Using the Clock: Three Man Triangle

By: Lee Rose

Originally Published in: Winning Basketball Fundamentals

Provided by: Human Kinetics

Focus

To gain control of the game by using the clock to advantage.

Procedure

Players begin on the half court. Follow these steps:

1. Begin in a 1-2-2 formation with O1 on the point, O5 and O4 at opposite elbows, and O2 and O3 on opposite blocks.
2. O1 dribbles to the right-side free-throw line extended, about 3 feet (1 m) from the sideline, keeping the dribble alive, as O2 fakes a corner cut and speed cuts, using O5 if necessary, to the top of the key, in line with O5.
3. O1 times the pass so that O2 is squared, not sideways, and ready to receive the pass. After making the pass, O1 proceeds to the low block right side.
4. On receiving the pass, O2 breaks down in a protective position using the right foot to pivot, dribbles left, and takes the ball to the left free-throw line extended. O3, on the left block, fakes a corner cut and speed cuts up the middle, using O4 if necessary, to the top of the key in line with O4.
5. O2 keeps the dribble alive and times the pass so that O3 is squared, not sideways, and ready to receive the ball. After making the pass, O2 proceeds to the low block left side Figure 9.1 Three-man triangle. (figure 9.1).
6. On receiving the pass, O3 breaks down using the left foot to pivot, dribbles left, and takes the ball to the right free-throw line extended. O1, on the right block, fakes a corner cut and speed cuts up the middle, using O5 if necessary, to the top of the key in line with O5.
7. This triangle movement continues for a predetermined time or to a set number of rotations, at which time the team runs a specific set pattern. If the defense overplays on O1, O2, or O3, the opposite block player sprints diagonally to the top and the low players realign. If one of the ball handlers picks up the dribble, O5 and O4 immediately go to the ball handler's aid.

This set is effective for three guards and after you determine to attack the basket; it is also an excellent set to run either a sideline or middle pick-and-roll.