The "Triangle Rotation" offense attacks the triangle zone. Normally, the chasers of the Triangle & Two combination defense are very skilled in pass denial but the triangle zone rotations are usually weak. The Triangle Rotation offense uses a simple three player clockwise and counter clockwise rotation in attacking the triangle zone. The two shooters come into play when the initial inside rotations do not produce a good shot.
| Basic Rotations | Side Screen Continuity | Implementation | Case for Defense |
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Pop Out (Left)The first option of "Rotation" is for the point guard to dribble penetrate to an "Elbow." When the point drives right, O4 pops out to the opposite elbow for shot or feed. |
Base CutIf O4 does not take the shot, O4 looks to feed O5 on a baseline cut. |
Lob OptionWhen defender X5 goes with O5 on the baseline cut, it opens up a lob pass to O1 cutting to the basket on the weakside. |
Side Screen (Left)When the high post player passes out to the shooter on the wing. Post O5 steps up and initiates side screen action. O4 and O1 set screens for the shooter on the weakside. |
Pop Out
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Base Cut |
Lob Option |
Side Screen |
Like any offense, the key to the success of the "Triangle Rotation" Offense is in its execution and coordination. Since the "Triangle Rotation" offense is a secondary offense, it is important to keep it simple and easy for players to learn. It may just require practicing a current offense against a Triangle & Two defense. However, players need to be well prepared in the fundamental principles of attacking zone defenses. In addition, players have to think and function as one unit. This requires proper defensive recognition, non-verbal communication, timing and experience.
Scout your opponent if possible. Players need to know what reads to expect during the game. Opponents will generally use only a primary and secondary defense technique in defending screens and post ups. In addition, to their defensive schemes, observer their player match ups. Educate and explain the anticipated defensive reads and their counters. When scouting is not possible, scout your opponent during the game.
Be conscience and alert to any defensive changes or adjustments, especially after substitutions and timeouts. Don't hesitate in deploying various alignments and entries during the game so that defenders cannot focus on defending just one set. Move players around and attack the weakest defenders.
In the "Triangle & Two" combination defense three players play a triangle zone guarding areas while two players (the "Chasers") assumes an aggressive, full out pass denial position, and does not allow their opponent to receive a pass or grab a rebound. The chasers' sole responsibilities are to deny their opponent the ball.
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