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Tex Winter

Most Commonly Used Offenses:

Triangle Post Offense

A comprehensive look into the offense that has won the most NBA championships

| Spacing | Sideline Triangle | Two Game | Post Moves | Post Split | Counters | Solo Cut | Defense |

The Triangle Post Offense is unique in that it uses a system of defensive recognition rather than a series of set plays commonly found in the NBA. It is based solely on sound principles, precise court spacing, and execution of fundamentals. The Triangle Post Offense allows for outstanding player movement within a structured format.  With the defense being occupied by constant player movement, the most skilled players can take advantage of one on one penetration with the clock moving down.  The Triangle Post Offense is excellent for utilizing good low post players, especially those who can pass.

Basic Triangle Post Action.

Basically, the triangle offense consists of a sideline triangle on one side of the court and a two man game on the other. Created, developed and refined over the years by Tex Winter the Triangle Post Offense is a system of defensive recognition and execution. Every player is involved at all times and therefore, must know the options for each spot on the court and be well schooled in basketball fundamentals and footwork. Since offensive options are dictated by what the defense is doing, players need to be efficient in recognizing and attacking defensive deployment.

Proper Court Spacing

The importance of floor spacing is critical and a key factor in the success of the Triangle Offense. Players are spaced between 15 and 20 feet at all times. This precise spacing spreads the defense in order to prevent or discourage any defensive help or double teaming, and at the same time it provides for sharp, accurate passing. This spreading of the defense also clears out the basket area allowing for one-on-one post play, drives, basket cuts and slices, and post splits.

Since sideline triangles can be quickly formed on either side of the court, the defense is forced to defend the entire court from sideline to sideline at all times. In addition, it can strike the weakside of the defense with lighting speed with a two person attack at any time.

Various Methods of Forming the Sideline Triangle

Unlike most offenses, the triangle offense does not rely on a single entry pass. On the contrary, it has a magnitude of entries. In fact, any pass and/or dribble can initiate the triangle offense which makes it very difficult for any defenses to disrupt. Although team personnel will favor certain entries, the defense deployment will ultimately dictate which entry to use.

Weakside Ball Reversal Options

When the small forward makes a reversal pass out to the off guard it sets up a two person weakside attack. This "Two Game" provides a multitude of  a quick hitting options that can be initiated with either a pass or dribble entry.

Two Game - Pass Series Options Handoff &Drive Handoff &Pull Up Handoff &Roll Fake Handoff &Roll Pass &Cut Opposite Lop Pass Counter

Two Game - Dribble Series Options Drive Pull Up Jumper Screen & Roll Slip Screen Drive opposite Double Team

Triangle Post Reads & Counters

Post Isolation Options:

One of the basic strengths of the Triangle Post Offense is its ability to isolate and attack the post one-on-one. The "Line of Deployment" established by Coach Winter is a key in attacking the post defender. By recognizing where the defender is playing in relation to the "Line of Deployment" it allows the passer to create open shots for the post. Players should be proficient in posting up strong and executing basic post moves. Basic Post reads:

| Power Lay-up | Baby Hook | Jump Hook | Triple Threat | Lob Pass | Pressure Release (Trap) |

Basic Sideline Triangle Options:

| Post Split | High Post Split | Post Isolation | Corner Pass | Corner Screen and Roll |

Defensive Overplay Counters

Since the Triangle Post Offense is entirely based on defensive reads, anytime the defense attempts to disrupt or deny a passing lane, it opens up automatic counter moves that usually result in easy baskets.

Post Pass Denial (defense fronts) Automatic Drive (defense sags) Post Trap

Reversal Pass Denial (Back Door) Back Door Entry Pass Denied (Lob Pass) Back Door Continuity (Top Cut) Back Door Continuity (Dribble Handoff)

Solo Cut Variation - Wing Post Two Person Game

The Case for the Defense:

Defensive strategies and techniques that are used in combating the Triangle Post Offense.

Since the Triangle Offense's options are predicated on defensive deployment, it poses special and unique problems for the defense. HoopTactics' explores traditional NBA methods along with a  more divergent and aggressive SOS disruptive approach. Once these on court battle plan options are reviewed, defensive strategies will become more apparent and  much more exciting to watch and analyze.

1. Basic NBA Tactics. Basic NBA defenses vary somewhat, but usually the emphasis is on denying the inside by "packing it in," and forcing a perimeter shot.  Aggressive "Show and Recover" technique are normally used employed to combat the "On" ball screens. Basic Show & Recover All Out SOS Pressure Tactics. SOS defensive pressure concepts are designed to aggressively disrupt and block the initial flow of the triangle offense. Against the Triangle Offense, the SOS pressure defense can be extended full court in order to lengthen the passing lanes and to pull the offense away from the basket and out of their normal operating areas. All Out SOS Disruption

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© 2005 Ernie Woods, HoopTactics

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