Triangle Low Post Offense in Basketball

Table of Contents

What is triangle low post offense in basketball?

Triangle low post offense consists of various actions initiated from the triangle offense that generally emphasize creating scoring opportunities once the basketball gets entered into the low post area, typically while in possession of a low post player.

How to understand the player roles and diagrams on this page

In reference to any diagrams below, each of the offensive players are generally represented by the standard basketball positions, unless otherwise noted.

In essence, 1 is the point guard; 2 is the shooting guard; 3 is the small forward; 4 is the power forward; 5 is the center.

Moreover, in terms of a brief legend for the diagrams:

Black Dot or Small Circle: The black dot or small circle represents the basketball.
Solid Arrow: The solid arrow indicates movement or a cut on the basketball court.
Dotted Arrow: The dotted arrow represents a basketball pass.
Wavy Arrow: The wavy arrow indicates dribbling.
T-Shaped Symbol: The T-shaped symbol signifies a screen, also known as a pick.
Double pipe symbol: The double pipe symbol denotes handoff action.

What is an example of triangle low post offense featuring a curl cut?

An example of triangle low post offense could include a post entry feed followed by a curl cut to create a scoring opportunity near the rim.

Part 1: Post entry feed

An example of triangle low post offense that demonstrates the initial post entry feed and creation of the sideline triangle.

To begin, 1 passes the ball towards the right side wing and it is received by 3. After that, 1 cuts down to the right side corner establishing the sideline triangle in the process.

From there, 5 receives possession of the ball while 2 and 4 cut away towards the left side wing and corner areas, respectively.

It is also possible for 5 to immediately attempt to score with a low post move if that is feasible.

Part 2: Curl cut

An example of triangle low post offense that demonstrates a wide pin down screen and a subsequent curl cut.

Next, 3 moves towards the basket before quickly turning to set a wide pin down screen near the strong side corner. This action by 3 is also generally referred to as a rebound screen cut within the phrasing of the triangle offense.

Afterwards, 1 uses that screen and then executes a curl cut towards the rim. Following that, 1 could receive possession of the ball from 5 and score via a layup.

What is an example of triangle low post offense featuring a handoff?

An example of triangle low post offense could include a post entry feed followed by a handoff to a player cutting from the corner. Furthermore, it’s also possible to utilize a baseline screen as well as a potential slip into the lane to generate additional scoring options.

Part 1: Post entry feed

An example of triangle low post offense that demonstrates the initial post entry feed and sideline triangle prior to a handoff.

To start, 1 passes the ball, which is received by 3. Following that, 1 cuts to the right side corner, establishing the sideline triangle.

Afterwards, 5 receives the ball from 3 and could potentially score with a low post move. At the same time, 2 could move slightly from the slot to the top.

Part 2: Handoff and more

An example of triangle low post offense that showcases a handoff alongside other alternative scoring options.

Next, 1 cuts toward the ball and could receive a handoff from 5, resulting in a potential layup at the rim.

At the same time, 3 and 2 execute split action, which includes a screen away from the ball as well as a cut towards it, respectively.

Furthermore, if 1 didn’t receive the ball on the initial cut, then 1 could continue through to the left side high post elbow via a screen set by 4.

In addition, 4 could possibly slip that screen into the lane if viable. At that point, 5 could pass the ball to any teammate who is open for a scoring opportunity.

What is an example of triangle low post offense featuring the center opposite concept?

An example of triangle low post offense could include a slot to slot pass followed by a concept known as center opposite. In essence, the center will initially remain opposite the ball on the weak side low post area while a wing player, who is also initially on the weak side, cuts to the strong side low post area.

Part 1: Slot to slot

An example of triangle low post offense that includes a slot to slot pass based on the lag principle prior to center opposite action.

To start, 1 executes a slot to slot pass, which is received by 2. When that happens, this triggers a V-cut by 4 to the adjacent left side wing.

At the same time, 1 cuts through to the left side corner while 2 dribbles towards the three-point line and passes the ball to the adjacent wing, which is received by 4.

It should also be mentioned that the initial slot to slot pass is based on the lag principle within the triangle offense.

In essence, when the initial slot to wing pass is not open due to a factor such as denial defense, then the play initiator (i.e. the point guard) could establish the slot to slot pass instead.

Part 2: Center opposite

An example of triangle low post offense that features off-ball screens and the center opposite concept.

Next, 5 can set an angled back screen near the extended mid-post area inside of the three-point line. Following that, 3 could use that screen, cut to the low post area on the left side, and receive the ball from 4, which could result in a low post move.

It should also be mentioned that a sideline triangle would be established once again on the left side between 1, 3, and 4.

Otherwise, if 3 doesn’t score, then 4 could cut across the lane to set a screen, also implementing screen the screener action in the process.

From there, 5 could use that screen via a curl cut towards the rim, receive the ball from 3, and score via a layup or dunk.

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