Triangle Offense
- Brad Zellner
- Apr 13, 2015
- 2 min read
The triangle offense was made famous by the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers when Phil Jackson was head coach of both of those teams. Numerous NBA titles were won running the offense that was developed by Tex Winter. What could be considered one of the most successful offenses, can also be called one of the hardest to grasp. The “give and go” offense is full of cutting that is dictated by how the defense is played. What makes the triangle difficult is every player must be able to recognize and correctly attack the defense. When ran correctly, the offense has the ability to shred through a defense. The constant movement by the offense keeps the defense vulnerable and on their heels. Having the traditional point guard does not work well in the triangle because the defense is broken down by cutting and passing. The traditional point guard, like Deron Williams, wants to get into the lane by dribble to break down the defense. Teams also need to have players who are able be productive in the post either by scoring or passing out to an open man.
When Phil Jackson took over as President of the Knicks, the first thing he did was hire a head coach that was had run the triangle offense. He ended up hiring, the newly retired, Derek Fisher. Fisher ran the offense when he played for Phil Jackson's Lakers. Not just any team can run the offense. Just look to the Knicks woeful season. They have one of the least effective offenses in the NBA and are going to get a lottery pick this season. I will be interested to watch the Knicks transform over the next couple of years as Phil Jackson brings in his style of players and get the Triangle offense fired back up.
A few years ago when I was looking for zone sets I stumbled upon my notes for the triangle offense. As I looked over movement in the triangle I realized I could take parts of the offense and create some zone sets. Constant player cuts and ball movement help keep a defense off balance when attacking a zone. Since the triangle offense does the same, I was able to use some of that offense to fit the needs of my team. I have included some triangle movement from the Lakers. These are not sets in traditional basketball thought but there is good movement that can be turned into a play that will be productive. Follow the links below to get some movement from the triangle offense.
Triangle Offense
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