Attacking a Triangle & Two Defense
"Double Stack"
The Triangle & Two combination defense is primary deployed to deny and limit the "touches" of outstanding shooters. This "Double Stack" combination offense is a simple, but very effective, way to quickly free up the shooters. Both posts assume mid post positions with the shooters aligned behind them. This spacing provides the shooters ample room to operate along the baseline. Because the defenders are starting from stationary positions, the Double Stack offense provides the shooters with a head start advantage in creating leads for open shots.
| Stack Screens |Entries | Base Screens | Side Screens | Implementation | Case for Defense |
Offensive Fundamentals Required
Schematic Sequence
Double Stack Action
The basic option of the Stack Offense is a pop out off the post's screen for a quick open jump shot.
Curl
When the defensive "Chaser" CHASES OUT LATE over the screen, the shooter can curl to the basket.
Fade
If the "Chaser" CHEATS OUT OVER the screen, the shooter can fade ("V-Cut") to corner for shot.
Back Cut
When the "Chaser" cheats out over the screen, the shooter can also back cut to the basket.
Defense Switch
When the defensive SWITCHES, O1 looks to feed the screener posting up strong against the smaller defender.
Additional Stack Entries
Cross
The "Double Stack" Alignment provides for a variety of entries. The shooters can cross under the basket (touching right hands) prior to popping out.
Fake Cross
The two shooters can fake crossing and double back.
Single/Double Screen
Star player on left has option of going opposite off double screen or doubling back off O5's single screen. When Star player goes off double screen, other star player then goes opposite off O5's single screen.
Single/Double Screen (Left)
Either Star player can initiate Single/Double action.
Single/Double Screen Reads & Counters
Continuity
Base Screen Option
When the point O1 passes to a wing, the Double Stack 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 Action Right
Side Screen Option
The Star player continues out to wing receiving a reversal pass from O1. Post O4 steps out initiating side screen two game action.
Side Screen Action Right
Implementation
Like any offense, the key to the success of the Triangle & Two "Stack" 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:
4-on-4 Shell: Single Double Breakdown Drill
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 "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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