram 40
Of course, O4 can fake the handoff to O2, and penetrate to the basket. This is especially effective if D4 expects the hand-off. Diagram 41
If O2 isn’t open on the initial cut, O4 can pass it to him in the post. This is effective if O2 has a size advantage over D2.
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Diagram 42
If a hand-off to O2 is not possible, or if O4 decides not to pass at all, then O2 moves to the corner. Meanwhile, O4 dribbles to the opposite elbow and hands the ball off to O1 who is coming from the corner on O3’s screen. If D1 attempts to go over O4’s screen, D1 penetrates to the basket. He also can pass to O2 in the corner if O2’s defender collapses.
Diagram 43
In this instance, D1 goes under the screen, and O1 quickly realizes that and shoots a midrange jumper.
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Diagram 44
If there’s a switch by D4 and D1 on O4’s hand-off, then O4 cuts to the basket to take advantage of his size over D1. O1 can pass it to him if he’s open or he can take advantage of his speed advantage over the bigger D4. Diagram 45
O4 doesn’t have to dribble to the opposite elbow. Instead, he can simply pass from his pinch postposition. In this particular option, he passes it to O1 coming from the corner off O3’s screen.
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Diagram 46
O1 shoots a mid range jumper after D1 goes under O3’s screen. If you haven’t already noticed, the movement in the last two diagrams is the same as in the triangle split options from the post in diagrams 18 through 24. The only difference is that it’s O4 passing from the high post instead of O5 from the low post. Diagram 47
D3 and D1 switch. O4 passes it to the cutting O3.
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Diagram 48
This is another switch, but this time O3 shoots a long two or a three from the sideline. Diagram 49
O4 passes it to the cutting O3 (go back to the post options to see why this and the following cuts are done). Diagram 50
O4 passes it to the cutting O3.
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Diagram 51
O4 passes it under the basket to the cutting O1 after D1 put pressure on the triangle split. Diagram 52
If nobody is open on the split, O4 can look for O5 under the basket. This pass is dangerous due to somewhat bad spacing, but strong post players like Shaq can easily establish position right underneath the basket against weaker players.
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Diagram 53
Let’s go way back to the #3 pass by O2. If O4 is not open on the pinch post and he’s heavily guarded by D4, he can cut backdoor and receive a pass by O2. Diagram 54
If O4 is not open on the backdoor cut, he stays near the basket for a possible rebound. Meanwhile, O2 dribbles to the opposite side and hands the ball off to O1 who’s coming from the corner off of O3’s screen. In this case, D1 goes over the screen, so O1 penetrates to the basket for a lay up. If O4’s man collapses, O1 can pass it to O4 for a mid range jumper. Again, this movement is almost exactly the same as in Diagram 42. The only difference is that O2 is dribbling to the opposite elbow and passing to O1 instead of O4.
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Diagram 55
O2 passes the ball to O1 for a mid range jumper. Diagram 56
D1 and D2 switch on the hand-off. O1 can either pass it to the cutting O2 or he can dribble the ball to the wing and pass it to O4 in the post.
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Diagram 57
If O2 cannot dribble to the elbow due to D2’s pressure on the ball, then he simply stays at his position and looks for O1 coming off of O3’s screen on the triangle split. And again, the movement is the same as in diagram 45 except that O2 is passing from the top of the key instead of O4 from the high post. For more detailed explanations of the following options, you can go back and review diagrams 45 through 51. Diagram 58
O1 gets the ball from O2 for a mid range jumper.
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Diagram 59
D3 and D1 switch so O2 passes it to the cutting O3 under the basket. Diagram 60
Another switch, but this time O3 gets the ball for a midrange jumper. Diagram 61
O3 cuts and receives a ball under the basket.
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Diagram 62
O2 passes it to the cutting O3. Diagram 63
O2 passes it to O1 cutting on the baseline due to pressure by D1.
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Diagram 64
Let’s go way back to the #2 pass from O3 to O2. What if D2 puts heavy pressure on O2? Well, in that case, O4 automatically flashes to the strong side elbow for a pass by O3. This is the basic backdoor cut of the triangle and is executed numerous times throughout a game. Diagram 65
As soon as O4 gets the ball, he looks for the cutting O2. This cut is made possible due to D2’s heavy pressure. If O2’s open, he gets a bounce pass from O4 and looks to score under the basket. If O5’s man collapses under the basket, O2 has to be ready to pass to O5.
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Diagram 66
If O2 is not open on the cut, he continues to the opposite corner. At the same time, O4 looks for O1 coming from the corner off of O3’s screen. D1 goes over the screen, O1 reads the defense and penetrates to the basket or passes it to O2 in the corner if D2 collapses on the penetration. Diagram 67
D1 goes under O4’s screen, O1 shoots a mid range jumper.
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Diagram 68
D4 and D1 switch on the screen. O4 cuts to the basket to take advantage of his size. If nobody’s open, O1 can set up another triangle with O2 and O4. Diagram 69
Instead of screening for O1 in the corner, O3 can surprise his defender and actually receive a hand off on the elbow from O4. In this case, D3 goes over the screen and O3 penetrates.
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Diagram 70
D3 goes under the screen, so O3 shoots a mid range jump shot. Diagram 71
D4 and D3 switch on O4’s screen. O4 goes to the post or cuts under the basket. O3 can also can advantage of his speed over O4.
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Diagram 72
If O4 is guarded tightly on the weakside flash from diagram 64, he can cut backdoor and receive a lob pass from O3 from the wing. Diagram 73
Instead of cutting backdoor, O4 can simply set a screen on the perimeter for O3 and they can execute the pick and roll. O2 would clear the side and go to the corner.
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V. Corner Option
Diagram 74
Until now, O3 has had the option to pass to everybody except O1 in the corner. This pass is useful when there’s pressure on O3 on the wing and a post pass to O5 is not possible. Diagram 75
As soon as he passes the ball to the corner, O3 cuts fast on the baseline. If he’s open, he can get a lay up. O5 and O4 go for the rebound.
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Diagram 76
If O3 is not open, he continues to the weak-side. Meanwhile, O5 and O1 execute a corner pick and roll. O1 can shoot a midrange jumper, penetrate to the basket, pass to O5 on the “roll,” or pass to O2 if D2 has collapsed. Diagram 77
If O2 gets the ball from O1 but is not open to shoot, he goes to the wing and sets a triangle with O3 and O4. O1 goes to the top of the key and O5 now is on the weak-side post.
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VI. Penetration From The Wing
Diagram 78
Having the option to pass to any of his four teammates, O3 can also penetrate to the basket. He can do that if the defense is sagging off to the paint. If O2’s defender helps out on the penetration, O3 has the option of passing to O2 who has cleared the area and is somewhere around the weak-side wing. O4 also clears the area under the basket. Diagram 79
If O2 gets the ball on the wing but can’t get a good shot, he sets up on the strong-side wing, which was the weak-side a couple of seconds ago. O4 moves to the corner, O3 slides to the post, O1 goes to the top of the key, and O5 is on the weak-side post.
42 Diagram 80
A similar option to the one in diagram 78 can be executed even before the triangle is established. O1 passes to the wing, and then unexpectedly sets a screen for O3 who then quickly penetrates to the basket.
Diagram 81
Just as in diagram 79, then triangle can be established on the other side if there are no openings for O2 after the pass.
43 Diagram 82
If D3 puts heavy pressure on O3 where it is impossible for O3 neither to pass the ball to his teammates nor to penetrate to the basket, then he can relieve the pressure by dribbling back to O1’s original position in the basic alignment. O1 would take over O3’s original position while O2, O4 and O5 go back to their basic positions. Diagram 83
This would be the new alignment with all options open.
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VII. Guard Dribble Series
Diagram 84
If D1 is trailing from the inside before the initial entry pass, then O1 cuts to the outside of O3 and expects a return pass. (O3 always leaves enough space between him and the sideline for a player to cut through comfortably without being forced out of bounds) O1 gets the ball back on a hand-off and tries to penetrate to the basket. Meanwhile, O5 goes to the high post to clear the area under the basket. Diagram 85
If O1 can’t penetrate to the basket, he dribbles back to the corner.
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Diagram 86
As soon as O1 is in the corner, O3 cuts baseline and expects a pass from O1 if he’s open. This cut is identical to the cut discusses previously in the corner option. If O3 is not open, he continues to the weak-side wing. At the same time, O4 moves into the strong-side post and 05 moves to the strong-side wing. The name “triplepost offense” derives from this exchange of the post men. Diagram 87
If O4 is not open in the post, O1 looks for O5 on the wing. Then, O5 looks for O2 at the top, who passes it to O3 on the weak-side wing. Meanwhile, right after the pass, O5 moves to the empty post on the weak side with a screen by O4. When he arrives in the post, O5 looks for the pass by O3 from the wing.
46 Diagram 88
If O5 is not open in the post, O3 looks for O4 coming off the screen set by O2. Diagram 89
Instead of screening for O4 in the post, O2 (and possibly O4) can set a screen for O1 coming from the corner. If he’s open, O3 passes it to him for a long two or a three.
47 Diagram 90
If O3 is not open on the #5 pass in diagram 87, then O2 dribbles to the opposite side for a hand-off to O1. (The execution is similar as discussed in the weak-side options.) Diagram 91
If O3 is defended tightly, he also can cut backdoor for a pass by O2. O5 would clear the post.
48 Diagram 92
If O1 is not open on the initial outside cut as discussed in diagram 84, he simply continues to the corner and all previously discussed options are possible. Diagram 93
O3 can also fake a pass to O1, and penetrate to the basket right after the fake. This is effective if D3 is expecting the pass and preparing to switch. O2 and O4 would clear the area and move to the weak-side.
49 Diagram 94
If O3 is not open on the pass as discussed in diagram 84, then O1 continues dribbling towards O3 who sets a screen. After the screen, the execution is the same as in diagrams 84 through 90.
VIII. Solo Cut
Diagram 95
O1 also has an option of cutting to the weak-side on the “solo cut.” This cut is done mostly early in the game to test the defense to see if and how they are going to defend O5 in the post.
50 Diagram 96
O3 then passes it to the post and cuts on the baseline. Meanwhile, O2 moves to the strong side wing, O4 moves to the weak-side post, and O1 moves to the top of the key. This entire movement basically invites the defense to double team the post man, which will create an open shot because of the good spacing. Diagram 97
O3 also can cut to the corner. As soon as O2 sees that, he moves to the strong side wing, which creates a triangle. O1 moves to the top while O4 moves to the post.
51 Diagram 98
O5 can pass to the wing and then the triangle can start all over again with the normal alignment. Diagram 99
If O5 is not open, O3 swings the ball to O2 who passes it to O4 on the weak-side wing. Then, O5 moves to the other post and O3 moves to the weak-side post.
52 Diagram 100
In this instance, O3 moves to the strong-side post and O5 stays on the weak-side post. Diagram 101
Another option for O3 if a post pass is not possible is for him to dribble to the corner. The movement would be identical to diagram 97. O3 would look for O2 on the wing to start the triangle all over again.
53 Diagram 102
If D1 is trailing to the outside, then O1 reads the defense and cuts FAST to the basket for a return pass by O3. Diagram 103
If O1 is not open on the “basket cut,” then O3 passes to O2, and then sets a screen for O1. This pass basically starts the numerous weak-side options.
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IX. Light Pressure
Diagram 104
If O3 is not open on the #1 pass in diagram 4, O1 passes to O2, who, then, passes the ball to O4 on the wing. In the interim, O1 moves to the weak-side corner. O5 and O3 move to the strong-side post and weak-side post respectively. Diagram 105
This is the newly formed triangle on the opposite side.
55 Diagram 106
In this diagram, O3 moves to the strong-side post instead of O5 but it’s O5 that signals to O3 to execute this option. Diagram 107
This is the result of diagram 106.
56 Diagram 108
If O4 is not open on the #2 pass, then O2 looks for O3 who’s flashing to the pinch post and they execute the same action as discussed in diagram 32. At the same time, O4 sets a screen for O1 on the triangle split. Diagram 109
If O4 is heavily guarded on the #2 pass, he can cut fast to the basket for a backdoor cut by O2.
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X. Heavy Pressure
Diagram 110
Let’s suppose that O3 and O2 are heavily guarded on the #1 pass. If that happens, O4 flashes fast towards the top of the key for a pass by O1. Diagram 111
As soon as he gets the ball, O4 looks for the cutting O2. If O2 is open, he penetrates to the basket for a lay-up. This cut is made possible due to the heavy pressure by D2.
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Diagram 112
If O2 is not open, O4 looks for O1 for a hand-off. Meanwhile, O2 gets a double screen by O3 and O5 on the opposite side. This action is the same as the two-man game hand-off discussed in diagram 32. Diagram 113
If O1 isn’t open, O4 looks for O2 that just came off the double screen by O3 and O5. O3 has now moved to the corner.
59 Diagram 114
If O2 gets the ball but doesn’t shoot, O4 and O1 exchange positions. O4 moves to the weak-side post and O1 goes to the top of the key. Diagram 115
This is the result of diagram 114. All options are now open. Diagram 116
If O4 is heavily guarded on the flash in diagram 109, he cuts backdoor for a lob pass by O1.
60 Diagram 117
O4 can also execute a pick and roll with O1 near the three-point line. Diagram 118
Let’s say all perimeter players are heavily guarded. If that happens, O5 moves to the high post for a pass from O1. In these situations, defenses never put heavy pressure on the post because they want the centers to catch the ball far from the basket and disrupt the offensive flow.
61 Diagram 119
When he gets the ball on the high post, O5’s first option is to pass to the cutting O3. Diagram 120
If a pass to O3 is not available, O3 continues to the opposite wing. O1 sets a screen for O2 at the top who then cuts off O5 for a hand-off. After the screen for O2, O1 sets a screen for O3 who’s moving to the wing. Again, this movement is identical to the weak-side two-man movement that I explained earlier.
62 Diagram 121
If O2 is not open for the hand-off, O5’s next option is O3 who came off the double screen from O4 and O1. If O3 is open, he shoots. Diagram 122
If O3 doesn’t shoot, O5 and O2 exchange positions. The triangle is set up on the other side with all options open. Diagram 123
This is the result of diagram 122.
63 XI. Initiating The Offense Diagram 124
This is how normally the offense would be started. Either O3 or O4 pass the ball in bounds to O1 or O2. Then, one of the guards would dribble the ball forward while always staying on the same lateral plane with the guard that doesn’t have the ball.
64 Diagram 125
Whenever a player tries to stop the advancement of the ball BEFORE the guards cross the mid-court line, then they simply exchange positions. It can be initiated either by the ball handler or by the off-guard. In this case, O2 clears the area for O1 who dribbles to the opposite side due to the pressure by D1. They can exchange positions a couple of times before crossing the mid-court line. As soon as they cross, they execute the option in diagram 118.
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XII. Semi-Fast Breaks
Diagram 126
Often, teams would try a fast break that ends up unsuccessful. Those are called “semi-fast” breaks. When that happens, then everybody fills the closest spot in the triangle at that time. In this instance, O1 dribbles to the wing, O3 goes to the corner, O5 fills the post positions, and because naturally O2 will be ahead of O4, they exchange positions and O2 ends up at the perimeter and O4 slides in the weak-side post. Diagram 127
In this diagram, O2 changes sides and he ends up in the corner while O4 moves to the strong-side post.
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Diagram 128
It’s also possible that three players form a triangle without the ball. If that happens, then O1 passes to the wing, which is occupied by either O2 or O3.
XIII. Special Situations
Diagram 129
Whenever a player, with limited range on his jump shot, is in the corner and a triangle split is executed, he would basically “screen for the screener.” In this instance, O1 sets a screen for O4, who uses that screen to screen himself for O1. O1 then goes back to the sideline expecting a pass from O2. This play is very effective because no other offense features a screen similar to this.
67 Diagram 130
If a “power-forward” or “smallforward” with limited ball handling abilities pass to a smaller player in the pinch post, they would set a screen for that player instead of cutting to the outside for a hand-off. Diagram 131
If a big player finds himself on the perimeter and the ball goes into the post, he would move to the post and set a screen for the smaller player.
XIV. Conclusion
The diagrams follow a logical order and they constitute the entire Triangle Offense. Surprisingly, there are some set-plays that can be incorporated into the system, but what I have shown is the basic Triangle Offense that the Los Angeles Lakers have run.
