Attacking a Triangle & Two Defense
"Single/Double"
One of the easiest and most effective ways to attack the Triangle & Two defense and free up the shooters, is to employ the "Single/Double" offense. Normally, the chasers of the Triangle & Two defense are very skilled in pass denial. Therefore, shooters need screens to assist them in getting open looks. Since the Single/Double Screens can be readily ran from either side, it puts an additional burden on the chasers in their attempts to deny the shooters' touches.
| Single/Double | Base Screen | Side Screen | Implementation | Case for Defense |
Offensive Fundamentals Required
Principles for Attacking Zone DefensesSchematic Sequence
Single/Double Screen Action
Single/Double Left Entry
The use of the single/double screen is predicated on communication between the shooters. When the shooter on the left side initiates the Single/Double screen action, the shooter on the right side forms the double screen.
Single/Double Right Entry
When the shooter on the right side initiates the Single/Double screen action, the shooter on the left side forms the double screen.
Double Screen Option
Since the Shooter can go either way, it puts a burden on their defender. The shooter sets up the double screen by faking going off the single screen and reversing back off the double screen.
Single Screen Right
When the primary shooter uses the double screen, the secondary shooter crosses over and goes off the single screen. If the post's defender steps out to help out on the shooter, the screener "Seals Off" the chaser posts up strong.
Single Screen Option
When the defender overplays the double screen, the shooter can reverse back off the single screen for shot.
Pop Out Left
When the primary shooter goes uses the single screen, the secondary shooter pops out for shot. If the post's defender steps out to help out on the shooter, the screener "Seals Off" the chaser and rolls to the basket for shot.
Against a tenacious defender, it may take multiple fakes to set up the screen.
Base Screen Option
Base Screen Left
When the point O1 passes to a wing, Single/Double can flow directly into base screen action by post O4 screening their defender and the opposite post flashing to the ball. Point O1 screens opposite. If defender X5 goes with O5, it will open up a lob pass to O1.
Base Screen Right
Side Screen Option
Side Screen (Left)
When the point passes to a shooter on the wing, the post can step out and initiate side screen action. The point and the shooter on the weakside spot up.
Screener Roll
When defender X4 steps up to help out against dribble penetration, it opens up a drop pass to O4 rolling to the basket for an easy basket.
Drop Pass Right
If post X5 steps up to help out against dribble penetration, it opens up a drop pass to O5 for an easy shot.
Kick Out Pass
When defender X1 drops down to help out on the dribble penetration, it opens up a kick out pass to O1 and creates a 2 on 1 situation on post defender X5. If defender X4 should rotate over to O5, it leaves O4 open.
Side Screen Right Entry
When point O1 makes an entry pass to star O3, post X5 steps out and imitates side screen screen and roll action. O1, Star O2 and Post O4 rotate left.
Implementation
Like any offense, the key to the success of the Triangle & Two "Single/Double" Offense is in its execution and coordination. Players need to be well prepared to execute double screens, base screens and strong post ups. In addition, players have to think and function as one unit. This requires proper defensive recognition, non-verbal communication, timing and experience.
Breakdown Drills:
Game Strategies
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.
Triangle & Two Defense
In the "Triangle & Two" combination defense three players play a triangle zone guarding areas while two players (the "Chaser") 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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