Triangle offense: sideline triangle and post split
Triangle offense step by step
- 1
From a two-guard front, O2 passes to O3 on the right wing and cuts through to the right corner. O1 slides to the top and O4 moves up to the weak-side high post.
- 2
The sideline triangle is set: O5 on the block, O3 on the wing, O2 in the corner. O3 passes into the post to O5.
- 3
The split starts. O3 cuts toward the baseline and screens for O2 in the corner.
- 4
O2 comes up off the screen to the wing. O3 slips to the short corner after the screen.
- 5
O5 kicks the ball out to O2 for a shot. If O2's defender chases, O5 can turn and score or hit O3 in the short corner.
When to use the triangle offense
The triangle offense fits an older team with a post player who can catch, pass, and score on the block, and perimeter players who can read their defender. It became famous with Phil Jackson's Bulls and Lakers teams, and it was developed by Tex Winter from older triple post ideas.
It takes a lot of practice time because players have to read the defense on every pass, so it usually fits 13U and older. For younger teams, the sideline triangle spacing and the post split are useful pieces to borrow inside a simpler offense.
Triangle offense positions
Post (O5)
Posts up on the ball-side block. The post player is the hub of the offense. On the catch, look for the split cutters first, then score one on one, then kick out.
Wing (O3)
Catches the entry pass on the wing and makes the post entry. After passing to the post, cut or screen right away so the post has somebody to hit.
Corner (O2)
The guard who passes to the wing and cuts to the corner. Stays wide so the defense can't double the post, and comes off the split screen for a catch or a cut.
Top guard (O1)
Sits at the top of the key after the entry. Safety valve for a reversal pass and the first player back on defense.
Weak-side player (O4)
Sets up at the weak-side high post (elbow). When the ball is reversed, O4 and O1 run a two-player game on that side.
How to run the triangle offense post split
The split starts with a pass into the post. The passer cuts first and screens for a teammate, usually the corner player or the top guard. The player coming off the screen reads the defender: pop out for a shot, curl toward the rim, or cut backdoor.
The post player waits for the cuts to happen. Holding the ball for a count or two lets the screens develop, and a defender who helps on a cutter leaves the post player one on one.
If the post entry is denied, the wing can reverse the ball to the top guard, or the post can flash to the high post. The triangle has options for each of these, but the split is the one most teams learn first.
Triangle offense drill: 3-on-0 sideline triangle
- Put a guard at the right slot, a wing on the right wing, and a post on the right block. The guard passes to the wing and cuts to the corner to form the triangle.
- The wing passes to the post and screens for the corner player, who comes up to the wing. The post passes out for a shot. Repeat five times, then switch sides.
- Add a coach who calls out a different split read each time: pop, curl, or backdoor. The cutter runs the read and the post passes to them.
- Add three defenders and play 3-on-3 on one side of the floor. The offense scores only off the post entry.
Coaching point Watch the spacing before the post entry. The wing, corner, and post should be about 15 to 18 feet apart. If the triangle is too tight, one defender can guard two players and the post gets doubled.
Common triangle offense mistakes
- The corner player standing too close to the wing, which lets the defense double the post.
- The wing passing into the post and standing still, which leaves the post with no one to pass to.
- The post catching and forcing a shot before the split cuts happen.
- The top guard drifting toward the ball, which leaves no one to reverse the ball to.
- Trying to put in every part of the triangle at once. Teach the sideline triangle and one action first.
Triangle offense vs. Princeton offense
Both are read-based offenses that need players who pass well. The triangle is built around a post player on the block with a tight triangle of teammates on the ball side. The Princeton uses a post at the high post and spreads the floor for backdoor cuts. A team with a strong low post player usually fits the triangle better.
Triangle offense FAQ
What is the triangle offense in basketball?
An offense that forms a triangle on one side of the floor with a post player, a wing, and a corner player, and puts two players on the other side. Players read the defense and make cuts and passes based on what it gives them.
Who invented the triangle offense?
Tex Winter developed the triangle offense, building on triple post ideas he learned from his college coach, Sam Barry. Phil Jackson used it to win NBA titles with the Bulls and Lakers.
Is the triangle offense good for youth basketball?
The full offense is a lot for most youth teams. The sideline triangle spacing and the post split are good pieces to teach older youth players, usually 13U and up.
What is the two-guard front in the triangle offense?
The starting set with two guards at the top of the key. One guard passes to the wing and cuts to the corner to form the triangle, and the other guard moves to the top.