tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36045042868423392492024-03-18T04:14:16.147-05:00The Triangle OffenseLearn the basics of the Triangle Offense and sound fundamental basketball.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604504286842339249.post-78945262854534340362012-04-18T21:05:00.001-05:002013-08-13T02:36:13.218-05:00The Definitive Triangle Offense Resources List<div style="text-align: justify;">
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When I first started this blog, my hope was that anyone who wondered how the triangle worked could come to this blog and find a simple explanation. There was a slight problem though, I had no idea where to begin! Should I start with the two passes, the reads of the offense, or its philosophies and principles? I tried to <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/04/game-1-oklahoma-city-thunder-at-los.html">broadly describ</a>e the offense, but the explanations were empty (see: AmMo Moments). Despite my best efforts,
I couldn't accurately write about the triangle without the use of its intimidating terminology. After clumsily writing about the <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/04/line-of-deployment.html">line of deployment</a> and the <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/05/moment-of-truth.html">moment of truth</a> I took an abrupt hiatus to rethink my approach.</div>
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I returned with a renewed focus (no more AmMo Moments). I re-launched by starting with the heart of the triangle - the <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/p/seven-principles-of-sound-offense.html">seven principles of sound offense</a>. From that moment on, the one and only way to tackle the offense became obvious - take the offense <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/search/label/Triangle%20Basics">piece by piece</a> and let the understanding accumulate over time. My original goal to simply explain the offense had failed, but I hope the fundamental nature of the offense is clearer than ever. <br />
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Now that the NBA is devoid of a triangle team, I feel it's time for me to move on to my next project. With that said, I'd like to announce my new site:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://nbabreakdownblog.blogspot.com/">NBABreakdownBlog.blogspot.com</a></span></div>
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(My first new project will be to break down the basics of the <a href="http://spursmotionoffense.blogspot.com/">San Antonio Spurs Motion Offense</a>.)</div>
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Before I completely move on, I want to leave one last ultimate list of resources for anyone who may wonder how to run the triangle offense:</div>
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<b>- The Encyclopedia of the Triangle Offense by Championship Productions:</b></div>
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This 3 DVD set of a Tex Winter clinic is pricey but by far the most useful guide to the offense that I know of. Tex shows how to implement the offense from the ground up. He starts with the very basics: the 7 principles, proper passing technique, and proper footwork. He then goes through the entire basics of the triangle: line of deployment, moment of truth, the two passes, solos, and some breakdown drills. The 3rd DVD comes with a hit or miss film package of the the old Jordan Bulls teams and Shaq/Frobe era Lakers running the triangle. The clips are great and the film package shows deeper levels of the triangle, but the audio dubbing is badly timed and becomes confusing. None the less, I highly recommend this DVD set.</div>
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<b>- NBA Coaches Playbook:</b></div>
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The chapter on the triangle, written by Phil Jackson and Tex Winter, is the clearest explanation of the offense I have come across. I never wrote a post without referring to this book first.</div>
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<b>- FIBA Assist Magazine:</b></div>
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This also has an explanation of the triangle written by Tex Winter, but the translation is a bit off and the diagrams are terribly placed. But hey, it's free!</div>
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Download link - <a href="http://www.filefactory.com/file/1csn1mfmpl0v/n/27.PDF">File Factory</a></div>
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<b>- Phil Jackson - In My Own Words:</b></div>
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I believe this was filmed for Lakers season ticket holders. Phil Jackson and his staff quickly go through the basics of the offense. Good explanation of the moment of truth as well.</div>
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YouTube to Part 1:</div>
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Download link for entire video: - <a href="http://www.filefactory.com/file/62mga6jfl26l/n/Phil_Jackson_Teaches_the_Triangle_Offense.flv">File Factory</a></div>
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<b>- The Triple-Post Offense by Fred "Tex" Winter:</b></div>
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Last, but certainly not least, is original bible on the offense published in 1962 by the innovator of the triangle himself, Tex Winter. The triangle is described in painstaking detail along with diagrams for every option of the offense at that time. Tex also writes about what he believes it takes to be a good coach complete with philosophical approaches, ideal practice schedules and advice for life in general. A lot has been added to the triangle since 1962, but a remarkable amount has remained exactly the same. As they say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.</div>
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Also, I'd like to make the videos I've edited on the offense available for download:</div>
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A Triangle Offense Clinic:</div>
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In one game, the Lakers show almost every basic option of the offense. This video organizes those options by two pass and the action used.</div>
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<a href="http://www.filefactory.com/file/5o8szwu9sq33/n/Triangle_Offense_Clinic.wmv">File Factory</a></div>
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Two Pass to the Top:</div>
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This video shows some of the numerous options that result from a N.2 pass to the top.</div>
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<a href="http://www.filefactory.com/file/21k1ec2yfm9j/n/Two_Pass_to_the_Top.wmv">File Factory</a></div>
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Always in the Offense Ver 2:</div>
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A slightly cleaned up and less dramatic version of the original, this video has captions that describe the action using triangle terminology.</div>
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<a href="http://www.filefactory.com/file/70ei6yyb5fod/n/_Always_in_the_Offense_v2_Final.wmv">File Factory</a><br />
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I'd like to take this time to thank the few of you who have read this blog for your continual support. From e-mails, to YouTube comments, to Facebook to Twitter, I was constantly blown away by the willingness of complete strangers to share their passion and triangle knowledge with me.<br />
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See you at <a href="http://nbabreakdownblog.blogspot.com/">NBABreakdownBlog.blogspot.com</a></div>
Joonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01309460362444370467noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604504286842339249.post-57638237993169791932011-08-11T15:00:00.004-05:002012-04-16T21:43:12.255-05:00Goodbye Triangle, hello Hall of Fame<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> In the summer of 1990, the Chicago Bulls had been dismissed from the playoffs by Detroit’s Bad Boy Pistons for the third consecutive time. Things looked particularly bleak for the Bulls in the point guard match up that pitted the slow footed, sound shooting John Paxson against the lighting quick, smiling blur of Isiah Thomas. Phil Jackson, second year head coach of the Bulls, had a solution in mind. He wanted to lighten Paxson’s load by implementing a system offense that didn’t require a dominant ball handler. Fortunately for the Bulls, they happened to have an architect for just this kind of offense on hand.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;"> In the fall of 1990, Tex Winter was keeping a watchful eye over drills during the Bulls training camp. Eventually his eyes landed on one Michael Jeffrey Jordan holding a basketball. The “SPEC-TA-CU-LAR” Jordan could get to any spot on the floor, get a shot off from inconceivable angles, could leap out of Chicago Stadium in a single bound, and that season would go on to win his second MVP and first NBA championship. But as Winter watched the ball leave Jordan’s hands, Tex’s eyes became filled with disappointment. For all of his worldly talents, Michael Jordan could not pass the ball. Not in the sense that Jordan lacked court vision. Not even in the sense that Jordan was an over dribbling, over penetrating ball hog. No, Tex Winter’s disappointment stemmed from the fact that Michael Jordan could not throw a technically sound chest pass. Last season, the Bulls had used some parts of Winter’s offense. This season would mark the first time an NBA team would embrace the entire scope of the Triangle Offense. However, Winter had to do one thing before he could implement the storied offense - teach Michael Jordan how to throw a proper chest pass.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;"> From the fall of 1990 to the summer of 2011, Winter’s offense would help provide structure for 11 out of the next 21 NBA champions. In each and every one of those seasons, not one small detail was taken for granted. Not many coaches would bother criticizing Jordan’s inability to throw a chest pass, but to Winter, the proper chest pass technique was as important as any play itself. Winter’s career started when he adapted Sam Barry’s center opposite into the triple post offense. He took his offense to Kansas State where his teams owned eight league titles, two Final Fours, and ran Wilt Chamberlin out of the University of Kansas to the Globetrotter’s. After trying his hand in the NBA, Winter found an unexpected home with the Chicago Bulls. He coached Jordan for thirteen years (longer than any other coach could claim), grew to appreciate Scottie Pippen’s natural feel for the game, counseled Dennis Rodman’s hair color changing psyche, barked at Shaq about his free throw woes, and witnessed the 81 point fury of Kobe’s insatiable hunger. Winter’s success could be dismissed by saying he was merely lucky to have superstars that could bail the triangle out when the complex unfolding sequence of options stalled. But what really separated Winter from other coaches was the fact that the correct way to throw a chest pass was never far from his mind. He was a coach’s coach committed to preaching the ways of the “Basketball Gods”: playing hard at both ends of the court, with a team oriented, fundamentally sound, well spaced offense that featured ball and player movement with a purpose. </span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;"> When I first started this site, my goal was to demystify the triangle and explain the basics of the offense. As time passed, it became clearer to me that the real importance of the blog was to show that the triangle wasn’t some magical system for winning championships. The triangle is a philosophy of basketball whose format is dependent on the execution of simple fundamentals that can be applied to any team that seeks to play unified basketball. As the triangle’s time in the NBA seems to be coming to an end, it’s fitting that its architect will finally be enshrined in the Hall of Fame after six decades of service to teaching the game of basketball. To the man who helped me learn how to throw a proper chest pass I can only say thank you, and congratulations.</span></span></div>Joonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06621985771900062901noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604504286842339249.post-39635421658999323452011-05-05T23:42:00.005-05:002011-05-06T13:02:27.091-05:00Now or neverIn today's post we will take a look at game two of the 2011 Western Conference Semi Finals<br />
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Like a frustrating broken record, the Lakers continued their poor play in game 2.<br />
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Here we see a two pass to the top. The Mavs switch on the shuffle pass. Blake pounds the ball trying to force a <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/05/solo-cut-series.html">solo</a> for the fronted Odom. The ball could easily have been swung for a <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/05/center-opposite.html">center opposite</a> but Blake decides to dribble towards the corner. Meanwhile, not a single Maverick is covering the weakside...<br />
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Let's take a look at another solo:<br />
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From a side out of bounds, the ball is swung to get Kobe a solo against Jason Kidd. The Lakers often went to the Kobe-Kidd match up in game two. This time, the Mavericks send a hard double off the cutting Odom. Because the Mavs are all sinking towards the paint, the ball is easily swung to the other side of the floor and another solo is quickly established. This time, Bynum has acquired deep position and does a good job using the basket to protect against the shot blocking of Tyson Chandler. <br />
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Once again we will see the Lakers use the offense to punish the Mavs for paying too much attention to Kobe and sagging towards the paint.<br />
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Here we see a <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/11/n2-pass-to-corner.html">two pass to the corner</a> made. As Kobe comes off the screen, he sees two defenders so he passes to Fisher. Marion, who is now responsible for guarding two Lakers, has to leap from the paint to try to get to Fisher as Pau completes his banana cut and seals Dirk right under the basket. Fisher finds Gasol who rises up over the defense and drains the turnaround jumper.<br />
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Instead of forcing the action, the Lakers need to be patient and use the offense to exploit favorable matchups and the weaknesses of the Mavericks chosen tactics.<br />
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In this side out of bounds the Mavs go to a 2-3 match up zone. Odom takes advantage by initiating a center opposite, forcing Peja to guard Odom in the post. Odom makes quick work of the helpless Peja and the zone is easily defeated.<br />
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This time the Lakers run a <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/12/guard-quickie.html">guard quickie</a> for Odom. Odom catches the ball with space for an iso against a helpless Dirk. Dirk incorrectly allows Odom to go away from Barea's double towards Lamar's favored left hand and quickly drills the floater.<br />
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After a made free throw, the Mavs throw in some full court pressure. Odom <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/05/moment-of-truth.html">recognizes this</a> and flashes to the back court for the ball. The press is broken and the Mavs are left to scramble as Odom gathers a head of steam and converts the and one layup before the Mavs defense even has a chance to set.<br />
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Even with the poor three point shooting, the Lakers can still use their size and execution to punish the Mavericks for using a sagging defense. The Lakers also have to take advantage of lineups that feature JJ Barea, Jason Terry, and Peja Stojakovic while trying various ways to make Dirk work on defense. But most of all, for the Lakers to pull off a miracle series win, they must be more mindful of each other and bring a consistent effort over the course of an entire gameJoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06621985771900062901noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604504286842339249.post-15095780684098157832011-05-04T20:03:00.002-05:002011-05-05T15:50:27.284-05:00Ignorance is bliss...In today's post, we'll take a look at game one of the 2011 Western Conference Semifinals between the Mavericks and the Lakers.<br />
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After blowing a 16 point lead in the third quarter, there is much talk of how the Lakers couldn't find a way to match up against Dirk Nowitzki. But the Lakers displayed some more fundamentally troubling issues throughout the game:<br />
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In the 1st:<br />
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Kobe pushes the ball in transition and makes the dribble entry. During transition, 6ft 10in Lamar Odom drew a crossmatch and was able to seal the 6ft 4in Jason Kidd. Instead of feeding the ball into Odom, Kobe decides to pull up for a shot he could get at anytime during the rest of the game.<br />
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In the 2nd:<br />
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<br />
Once again in transition, except this time the Lakers have drawn two mismatches:<br />
- Dirk on Steve Blake<br />
- and "listed at but there is no way he is 6ft" JJ Barea on 7ft Pau Gasol<br />
<br />
Instead of asking for a clearout to allow Pau to self post against Barea, the Lakers feed Bynum the ball into a waiting double team. Bynum ignores his completely wideopen teammates and forces a hook shot over the extended arms of Brendan Haywood.<br />
<br />
In the 3rd:<br />
<br />
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From this side out of bounds, the Lakers run a play straight out of 2006:<br />
- Odom makes a dribble entry<br />
- a two pass to the top is made for Kobe to get an iso out at the wing<br />
<br />
But look at who is guarding Odom, 6ft 2in Jason Terry! Odom can't just mindlessly run the play to give Kobe his iso. The triangle is designed to allow freelancing to be able to punish mistakes made by the defense. Here he had a perfect opportunity to cut across the lane and setup in the post. Instead, Kobe forces up the most inefficient shot in the game: a contested long midrange dribble jumper.<br />
<br />
In the 4th:<br />
<br />
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Here the Lakers run a single double for Shannon Brown. Brown does a good job faking towards the double then coming back to use the single screen. As Jason Terry scrambles back to Brown, Shannon smartly uses a screen from Odom forcing Dirk to step out to help and switch. Once again, the 6ft 2in Terry is left to defend Odom, but the post up is turned down for another contested long midrange dribble jumper...<br />
<br />
In crunch time:<br />
<br />
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The Lakers run a standard open set for Kobe who is tightly guarded by 38 year old Jason Kidd. Jason Terry isn't even pretending to guard Derek Fisher so Kobe has to drive right. By this time, there is not a single Maverick paying attention to his assigned man and Kobe has three wide open targets to choose from. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOr4BT3T3YQwgDE9K87e6e3H-FrCfObaxtVegJffQFz4V87EblAfqq-IAvUtgM6Ruj820oPiqWUomHBUqaNlmHS89Btv1fL3KZdSMR4jzBN_sQKwkFy88Wo0vhBe7ATdABGwq49YSsaV3J/s1600/Open.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOr4BT3T3YQwgDE9K87e6e3H-FrCfObaxtVegJffQFz4V87EblAfqq-IAvUtgM6Ruj820oPiqWUomHBUqaNlmHS89Btv1fL3KZdSMR4jzBN_sQKwkFy88Wo0vhBe7ATdABGwq49YSsaV3J/s320/Open.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Undeterred, Kobe continues his drive to the basket. Met by four Mavs defenders, Kobe finally decides to attempt a pass at the last moment but the wild pass ends in a turnover and a Lakers foul.<br />
<br />
In a close game one loss, the Lakers continually punished themselves by trading undeniably obvious mismatches for tough looks. Beyond the usual game to game adjustments, the Lakers need to look within and realize that what's hurting them the most isn't Dirk Nowitzki's incredible shooting but their all too familiar lack of focus.Joonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06621985771900062901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604504286842339249.post-16218996236743641322011-04-20T00:04:00.005-05:002012-03-23T10:20:55.449-05:00Free Gift Subscription to mySynergySports Giveaway (Update: Is over!)Update: Congratulations to Joshua Priemski, winner of the free mySynergySports subscription! Thank you to everyone who sent in suggestions. <br />
<br />
I usually try to keep this blog focused on the triangle (unless there is an <a href="http://youtu.be/JqMeo2eUo78">AmMo</a> <a href="http://youtu.be/rDw9c0Udfvo">Moment</a>) but today I have a unique opportunity for an exciting giveaway. Well, exciting if you are a basketball geek.<br />
<br />
If you follow me on <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/JoonKim00">twitter</a>, you may have come across some of the live game notes that I take:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://twitpic.com/48b6bz" title="3rd qtr notes: on Twitpic"><img alt="3rd qtr notes: on Twitpic" height="320" src="http://twitpic.com/show/thumb/48b6bz.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
These notes are a simplified triangle offense influenced version of the logging work that I do for Synergy Sports. If you're not familiar with the concept, Synergy Sports is a company that edits, logs, and indexes every play of every basketball game in real time. Using Synergy, teams can watch a whole game, a single play, or any play type category that they choose (as specific as, "I want to see every Kobe Bryant make when he's isolated on the left side of the floor, drives right, and pulls up for a mid-range jumper when defended by Shane Battier in 2010"). Synergy has been developing a website to be used by the general public at <a href="http://www.mysynergysports.com/">http://www.mysynergysports.com/</a> that gives fans access to some of the same video data that scouts, coaches, and GM's get to see.<br />
<br />
So, getting past the infomercial part of the post and onto what this means for you! I've been given a free subscription to mySynergySports by Synergy Sports and I'm giving this subscription away.<br />
<br />
How do you enter? Simple. Make a comment on this post, write on the Triangle Offense Blog's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TriOffense">Facebook wall</a>, tweet me on <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/TriOffense">twitter</a>, or email me at <a href="mailto:%20TheTriangleOffenseBlog@gmail.com">TheTriangleOffenseBlog@gmail.com</a> with suggestions and comments for the site. Is there a particular triangle action you want broken down? Is there an era of the triangle you want more breakdowns of? Are you a coach with triangle notes that you'd like to share with others? Do I need to find a thesaurus and stop using the word instead? Any and all comments are welcome.<br />
<br />
- Each comment, wall post, tweet, or email will be considered as an entry for a random drawing. You may only make one entry per day. You may comment as much as you like but only your first entry each day will count towards the giveaway.<br />
- The winner will be provided with one free subscription to mySynergySports.com to be used for themselves or as a gift for someone else.<br />
- Your free subscription to mySynergySports will also give you access to unlimited NBA playoffs video on Synergy’s new scouting reports on the <a href="http://www.mysynergysports.com/synergystats/?away=Hornets&home=Lakers">NBA.com playoff series matchup pages</a> and access to the brand new“Synergy Sports: Inside” interactive views not found on mySynergySports or Synergy’s professional team site.<br />
- The contest will end Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at midnight<br />
- The winner will be revealed on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 as an update to this post.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604504286842339249.post-2464824263928355992011-04-19T21:04:00.005-05:002011-07-22T10:13:17.433-05:00Miscues and AdjustmentsIn today's post we will look at some of the tactics the New Orleans Hornets used to beat the Lakers in game one and the adjustments that need to be made for the Lakers to move on to the second round.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
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In their first game of the 2011 playoffs, the Lakers showed an unusual amount of sloppiness and lack of execution.<br />
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<br />
Here the Hornets show some full court pressure. The Lakers run a <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/12/center-opposite-variations.html">center opposite</a> to counter. Usually, the center stays opposite to set a rub screen for the weakside wing. In this case the center, Andrew Bynum, has to be mindful that his weakside wing is new teammate Trey Johnson and it would be better for Bynum to go over instead of Johnson. As Bynum's teammates start yelling at him to go Kobe's impatience gets the better of him and he launches a three. Luckily the Lakers get an offensive rebound and end the possession with a score.<br />
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This clip shows the Lakers being indecisive in every phase of the offense. Derek Fisher, instead of simply entering the ball into Kobe in the right side wing, decides to over dribble over to the other wing and setup. Once he's at the wing, both Kobe and Bynum are hesitant to fill the post. Bynum finally does and the two pass to the post is made. Instead of fanning away, Ron Artest cuts towards the free throw line area. Instead of a speed cut, Fisher steps back towards Bynum for a hand off, then decides to set a screen for Kobe that Kobe isn't ready to use. Fisher is left open and Bynum passes him the ball but Fisher isn't ready to make his move. He over fakes giving the defense time to setup. Instead of using a single fake to get a clean dribble jumper off, Fisher is forced to toss up garbage while trying to draw a foul resulting in a turnover.<br />
<br />
Among the general mental miscues, the Lakers showed a disturbing susceptibility to the different looks the Hornets threw at the Lakers:<br />
<br />
-2-3 Matchup zone: Once in a while, the Hornets went zone against the Lakers. Early in the game the Lakers were caught off guard.<br />
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Later in the game the Lakers made the proper adjustments<br />
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Here we see the ball naturally exchange sides of the floor after two center opposites and a two pass to the top.<br />
<br />
- Full court pressure:<br />
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Here we actually see two tactics by the Hornets. First is the light full court pressure they occasionally threw at the Lakers. Second: throughout the game Trevor Ariza was constantly putting pressure on Kobe whether he was the ball handler or off the ball. In this clip, Kobe happens to be the ball handler and the Hornets are showing full court pressure. Because of Ariza's pressure, Kobe arrives at the <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/05/moment-of-truth.html">moment of truth</a> all the way in the backcourt. Instead of coming back to the ball, the Lakers are content to stay all the way on the other side of the court and force Kobe to work to get the ball across the timeline. Even with this soft pressure, 10 seconds pass until the Lakers finally form a triangle. Kobe cuts off Bynum, further delaying a two pass. Finally, with only 11 seconds left on the shot clock, a two pass to the top is made. Ariza does a good job of denying Kobe position and forces Kobe all the way out to the perimeter to receive the ball. Even with a quick move, only 5 seconds remain when Kobe releases his shot.<br />
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Again we see full court pressure (and Ariza is still playing Kobe tightly). As soon as Fisher hits the moment of truth, Gasol is ready to flash to the high post and a wing reverse is executed. Odom receives the ball on the move going left and the Lakers are able to get a quick shot off against the Hornets pressure.<br />
<br />
Despite this being a playoff game, the Lakers demonstrated uncharacteristic impatience and lack of discipline. The Lakers are a veteran laden team that shouldn't be thrown off by zones and full court pressure. They should be able to punish these types of gimmicks and get easy looks. Hopefully the Lakers wakeup from their self imposed slumber and get back to the championship caliber level of play they are capable of.Joonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06621985771900062901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604504286842339249.post-19620205634601595432011-04-08T20:31:00.005-05:002011-04-19T22:26:28.534-05:00Forming the TriangleIn today's post, we will go over some of the ways to form the distinctive sideline triangle that gives the Triangle Offense its name.<br />
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In the past week, the Lakers have suffered a three game skid. Whenever these types of losing streaks occur, it's a good time to shift gears and get back to the basics.<br />
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- Strongside entry, strongside fill:<br />
This is the first way that is taught to get into the triangle. The lead guard Derek Fisher makes the "Number 1 Pass" to the strongside wing, Pau Gasol. After making the strongside entry, Fisher immediately cuts to fill the strong side corner.<br />
<br />
Pau makes a two pass to the top (before Fisher fills the corner) so Ron Artest pops to the pinch post and receives the ball. Artest misses the layup but Andrew Bynum is ready to gather the miss. Bynum kicks the ball out for a repost. He and Fisher form a solo and Bynum finishes with the help of a soft roll.<br />
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The lead guard isn't the only player that can fill the corner:<br />
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- Weakside Guard Fill:<br />
Shannon Brown is the lead guard and he makes the strongside entry. This time, the off guard Steve Blake goes to fill the corner and Brown settles in at defensive balance. The two pass the post is made with an action zone speed cut. Odom frees up the third cutter, Matt Barnes. Bynum, who is out of the lane, correctly acts as a feeder before thinking of scoring and hits Barnes for the easy floater.<br />
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- Weakside Wing Fill:<br />
Steve Blake is the lead guard. As Bynum heads down the floor, he signals for Lamar Odom to cut. Odom, who was the weakside wing, goes to fill the corner. The two pass the top is made and Brown launches an ill-advised long medium jumper early in the shot clock.<br />
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- Dribble Entry:<br />
Steve Blake is the lead guard. As he pushes the ball, Brown runs to fill the wing position but Blake dribbles directly to the wing position. This <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/04/options-out-of-post.html" linkindex="21">dribble entry</a> pushes Brown to the corner. Odom is able to fight and seal his man allowing for a two pass to the post. Odom uses his defender's aggression against him and is able to quickly gather and finish.<br />
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In this clip, the corner is already filled so Odom is able to dribble into the wing position. A two pass to the top is made and the ball is entered into the pinch post. Bynum makes a good shuffle pass and <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2011/03/two-pass-to-top-techniques.html" linkindex="22">uses his body as a screen</a> during the pass. Blake comes back around after a pick and roll and a new triangle is formed. The ball is passed to Odom in the corner who gets the ball to Kobe in the post. Kobe easily rises and hits a jumper over the mismatched Monta Ellis.<br />
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- Guard Dribble Series:<br />
In this clip we see Fisher signal for the <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/11/handoff-sequence.html">guard dribble series</a><a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/11/handoff-sequence.html" linkindex="23"></a>. A strongside entry to Artest is made but Fisher cuts on the outside of Artest to receive a handoff and fill the corner with the ball. Artest makes his banana cut and Gasol decides to come over to fill the post forming a new triangle. The ball is then swung up top which acts as a two pass to the top. Artest comes to the pinch post but Bynum cuts across the lane for a solo instead of running a rebound screen cut. Kobe, instead of cutting off Artest, goes to screen for Pau who drills the spot up jumper.<br />
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- Center Opposite:<br />
This time Shannon Brown is the lead guard. At the <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/05/moment-of-truth.html" linkindex="24">moment of truth</a>, Odom is being denied so Brown lag passes to Blake and Luke Walton pops out to receive the ball at the wing position on the other side of the floor. Brown cuts to fill the corner as the center, Bynum, stays opposite to set a rub screen for Odom to fill the post. The defense leaves Bynum to deny Odom post position so Walton makes a two pass to the backdoor step. Bynum makes a great read and delivers the high-low pass to Odom who is able to skillfully finish the one handed banker.<br />
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<br />
- Pick and Roll:<br />
When Kobe is the lead guard, he often dribbles to the wing position and <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/12/pick-and-roll.html" linkindex="25">awaits for Gasol to run a pick and roll</a>. The defense shifts over to help on the pick and roll so Kobe passes the ball to Fisher in the wing. Fisher quickly passes to Bynum, who uses his defenders momentary desire to help against the pick and roll to acquire deep post position. Bynum is able to catch and shoot in one swift motion.<br />
<br />
Despite the concerted efforts of opponents, the offense's various ways to establish and form the sideline triangle allows for consistent penetration of the defense. This penetration forces the defense to choose to either: aggressively deny the post (leaving the two pass to the top and its <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2011/01/single-doubles-and-more.html" linkindex="26">various options</a> open), force a double team to come (leaving the defense scrambling and vulnerable), or leave a single defender one on one against one of the many skilled post players the Lakers have to offer.Joonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06621985771900062901noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604504286842339249.post-12361140308331437112011-03-30T22:20:00.049-05:002011-03-30T23:43:02.885-05:00Audibles and FreelancingIn today's post, we will see how the offense deals with players making changes on the fly.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
In the Lakers' last game against the Hornets, the Lakers showed some twists to their typical setups. Some of these variations were part of the gameplan, some were from the players calling audibles based on what they were seeing on the floor.<br />
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In this side out of bounds play, we see the Lakers setup a <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2011/01/blind-pig.html">blind pig</a>. Kobe takes advantage of Trevor Ariza's familiarity with the offense by step faking towards the double screen. Ariza bites allowing Kobe a clean catch and room to face up and operate. Kobe gets Ariza off his feet with a pump fake but can't knock down the pull up jumper.<br />
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Later in the game we see another blind pig. Lamar Odom is the lead guard and is being loosely defended by Carl Landry. Derek Fisher makes his cut as Ron Artest flashes to the ball. Instead of entering the ball into Artest, Odom uses Artest as a screen to momentarily shake Landry forcing the Hornets defense to commit. The ball finds its way into the hands of Pau Gasol for an easy layup.<br />
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This time we see a <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/05/center-opposite.html">center opposite</a> setup. Steve Blake is the lead guard. He lag passes to Shannon Brown and cuts to the corner as Artest pops out to the wing. Kobe, instead of rubbing off Gasol to fill the post, elects to pop out to the wing to form a solo with Gasol. Kobe enters the ball into Gasol and immediately makes a solo cut. He receives the handoff from Gasol, who then <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2011/03/two-pass-to-top-techniques.html">pivots to use his body as a screen</a>, freeing Kobe to go baseline. The Hornets wisely choose to trap so Kobe is forced to fire a tough fadeawy.<br />
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In this clip we see a <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/11/ucla-inspired.html">UCLA style setup</a>. Fisher makes a strongside entry into Artest and proceeds to cut off Andrew Bynum in the high post. Bynum then steps out to set a screen for Artest. Artest dribbles off the pick and a triangle is formed on the weakside:<br />
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Instead of initiating the offense by getting the ball to Kobe, Artest directly enters the ball into Gasol. This pass is treated as a two pass. Kobe signals Fisher for a rebound screen cut but sees that Fisher is beginning to commit to his baseline speed cut. Kobe quickly changes gears and cuts over the top (to Fisher's credit, he was mindful of Kobe and looked ready to go towards Kobe's rebound screen cut had Kobe chosen that option). The Hornets lose track of their assignments after choosing to double Gasol allowing Artest just enough time to fire a catch and shoot three.<br />
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Throughout the game, the Lakers showed this variation of their <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2011/01/single-doubles-and-more.html">single double</a>. The setup starts out as a standard single double: Fisher enters the ball into Artest then cuts towards the middle of the baseline, Artest passes the ball up top to Odom then moves down to set the double screen. Instead of acting as a single screen, Kobe pops out to the wing to receive the ball for an isolation. Kobe easily drives towards the middle, drawing the entire Hornets defense and has his choice of three wide open teammates. Kobe chooses Odom who drills his in rhythm jumper.<br />
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Earlier in the game, the Lakers showed a similar disregard for the single screen. This time, the single double morphs into a center opposite like setup. Here, Gasol and Kobe both have the option to fill the post. Kobe recognizes Gasol's mismatch against the smaller Willie Green and wisely cedes the post position to Gasol who gets the and one.<br />
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This time Kobe calls his own number. We see a triangle form after a strongside entry, strongside fill with a two pass to the top. Kobe passes to Gasol in the pinch post and instead of cutting all the way to the basket, he sets up for an iso around the high post. Ariza gives Kobe the baseline allowing Kobe a direct line to the basket and an easy two points.<br />
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In this last clip, the Lakers have the last possession of the half. As per the usual, we see Kobe motion for an <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/12/pick-and-roll.html">open set</a> except he isn't handling the ball up top. Luckily the play isn't designed to ask Fisher to create off the dribble. The play is actually designed to get Kobe a post up against the smaller Chris Paul. Paul can't quite front Kobe and is called for a foul sending Kobe to the line.Joonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06621985771900062901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604504286842339249.post-41214665660536691022011-03-25T00:05:00.006-05:002011-03-30T22:16:17.889-05:00Two pass to the top techniques<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4bKqALhhsaY?hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4bKqALhhsaY?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
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In today's post we will discuss some of the fundamental techniques taught to players to execute the two pass to the top and look at more options of this two pass.<br />
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The triangle offense is designed to get the ball into the post. As teams begin to aggressively deny looks to the post, the triangle has a built in reverse action in the form of the two pass to the top. This two pass keys two actions:<br />
1. Weakside wing to the pinch post<br />
2. Strongside wing runs a <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/04/in-this-post-ill-break-down-good.html">rebound screen cut</a>.<br />
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After the two pass is executed, the man up top has several <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2011/01/single-doubles-and-more.html">options to choose from</a> on both sides of the floor.<br />
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One of the most fundamental skills of the triangle is <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/10990/talking-with-devin-ebanks">the footwork used when receiving the ball at the pinch post</a>. In Tex Winter's book The Triple-Post Offense, Tex goes through great lengths to ensure that the reader has a firm grasp of this footwork before he ever presents the offense itself. All players of the triangle are drilled on these fundamental concepts. In this video, Kobe attempts to teach some of the fundamental skills used by players in the pinch post:<br />
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- Pop to the ball<br />
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Tex asks the pinch post player to pop out towards the passer with the foot closest to the free throw line out in front of the player's hip. This ensures that the receiver can properly seal his defender. It's also important that both feet land at the same time so that the player can use either foot as their pivot foot.<br />
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- Free up the passer by using your body as a screen<br />
After receiving the ball, the pinch post player can utilize their body as a screen by using the appropriate pivot move. Once players have mastered pivoting in both directions on each foot, they can read the defense and free up the passer whether the defender goes under the screen<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKCvvpKzT4DxQrbwOPJwlLkI9ReKvl9kjOj7sX37r5wnz7UnvFojek286-lFo2PteGEz140dcRthMwPDwhgNVS35ILZJ9TduSbW-oeqryRw3QQcJG9kHjuAI7JyC3lRhj5RSlT4fl_a1y/s1600/Under.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKCvvpKzT4DxQrbwOPJwlLkI9ReKvl9kjOj7sX37r5wnz7UnvFojek286-lFo2PteGEz140dcRthMwPDwhgNVS35ILZJ9TduSbW-oeqryRw3QQcJG9kHjuAI7JyC3lRhj5RSlT4fl_a1y/s320/Under.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
or over.<br />
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In this clip we see Matt Barnes make a dribble entry. The two pass to the top is made. Odom pops out to receive the ball and uses his body to screen Steve Blake's defender. The Blazers deny the <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/12/lob.html">dribble weave pass</a> so Odom waits a beat before entering the ball into Shannon Brown at the strongside wing. Another triangle is formed and another two pass to the top is made. The ball is entered into Blake, who pops out to receive the ball and immediately proceeds to dribble off of the cutting Odom. Both Blazer defenders commit to Blake and no one is left to rotate over to Odom who finishes off the lob.<br />
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Now that we've re familiarized ourselves with the two pass to the top, lets take a further look at how the Lakers executed the two pass to the top this past week against the Blazers and the Suns:<br />
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<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4bKqALhhsaY?hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4bKqALhhsaY?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Joonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06621985771900062901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604504286842339249.post-70106147179480837212011-03-17T00:49:00.002-05:002011-03-17T01:14:53.607-05:00Solo VariationsIn today's post we will take a look at some of the different setups the Lakers use for the Solo series.<br />
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In the triangle offense, there are a series of options that involve the two man game on the non-triangle side of the floor called the <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/05/solo-cut-series.html">solo cut series</a>. In the Lakers' last game against the Orlando Magic, the Lakers showed some different ways to go into and out of the solo.<br />
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In the first clip we will see the Lakers go from a solo into a triangle:<br />
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The ball is entered into Lamar Odom, who waits for Andrew Bynum to shape up along the <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/04/line-of-deployment.html">line of deployment</a> to form a solo. The solo takes too long to develop, so Odom reverses the ball up top. This acts as a lag pass for a <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/05/center-opposite.html">center opposite</a>. Bynum has a choice to stay and set a rub screen for Odom or go across. Odom signals for Bynum to go across so Bynum fills the post and a triangle is formed. The two pass to the post is made keying: a rebound screen cut option and Derek Fisher to fan away to the garden spot. Shannon Brown receives a handoff from the rebound screen cut. He drives the ball, sucking in the defense, allowing Fisher just enough time to get the catch and shoot three off.<br />
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In the next clip, Fisher holds up a "one," which is the signal for a solo:<br />
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Kobe is being denied at the wing so, instead of a solo, the play naturally develops into a <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2011/01/wing-reverse.html">wing reverse</a>. By denying Kobe at the wing, the Magic denied the formation of a solo, but the wing reverse forces Pau Gasol's defender to help just enough for Pau to acquire deeper position and hit the running hook shot.<br />
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In the next clip we see an interesting solo setup:<br />
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Artest makes a dribble entry, pushing Pau to the corner. Artest lags the ball to Kobe, which would normally key a center opposite: Artest begins his cut across the lane as Bynum comes across to set the rub screen and Fisher pops out to receive the ball on the opposite wing. Instead of cutting to the opposite corner, Artest sets an additional screen for Pau to use. A solo between Fisher and Pau is established on the opposite side of the floor. Gasol's defender gets caught in the screens and Pau is able to easily finish over the defense.<br />
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The ball is entered into Pau in the wing as Fisher fills the corner to form the triangle. Pau quickly two passes the ball up top to Kobe and Pau's defender gets caught ball watching. Pau step fakes the rebound screen cut then rubs off of Bynum for a "solo opposite." Artest makes the solo cut, clearing Pau's side of the floor. Pau looks for the repost but gets interrupted by Jason Richardson's face.<br />
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In the next clip we see the same play flipped to establish the solo on the right side of the floor:<br />
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Once again, Pau is isolated and kicks the ball out after Jason Richardson digs in. Kobe is chased off the three point line but is prepared to hit the pull up jumper.<br />
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Instead of making a lag pass, Steve Blake <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2011/01/single-doubles-and-more.html">crossgrains</a> over to the opposite wing. Matt Barnes rubs over to form a solo. Barnes' defender is ready for the rub screen and stays attached to Barnes. Barnes quickly moves away from the post and Bynum follows to set a screen for Blake. Dwight Howard is not ready for Bynum to set this screen so Richardson has to help to prevent Blake from driving. The ball is passed to Brown in the wing and quickly swung to Barnes, who has cut to the corner. This swing pass is actually a <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/11/n2-pass-to-corner.html">two pass to the corner</a>, which keys: Odom to flash to the high post, and Brown to banana cut. Barnes' defender cedes the recently emptied baseline allowing Barnes a direct line drive to the basket.Joonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06621985771900062901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604504286842339249.post-9497328024810964402011-03-07T23:49:00.006-06:002011-03-08T09:45:40.268-06:00When the offense breaks downIn today's post we will see how the offense executes even after plays have broken down.<br />
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Yesterday the Lakers thoroughly out played the San Antonio Spurs. Going on extended runs against the Spurs is a tough task (as evidenced by the Lakers' two losses in the team's previous meetings). To dominate like the Lakers did, they had to not only play well but also execute after plays broke down.<br />
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In the first clip, Pau Gasol flashes for a <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/11/backdoor-step.html">backdoor step</a>. Before he can do so, Kobe waves Ron Artest down to take advantage of his mismatch against Manu Ginobili. Pau ends up at the top and the <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/04/in-this-post-ill-break-down-good.html">two pass to the top</a> is made instead of the backdoor step. This two pass keys: Artest to the pinch post and Kobe to run a rebound screen cut. Artest and Gasol go into a quick pick and roll and Artest is able to drive directly to the basket for an easy layup.<br />
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In this clip, Steve Blake attempts to enter the ball into Pau for a <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2011/01/wing-reverse.html">wing reverse</a>:<br />
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However, Tony Parker drops down to deny the pass. Instead Blake lag passes to Shannon Brown, which initiates a <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/05/center-opposite.html">center opposite</a>. Richard Jefferson drops down to deny the pass to Kobe, who has come across the lane, so Odom makes the two pass to the top. Brown enters the ball into Pau in the pinch post and Gasol does a good job using his body as a screen during the hand off back to Brown.<br />
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In last week's post we saw how having consistent actions can help facilitate <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2011/02/passing-principles.html">good passing</a>. This next clip reinforces that point:<br />
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The play starts out as a solo:<br />
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But Matt Bonner is playing off Lamar Odom making the entry pass tough. Odom chooses to reverse the ball up top. From here Gasol and Odom have a choice for a center opposite:<br />
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Odom could rub over while Gasol stays opposite or Gasol could come over. Odom chooses to stay so Gasol eventually goes over as Odom moves to the pinch post. Although no two pass to the top was made, this action "keyed" a rebound screen cut on the weakside. Odom goes at the upright Bonner and is able to drive and get a floater off.<br />
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In this clip, the fastbreak doesn't work out so the players simply find a position on the floor and form a triangle:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqqKk0kfaNXjXf4sGkNdp7nCIJZO0HGX66ReP-40LEDvz1WSYCVF5CGBPkudNWl-Ma19AOFXNwHAMge28lmi_GrYSx6IXKndQbO67nek3XXx_LIFA1k5Bt869LsI290OXMgEAYLImh5X-/s1600/Triangle+formed-0000000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqqKk0kfaNXjXf4sGkNdp7nCIJZO0HGX66ReP-40LEDvz1WSYCVF5CGBPkudNWl-Ma19AOFXNwHAMge28lmi_GrYSx6IXKndQbO67nek3XXx_LIFA1k5Bt869LsI290OXMgEAYLImh5X-/s320/Triangle+formed-0000000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
In the confusion of transition, Ginobili ended up guarding Odom, so Odom directs the ball for a two pass to the top. Once the pass to the pinch post is made he looks to post Ginobili and tells Barnes to back off. The Spurs lazily double Odom leaving Matt Barnes wide open for a catch and shoot three.<br />
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From a missed free throw, the Lakers are able to quickly get into a solo without the need to reset or call a play leaving Pau one on one for the and one.<br />
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In this clip, Kobe makes a strong side entry and cuts to the center of the baseline. This would normally signal a <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2011/01/single-doubles-and-more.html">single double</a>, but Parker is denying the pass to Derek Fisher up top. Artest recognizes this and flashes to the top of the key for a <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2011/01/blind-pig.html">blind pig</a> like action. Pau moves down to set the double screen as Fisher cuts off of Artest. George Hill attempts to cheat over the top of the double screen so Kobe fades and hits the jumper after a nice shooter's roll.<br />
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Again we see the triangle's ability to take advantage of mismatches without the need to call a play:<br />
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Kobe decides to post himself against the smaller George Hill in transition. As he posts up, we see that the other players still naturally slide into their triangle positions:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhVYt3CUzoRozAZ0n0-0NiML6wg-7s3kBVb10Cm9Ho9_OCBSX0ZQDbEk9VuAgdCNh63jOKF3GuJg_Sowmha32qGJoDjLGmw7y2HS2zewwOJOENE2RHish9qd4x7NDKiqaSIdTjhDovy1S/s1600/Self+Post+Tri-0000000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhVYt3CUzoRozAZ0n0-0NiML6wg-7s3kBVb10Cm9Ho9_OCBSX0ZQDbEk9VuAgdCNh63jOKF3GuJg_Sowmha32qGJoDjLGmw7y2HS2zewwOJOENE2RHish9qd4x7NDKiqaSIdTjhDovy1S/s320/Self+Post+Tri-0000000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Once again, the Spurs lazily go to double. Kobe simply spins away from the double team and knocks down the banker.<br />
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Next we will see another single double:<br />
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We see Kobe make the strong side entry and cut to the center of the baseline like before. This time Pau quickly gets the ball to Fisher up top. The Spurs decide to trap Kobe coming off the double so Pau simply steps back and finds himself wide open for a spot up jumper. Pau misses the shot but Kobe is able to work his way to into the lane for the offensive rebound.<br />
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When facing a team as good as the Spurs, the first and second options are often shut down. Patience, mindfulness, and making quick reads of the defense allow the Lakers to continue to execute despite breakdowns in the offense.Joonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06621985771900062901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604504286842339249.post-78838474181873955012011-02-28T23:51:00.005-06:002011-03-01T09:14:04.254-06:00Passing PrinciplesIn today's post we will take a look at the passing principles of the triangle offense.<br />
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Yesterday, the Lakers faced an aggressive defense in the form of the Oklahoma City Thunder. In order to execute, the Lakers had to be patient and take what the defense was giving. All players of the triangle, from Michael Jordan to Kobe Bryant, are drilled with the following principles before learning the offense:<br />
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- Pass when the defender is three feet from the ball or closer. The closer the defender is to the offensive player with the ball, the less time they have to react to the passer's movement.<br />
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After the <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2011/01/single-doubles-and-more.html" linkindex="24">single double</a>, a triangle is formed. Shannon Brown executes a <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/11/n2-pass-to-corner.html" linkindex="25">two pass to the corner</a>. Luke Walton and Bynum execute a side pick and roll. Both Walton and Steve Blake are able to draw their defenders closer before making their pass leading to an open Odom three.<br />
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- See the passing lanes and receiver without staring down your target<br />
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Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum establish a <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/05/solo-cut-series.html" linkindex="26">solo</a> along the <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/04/line-of-deployment.html" linkindex="27">line of deployment</a>, but Pau is staring down Bynum and is clearly intent on forcing the ball into the fronted Bynum. The ball is swung for a solo on the opposite side of the floor. Again, Fisher stares down the fronted Bynum. With the shot clock winding down Kobe is forced to take a tough fadeaway jumper.<br />
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- Use fakes for a purpose. A purposeful fake allows the passer to get the ball past his defender based on how the defender reacts to the fake.<br />
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After the <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2011/01/wing-reverse.html" linkindex="28">wing reverse</a>, Kobe drives and uses a fake to draw Bynum's defender, allowing for Bynum to receive the ball deep in the lane.<br />
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- Eliminate all unnecessary movements. Tex would say you need to "PING" the ball using your wrists and fingertips only. Players shouldn't need to step forward or wind up as these telegraph the intent of the passer.<br />
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For this <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/05/center-opposite.html" linkindex="29">center opposite</a> setup the reads are all quickly made, nothing is forced, and we see some good PING passes from Kobe. <br />
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- Pass quickly to an open teammate who will usually only have three seconds to make a play after receiving the ball. For every second under three the receiver can execute the play, the better basketball player they become. Moving the ball quickly forces the defense to adjust creating more passing lanes and scoring opportunities.<br />
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In this <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/12/center-opposite-variations.html" linkindex="30">center opposite</a> setup, James Harden gets caught in the rub screen. Kobe recognizes this and quickly gets Artest the ball on the move. Serge Ibaka is forced to help instead of boxing out Pau allowing Pau to clean up the miss.<br />
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- Pass the ball to a teammate's open side. The passer has to see his defender, the passing lane, his teammate and his teammate's defender. The receiver needs to help the passer by presenting a good target and sealing the defender off from the passing lane. This principle is a key to the <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/04/adam-morrison-is-clutch.html" linkindex="31">line of deployment</a> read.<br />
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Here, Ron Artest forms a solo with Bynum. Instead of trying to force the ball into Bynum, Artest swings to ball setting up a center opposite. Lamar Odom, instead of forcing the ball into Artest, passes to Blake in the corner and Blake quickly converts the corner three.<br />
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- Lastly, players need to anticipate receiving the ball and be thinking ahead where to pass the ball next. If players don't have this skill, an offensive pattern needs to be built that ensures quick movement of the ball to keep the defense busy.<br />
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Here, no two pass is made, but when the ball is passed to Blake up top, the actions of the offense remain consistent to a <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2011/01/single-doubles-and-more.html" linkindex="32">two pass to the top</a>: Bynum goes to the pinch post and Shannon Brown executes a rebound screen cut. As Blake drives, Odom is not only ready to receive the ball but makes a quick touch pass to Bynum who is left alone under the basket for the easy dunk.<br />
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As we see over and over, the triangle's complex nature is really a sequence of simple fundamental principles. These fundamentals are never taken for granted and the offense never assumes that its players are simply naturally skilled. Instead, the coaching staff goes through great pains to drill these basics, even at the NBA level.Joonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06621985771900062901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604504286842339249.post-37880362382121715092011-02-13T23:54:00.005-06:002011-02-15T10:58:58.870-06:00Center Opposite CountersIn today's post we will see what the Lakers have come up with to counter teams that are ready to stop the center opposite.<br />
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Two Thursday's in a row the Lakers faced off against two of the top contenders on national TV. Against the Spurs, the Lakers were having a tough time executing the <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/12/center-opposite-variations.html" linkindex="18">center opposite</a>.<br />
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In the second half we saw the Lakers run this play:<br />
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In this clip, we see a lag pass from the lead guard Derek Fisher to the off guard Kobe Bryant. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsS8EwGFPL1YjkfwLmA32ql8nJQYk9iEk03oACBJPvbMs950bL45x-tnNWg04OToLKF1mR3sAMQ75PEFtRWGSym0MNO9PHvjFb-4iuppVD5X4kEnttmsd0V292BgJZkFw17KokAWlfa96C/s1600/Lag+Pass-0000000.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="19" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsS8EwGFPL1YjkfwLmA32ql8nJQYk9iEk03oACBJPvbMs950bL45x-tnNWg04OToLKF1mR3sAMQ75PEFtRWGSym0MNO9PHvjFb-4iuppVD5X4kEnttmsd0V292BgJZkFw17KokAWlfa96C/s320/Lag+Pass-0000000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Normally the ball would be swung to Ron Artest which would initiate a center opposite. Instead, Kobe keeps the ball. Andrew Bynum, who would normally ready himself to set the rub screen for Pau Gasol, goes to the high post to screen for Fisher (who would normally just cut across the lane to the opposite corner). Pau clears to the opposite block as Bynum goes up to set a screen for Kobe. Bynum sets a solid screen forcing Duncan to play Kobe's drive and Kobe pulls up for an easy jumper.<br />
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The next time down, the Lakers ran the same play:<br />
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Again the lag pass is made but Kobe keeps the ball. Bynum steps up to set a screen. Duncan is ready this time and manages to contest Kobe's jumper but Kobe drills the shot anyways.<br />
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Last Thursday the Lakers started the second quarter against the Celtics with this play:<br />
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Again we see a lag pass and this time Pau steps up to the elbow. Instead of a pick and roll, the ball is entered into Pau who hands the ball off to Steve Blake. Blake and Pau then go into a quick pick and pop. Pau passes up the open jumper to post up the smaller Pierce but ends up getting his shot blocked.<br />
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Later in the 3rd quarter the Lakers would again run this play:<br />
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The lag pass to pick and roll is initiated. The Celtics are so committed to stopping Kobe that no one is left to rotate over and stop the high low Gasol to Bynum dunk.<br />
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When the defense begins to deny the formation of a strong side triangle, the ball can be swung and a center opposite can be used to disguise the formation of a triangle on the weakside. When the defense begins to jump the center opposite, this simple counter can be executed to keep the defense honest. The options of the triangle are quite simple and easy for a defense to anticipate, but the offense's versatility gives the triangle unpredictable depth. Joonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06621985771900062901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604504286842339249.post-21736091641788474822011-02-07T00:55:00.004-06:002011-02-07T15:38:09.790-06:00Crunch Time AdjustmentsIn today's post we will see how the Lakers make simple adjustments that allow them to execute in crunch time.<br />
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Last week we saw the Lakers facing the Rockets and Spurs in two very close games. When the Lakers needed to score, they went to a familiar play down the stretch: <span id="goog_1775764927"></span>the blind pig<span id="goog_1775764928"></span>.<br />
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<a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2011/01/blind-pig.html" linkindex="16">In the past we looked at the blind pig</a> as a pressure release play. This time we see the blind pig executed from a play call. In the 4th quarter of last Tuesday's Rockets game we saw the Lakers run this play:<br />
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We see a standard blind pig setup:<br />
- Derek Fisher violates the lag principle and goes ahead of the lead guard Steve Blake to cut baseline towards a double screen<br />
- Lamar Odom chooses not to setup at the weakside wing and flashes out to receive the ball<br />
- Blake speed cuts off Odom<br />
Fisher comes off the double screen and Lamar Odom executes a dribble weave handoff to Fisher. The defense commits to Fisher off the handoff so Fisher drop passes to Odom for a spot up jumper.<br />
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The game eventually went to overtime. With the game tied, the Lakers again went to the blind pig:<br />
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Again we see a blind pig setup:<br />
- Fisher cuts baseline toward the double screen<br />
- Odom flashes to receive the ball<br />
- Blake cuts off Odom<br />
It's here that we see the adjustment. Instead of waiting for Fisher to come off the double, Kobe curls off a screen set by Pau Gasol. The ball is reversed to Kobe who immediately draws the attention of the entire Rockets defense. Kobe correctly reads the defense and hits Pau who is ready to cut to the basket for the layup.<br />
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The next time down the Lakers run the exact same sequence of actions:<br />
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Kobe receives the ball off the curl. Chuck Hayes, not wanting to get burned by Gasol cutting to the basket again, hesitates before helping to prevent Kobe's drive. This brief hesitation allows Kobe to penetrate just deep enough to get a floater off.<br />
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Two days later the Lakers faced off against the team with the best record in the league, the San Antonio Spurs. Late in the first quarter of a tight game, the Lakers thought they might try their hand at the blind pig reversal that had won them an overtime game just two days before:<br />
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However, the Spurs are ready. Antonio Mcdyess, who is defending Gasol, doesn't even pay attention to Brown coming towards the double screen. Mcdyess waits for the ball to come to Kobe and the entire Spurs defense is ready to help. Kobe is forced into a tough iso and gets triple teamed. As a result Shannon Brown is left wide open but bricks the three pointer.<br />
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Since the Spurs are ready for the reverse screen action, the Lakers made another adjustment by shifting the positions of the players:<br />
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This time the off guard who goes to the double screen is Kobe. Blake enters the ball into Ron Artest. Kobe goes off the double screen as his defender, Manu Ginobili, attempts to cheat over the top. Manu gets caught and Kobe looks to have a clean look at the basket but Mcdyess takes advantage of his great length and contests Kobe's hurried three.<br />
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And so, down 1 point with 39 seconds to go, the Lakers once again go to the blind pig:<br />
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Kobe, again the off guard, comes off the double. Ginobili does a good job sticking with Kobe through the screen so Artest comes over to execute a dribble weave handoff. The Spurs are ready for this sequence as well! They switch on the handoff. As Kobe drives Duncan comes over to help but Mcdyess is late on his rotation and has no choice but to send Gasol to the line for the go ahead free throws.<br />
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In these slight adjustments, we see the spirit of the triangle's philosophy at work. The blind pig play itself is simple and predictable but by changing the options and location of the personnel, the blind pig is given added depth whose execution is dependent on reading the defense and executing simple fundamentals.Joonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06621985771900062901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604504286842339249.post-34010172648365107222011-01-29T14:41:00.003-06:002011-02-07T01:03:29.611-06:00Putting on a clinic<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="youtube-player" frameborder="0" height="326" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Hb59fJ4Rb_o" title="YouTube video player" type="text/html" width="395"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604504286842339249.post-66078231615690941042011-01-26T01:40:00.012-06:002012-04-18T20:50:38.802-05:00Single Doubles and more!The single double is a classic set that all teams run. Today we will see how the triangle sets up the single double and discuss the numerous options of the number two pass to the top.<br />
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In the first clip from an October Warriors game, we see Shannon Brown as the lead guard. He cuts across the floor towards the opposite wing (this action is known as "a crossgrain," usually used to quickly break pressure):<br />
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Here is where the single double setup begins. Brown enters the ball into Matt Barnes in the wing:</div>
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Brown begins a cut into the lane. Usually this would result in a <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/05/solo-cut-series.html" linkindex="35">solo</a>, but Barnes immediately passes to Blake up top. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7FdByHhxYiBTEWGaAEvKhsanyticTBYFORQi80uGbhPiMmAccPz71hDyTtHlyj4QuWV0W-3Qp3SDCW_jOvck34wRRu2Fn9qejcEdxs7-Aw3iZyfq4vIrlRyuJhRyKv68dfBeMBXwJ68n/s1600/3+Back+to+Blake-0000000.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="36" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7FdByHhxYiBTEWGaAEvKhsanyticTBYFORQi80uGbhPiMmAccPz71hDyTtHlyj4QuWV0W-3Qp3SDCW_jOvck34wRRu2Fn9qejcEdxs7-Aw3iZyfq4vIrlRyuJhRyKv68dfBeMBXwJ68n/s320/3+Back+to+Blake-0000000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Barnes then moves down to set a double screen, Ebanks moves down to set a single screen, and Brown readies himself to choose between the single or double screen:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5iaYdwA5mhGwxYh4Fz-Ib_XQHvYSATUytHmZ58UQ3H4Q7CRACo-CR75rTpQGLpq5N2xJ_NAkkX-i7RdSXQbhzgR8G_-1HhJ5ybxgM9RWkCWwsJzX9ElD3Rntb49d2cIxDlYHD5LfTMtj/s1600/4+Single+Double-0000000.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="37" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5iaYdwA5mhGwxYh4Fz-Ib_XQHvYSATUytHmZ58UQ3H4Q7CRACo-CR75rTpQGLpq5N2xJ_NAkkX-i7RdSXQbhzgR8G_-1HhJ5ybxgM9RWkCWwsJzX9ElD3Rntb49d2cIxDlYHD5LfTMtj/s320/4+Single+Double-0000000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Brown chooses the double and fires the catch and shoot jumper.</div>
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Next we will discuss some of the options for the number two pass to the top. </div>
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In this clip from last Friday's Nuggets game, we see Shannon Brown make a dribble entry into the wing forming a triangle between himself, Luke Walton and Andrew Bynum. Brown makes the <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/04/in-this-post-ill-break-down-good.html">two pass to the top <span id="goog_402730075"></span>keying</a><span id="goog_402730076"></span>: Blake to the pinch post and Brown to run a rebound screen cut. </div>
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From here there are multiple options that can occur:</div>
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1. Odom could enter the ball into the pinch post (which he chooses to do in this clip)</div>
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2. Odom could <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/12/lob.html" linkindex="38">dribble weave</a> back to Walton coming off Brown's rebound screen cut</div>
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3. Odom can run a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f9edNixyT8&feature=player_embedded" linkindex="39">high pick and roll</a> with the pinch post man.</div>
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4. The weakside wing could also stay deep in the post, rather than come out to the pinch post. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPT8Yoeojj4&feature=player_embedded" linkindex="40">Andrew Bynum will often do this.</a></div>
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After entering the ball into the pinch post, the pinch post man also has multiple options:</div>
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- Blake could make the give and go <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nagzTwUWonA&feature=player_embedded" linkindex="41">shuffle pass</a> back to Odom. From there those two could choose to run a pick and roll.</div>
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- Blake can make the dribble weave pass himself to Walton</div>
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After setting up the rebound screen cut, Shannon Brown also has some options:</div>
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- If he has a direct line to the basket, he can cut to the basket</div>
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- In this case, his defender (JR Smith) is cutting off the path to the basket, so Brown fades back. The nomenclature for this action is called a "stepback" (not to be confused with the one on one dribble move known as a stepback, the triangle's "stepback" is the spot up jumper that results from the execution of the rebound screen cut).</div>
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So both Odom at defensive balance and Blake coming from the pinch post have additional options from the rebound screen cut man to consider.</div>
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In the first half of last Friday's game against the Nuggets, the Lakers were fully committed to running the triangle. Now that we are familiar with the single double and the rebound screen cut options, let's take an indepth look at the free flowing nature of the triangle offense.</div>
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<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/MUfSxaP9uGE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Joonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06621985771900062901noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604504286842339249.post-60740022151868107892011-01-18T23:14:00.009-06:002011-01-19T10:42:45.991-06:00Triangle AdjustmentsToday we will look at how slight adjustments to the offense can be made to counter the strategies of the defense.<br />
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In yesterday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Lakers tried to pound the Thunder with their obvious size advantange. To combat this advantage, the Thunder aggressively denied any looks to the post. However, the Lakers were still able to execute after making some small changes to their offense.<br />
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Here we see a solo between Kobe and Bynum quickly fall apart. The ball is swung to Derek Fisher at the wing position and a triangle is formed:<br />
- Fisher at the wing<br />
- Artest in the corner<br />
-Bynum in the post<br />
It's here that we see a Laker adjustment. Pau and Kobe exchange positions after Pau sets a screen for Kobe. Kobe then receives the <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/04/in-this-post-ill-break-down-good.html">N.2 pass up top</a> at defensive balance. As soon as Kobe touches the ball, all five Thunder defenders commit to Kobe, leaving Fisher open. Fisher pass fakes to keep Kevin Durant on Ron Artest. Fisher then drives but fails to convert on the tough runner.<br />
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Here we see the exchange again:<br />
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We see Lamar Odom make a direct entry into the wing position, pushing Steve Blake into the corner as Luke Walton does a poor job of acquiring deep post position. Meanwhile we see Gasol screen for Brown for the exchange of positions. Odom makes the two pass to the top keying two actions:<br />
- Pau to the pinch post<br />
- Odom runs a <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/04/in-this-post-ill-break-down-good.html">rebound screen cut</a><br />
Brown feeds Pau in the pinch post. Ibaka, who is defending Odom, tries to prevent Odom from screening for Blake, leaving Odom a lane to the basket. Odom cuts to the basket and seals Ibaka, allowing Pau to make the high low pass to Odom for an easy layup.<br />
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In this clip we see the Lakers run the <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/11/ucla-inspired.html">UCLA cut sequence</a>. Durant does a good job of forcing Kobe away from Gasol's screen while Ibaka stays back ready to help. Kobe gets to ball to Gasol who swings the ball to Fisher. A triangle is formed with:<br />
- Fisher at the wing<br />
- Odom at the corner<br />
- Artest in the post<br />
Pau and Kobe run the exchange and Kobe receives the ball. Kobe immediately drives, drawing the attention of the defense. Unfortunately, Pau is unable to convert on the jumper.<br />
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In the first half, the Thunder were able to get the Lakers to shoot a mesely 3 for 8 (with 2 turnovers) on plays where a <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/12/center-opposite-variations.html">center opposite</a> was run. The Thunder did this by going over the top of the rub screen, denying deep post position, and fronting. In the second half the Lakers made their adjustment:<br />
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Here we see the standard center opposite setup: Blake lag passes to Brown who enters the ball into Odom in the wing as Blake cuts across to the corner. It's here that we see the adjustment. Pau Gasol sets his rub cut up 15 feet at the elbow (usually it's set up around 10 feet so that the man cutting across can go straight into the post area). This gives Artest space to gather speed on the move before Durant can setup to deny the post. <br />
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From here, a two pass is made to Artest in the post keying:<br />
- Odom to run an action zone speed cut<br />
- Blake to speed cut the baseline<br />
- Brown to fan away to the garden spot<br />
Artest makes his move, drawing the Thunder defense and leaving Blake wide open for the most efficient jump shot in the game.<br />
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This clip we see another elbow center opposite. This time the Thunder defense counters by going under the rub screen. This forces Artest to set up at the highpost. The two pass is made to Artest. Kobe decides to run a rebound screen cut. Fisher step fakes the baseline then comes off Kobe's screen to receive a handoff from Artest. The ball is moved to Odom who feeds Pau in the post. The Thunder go to double Gasol, leaving Fisher a deep (but wide open) three. Fisher hesitates, allowing his defender to recover and Fisher is forced to fire a contested three as the shot clock winds down.<br />
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In the fourth quarter, we see the Thunder once again go under the rub screen. Kobe receives the ball at the elbow and Artest runs a rebound screen cut. Odom decides to go away from Artest's screen giving Kobe an iso against James Harden. Kobe explodes out of his triple threat and drills a tough contested jumper.<br />
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The defense is constantly changing the looks they are willing to concede to the offense. To counter these different tactics, nothing extremely dramatic needs to be done. Subtle changes allow the offense to be run consistently while keeping the defense honest.Joonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06621985771900062901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604504286842339249.post-80034352490620436532011-01-11T21:03:00.003-06:002011-01-12T09:15:57.532-06:00Wing ReverseIn today's post we will take a closer look at the wing reverse.<br />
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We've seen the wing reverse play before in the context of the <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/05/moment-of-truth.html">moment of truth</a>. Let's take a look at some of the options of the wing reverse.<br />
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In this clip we see the Hawks applying half court pressure. At the moment of truth, we see Scottie Pippen pop out from the wing to receive the ball and Toni Kukoc pop out for a <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2011/01/blind-pig.html">blind pig</a>. Pippen's defender is ready to pick off the pass, so Ron Harper passes to Luc Longley at the high post. Because Pippen is being denied, he goes backdoor to the basket (hence the term "Wing Reverse"). Pippen gets the pass on the move and finishes with the easy two hand dunk.<br />
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Let's take a look at the Lakers last game against the Knicks:<br />
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We see Steve Blake encountering full court pressure. Pau Gasol responds by flashing to the high post. Luke Walton is being denied at the wing, so the Blake initiates the wing reverse by passing to Gasol in the high post:<br />
- Walton, being denied by his man, cuts backdoor<br />
- The lead guard, Blake, sets a screen (called "guard squeeze action") for the off guard Shannon Brown<br />
The Knicks decide they don't want to play defense and allow Brown to waltz in for the nasty dunk. <br />
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Artest is denied at the wing, so Fisher passes to Bynum at the high post:<br />
- Artest cuts backdoor<br />
- Fisher frees Kobe off the squeeze action<br />
The Knicks lazily communicate for a switch. Felton, instead of switching to Kobe, foolishly gambles for a steal leaving Kobe wide open for a catch and shoot three<br />
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Let's see how a triangle can be formed out of the wing reverse:<br />
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In this October game against the Rockets, the Lakers call a wing reverse out of a side out of bounds: Pau receives the ball at the high post, Kobe cuts backdoor, and Odom receives the handoff off the squeeze action. Odom and Gasol engage in a side pick and roll. Odom dribbles off the pick and delivers the ball to Fisher, who makes a direct entry into the wing position. From here a quick triangle is formed:<br />
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The ball is passed to Artest, who has the mismatch in the post. He quickly makes his move, so Yao has to come over to help. Ron dumps the ball to Gasol and Yao has no choice but to foul to stop the easy layup.Joonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06621985771900062901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604504286842339249.post-25010486641330005572011-01-04T19:56:00.007-06:002011-01-05T17:29:42.579-06:00Blind PigToday we will take a look at a triangle staple, the Blind Pig, and also see how the pick and roll can be integrated into the offense.<br />
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In this October game vs the Warriors, We see the lead guard, Steve Blake, encountering light half court pressure. Despite the pressure, Shannon Brown breaks the <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/05/moment-of-truth.html">lag principle</a> and goes ahead of the ball. Matt Barnes, instead of setting up at the weakside wing, flashes out and receives the ball. This is called a "blind pig"<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRc4ciUak6nEuvmuHGZLxRSYfYpTG9CciIIQs1Pj8fsIolMVMC5new9V1E9RNra4UiLQzgCiuQyUnPCAxwQO69ZVcnU-zjrukGm6gJVoGed9-jYsJ5Egq1THQSn0Zbcz643GP3rbCxwcv2/s1600/BP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRc4ciUak6nEuvmuHGZLxRSYfYpTG9CciIIQs1Pj8fsIolMVMC5new9V1E9RNra4UiLQzgCiuQyUnPCAxwQO69ZVcnU-zjrukGm6gJVoGed9-jYsJ5Egq1THQSn0Zbcz643GP3rbCxwcv2/s1600/BP.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The blind pig is a classic sequence designed to break pressure. The actions of this sequence resemble a <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/11/backdoor-step.html">backdoor step</a>: the weakside wing flashes to the ball then the man at defensive balance cuts. But there are some differences. The off guard breaks the lag principle and cuts first. Instead of entering the ball into the wing, the lead guard directly passes to the flashing weakside wing. The strongside wing then goes down to set a double screen for the off guard who has cut through.<br />
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In this clip the ball goes to Brown, who comes off the double screen and launches a quick shot.<br />
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In this December Kings game, we see a blind pig being run from a side out of bounds.<br />
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The play is well defended. Derek Fisher is denied on the cut, Lamar Odom doesn't have a good angle to receive the ball after passing to Ron Artest, Fisher's defender denies by going under the double screen, and the Lakers are forced into a bad shot off of Kobe's iso. The Lakers end the posession with points from the offensive rebound, but can't be satisfied with the look that the blind pig generated...<br />
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In this clip from the 2010 opener against the Rockets, we'll see the blind pig lead directly to an iso for the weakside wing:<br />
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The lead guard is Brown, the off guard is Blake, and Kobe is the weakside wing who flashes out. Kobe receives the ball out on the perimeter and is able to take the ball all the way to the basket for the and 1.<br />
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This play from the 1997 Finals between the Bulls and Jazz will results in another iso and shows us how the Lakers might be able to counter against the Kings defense in that December game.<br />
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This looks like a standard blind pig setup: Michael Jordan isn't setting up at the weakside wing, and Steve Kerr is breaking the lag principle. But if we watch Kerr, he is timing his cut to screen for Jordan. Jordan fails to convert, but the important thing to remember is Kerr's screen.<br />
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Let's return to that Kings game:<br />
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Blake is the lead guard, Odom is the off guard and is breaking the lag principle before the ball is even inbounded. Instead of cutting like normal, Odom screens from Kobe (just like Kerr for Jordan) before going to the double screen. Now we see the counter. Instead of passing to Kobe, Kobe comes out to set a screen for Blake up top. Blake drives and Odom's defender loses sight of LO. Instead of settling for a Kobe iso, Odom is able to go up for a point blank layup and is fouled. <br />
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The next possession we see the weakside pick and roll counter again:<br />
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Odom's defender goes out to help on Blake's drive and Lamar would have gotten another easy layup had he not stepped on the line...<br />
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On the next possession, we will see how this play can disguise the formation of the triangle:<br />
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After the pick and roll, we see a weakside triangle form:<br />
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Kobe could enter the ball to the wing and initiate the offense, but he chooses for a pick and roll. Kobe gets close to the rim but ends up getting denied.<br />
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Just like we saw in <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/12/pick-and-roll.html">last week's post</a>, the pick and roll can be used when the triangle isn't working. The versatility of the system allows the offense to disguise it's use of the triangle as well as disguise when the triangle will be brokenJoonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06621985771900062901noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604504286842339249.post-40748280451727274062010-12-26T20:14:00.010-06:002010-12-28T15:54:11.553-06:00Pick and RollToday we will take a look at what the Lakers run when the triangle is isn't working.<br />
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In yesterday's much anticipated Christmas game featuring the Heat versus the Lakers, the Lakers' triangle offense struggled mightily against Miami's suffocating defense, scoring a measly 0.94 points per possession and ending with a 92.6 Off Rtg (down from their season average of 112.3). The Lakers countered by forgoing the triangle in favor of pick and roll basketball.<br />
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Here Kobe quickly advances the ball. The triangle is being set up on the weak side of the floor. Pau trails the ball and goes to set a screen for Kobe who has settled in the wing. We see, even in a pick and roll situation, that the standard triangle positions are still maintained. This ensures that Kobe knows exactly where his teammates will be when the defense rotates over to help. Big Z goes to trap Kobe off the screen so Bosh must rotate from Odom to prevent the rolling Pau from receiving the ball. This causes James to rotate over from Artest to help on Odom. The skip pass is made to the open Artest who drives, drawing three Heat defenders. Odom receives the dump off and converts the layup.<br />
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Again we see Kobe pushing the ball, the triangle being set up on the weakside, and Pau trailing then setting the screen. Miami traps Kobe off the screen again, but instead of Bosh rotating to Pau (who has slipped the screen), Carlos Arroyo rotates off Fisher in the corner. Kobe passes over to Artest in the wing. The threat of Fisher in the corner draws Arroyo back to the corner allowing a wide open Pau to finish off the alley oop.<br />
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Next we'll look at a Kings game from November:<br />
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Again we see Kobe pushing the ball, but instead of going to an empty side of the floor, he makes a direct entry into the wing position (pushing Odom to the corner). Again, Pau trails the ball. In a normal triangle play, Pau would slide into the post to form a triangle and the offense would operate from there. Instead Pau sets a screen. As Kobe drives into the lane off the screen, Odom fans away from the corner to the wing. Carl Landry, who is caught up attempting to help from the vacated corner, leaves Odom wide open for a catch and shoot three.<br />
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Again we see the same thing. Kobe is the push man. He makes a direct entry into the wing, Pau trails to set the screen, the Kings go to trap Kobe, the corner defender rotates over the help on the rolling Gasol, leaving their man (this time Fisher) open for a catch and shoot three.<br />
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Pick and rolls between Pau and Kobe (who are arguably the two most skilled players at their positions in today's game) are deadly indeed, but this is a blog dedicated to the triangle offense! Let's try to get back to the offense. <br />
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We have looked at examples where pick and rolls are designed actions within the format of the triangle (*<a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/11/n2-pass-to-corner.html" linkindex="17">cough</a> <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/11/ucla-inspired.html" linkindex="18">cough</a>*). To bridge the gap between those plays and out right pick and rolls, let's take a look at another Triangle staple, the open set:<br />
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In this November game against the Raptors, we see time winding down in the first quarter. <br />
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The Lakers are in an "Open" set, designed to give Kobe an isolation at the top of the floor. The other players forgo their triangle positions. Instead they stay out of the inside, spotting up in the corners and along the sideline. This open set is a carry over from the Michael Jordan era Bulls (take a wild guess who the isolation was for back then). Here Pau comes to set the screen up top. Every single Raptors defender is preoccupied with Kobe driving and they all ignore their man giving Kobe plenty of wide open options to pass to. Blake converts on the most efficient jump shot in basketball, the corner three.<br />
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This clip is from another Kings game from early December. Again it's an open set as the clock winds down. We see Kobe direct the angle of Derrick Caracter's screen. Kobe freezes the defense with his in and out dribble towards Caracter's screen. He then quickly explodes away from the screen and gets to the basket for the and 1.Joonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06621985771900062901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604504286842339249.post-3998029369618289712010-12-20T00:09:00.013-06:002010-12-21T14:06:25.295-06:00Center Opposite VariationsToday we will take a closer look at the center opposite and see how the Lakers counter against the 2-3 zone.<br />
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Before looking into the center opposite's variations, lets review the center opposite setup (previously covered in these <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/05/moment-of-truth.html">past</a> <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/05/center-opposite.html">posts</a>). Here is a side out of bounds setup from a Lakers preseason game:<br />
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At the beginning of the clip, we see Kobe signal for the center opposite:<br />
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Kobe enters the ball into Fisher. Fisher swings the ball to Artest, emulating a lag pass. The ball is entered to the opposite wing, Matt Barnes. Fisher cuts across the lane to fill the corner. Kobe rubs off Gasol right behind Fisher to receive the ball in the post, forming a triangle:<br />
- Fisher in the corner<br />
- Barnes at the wing<br />
- Kobe in the post<br />
- Artest at defensive balance<br />
- Gasol at weakside wing<br />
The pass to Kobe in the post is a two pass to the post, keying:<br />
- Barnes to run an action zone speed cut, cutting to screen Gasol<br />
- Fisher speed cutting the baseline<br />
- Artest fanning away to the garden spot<br />
Kobe takes his man and forces a bad shot.<br />
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Here we see the center opposite run in a live ball situation:<br />
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Again we see Kobe signal the center opposite. Fisher fakes the strong side entry, then lag passes to Kobe and cuts across the lane to fill the corner. Odom rubs off Gasol behind Fisher and receives the ball for the layup.<br />
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Now that we've reviewed the center opposite setup, we'll look at the Raptors game from earlier today to see some alternate center opposite variations.<br />
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The play starts from a side out of bounds. Instead of entering the ball into Fisher (who would then lag pass to Odom), Fisher goes to fill the strong side corner. Kobe enters the ball into Odom up top. Fisher cuts the baseline to fill the opposite corner and Kobe follows by rubbing off Gasol to fill the post. Barnes passes to Fisher, who looks to feed Kobe, but the Raptors do a good job denying the post entry, so the Lakers belatedly run the options for a two pass to the corner:<br />
- Barnes cuts (normally a banana cut)<br />
- Kobe goes to set a screen<br />
Fisher fakes his defender into the screen and takes a direct line to the basket but misses the layup. The Raptors fail to box out and the Lakers get multiple offensive rebounds resulting in an easy dunk.<br />
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Here we see a classic center opposite setup:<br />
- Fisher lag passes and cuts across to the corner<br />
- Odom swings the ball to Artest in the wing<br />
- Kobe readies himself to rub off Gasol<br />
However, the Raptors look ready to stop the play. Kobe's defender is already fighting over Gasol's rub cut to start denying Kobe's post feed, so Kobe elects to stay put. Kobe signals Artest to swing the ball back to Odom. Kobe steps out, and since his defender was readying to deny Kobe from getting to the post, Kobe finds himself with rare airspace to fire the catch and shoot three.<br />
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As the game progresses, the Raptors moved into a 2-3 zone. The center opposite, which sees the overload and the ball quickly exchange sides of the floor, is a natural counter.<br />
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We see the center opposite setup:<br />
- Blake lag passes and cuts<br />
- Brown swings the ball into Barnes in the wing<br />
- Walton rubs off Bynum and enters the post<br />
Barnes hits the cutting Blake, who pulls out to hit Walton in the post, which acts as a two pass to the post keying:<br />
- Barnes action zone speed cut<br />
- Blake speed cut along the baseline<br />
- Brown fanning away to the garden spot<br />
Walton hits the first cutter, Barnes, who unfortunately misses the layup.<br />
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Here again the Lakers face the 2-3 zone and we'll see another adjustment for the center opposite:<br />
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We see the setup for the center opposite, but Barnes shows little desire to rub across to the post. Instead, the play is for Blake who fakes cutting to the corner and cuts back along the baseline. Bynum is ready and sets a screen for Blake. The ball is swung back to Blake for a wide open corner three (the most efficient jump shot in basketball!). He misses, but the Lakers are able to secure the miss and Bynum goes back up for the hook.Joonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06621985771900062901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604504286842339249.post-19534400563191702082010-12-13T23:30:00.002-06:002010-12-13T23:39:38.922-06:00Guard QuickieToday we will look at one last option that utilizes the UCLA cut setup.<br />
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In <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/12/lob.html">last week's</a> post we looked at how the weakside wing cutting across the lane tipped off the coming of the lob or lob counter. There is another option that can be run after that cut called a "guard quickie."</div><div><br />
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</div><div>Here is a set play call from the side out of bounds. Shannon Brown receives the ball from Artest and immediately enters the ball back to Artest in the wing. Meanwhile, Gasol has come to the elbow to set the UCLA screen and Odom cuts across the lane. Brown makes the UCLA cut off Gasol, but Artest, instead of making the lob attempt, reverses the ball up top to Fisher. The Blazers are ready to help on what looks to be a lob play but Brown cuts back to the ball and drains the jumper. <br />
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This action where the lead guard comes to the pinch post area after making the UCLA cut is known as a guard quickie.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>This time we see the Chicago Bulls face 3/4 court pressure. Toni Kukoc is the lead guard and he enters the ball into the wing. Luc Longley comes out to make the UCLA screen as the weakside wing cuts across. The ball is reversed to Scottie Pippen as Kukoc acquires deep post position. His defender chooses to front so Scottie places a great lob where only Kukoc can catch the ball. Toni shoots over the help defenders giving the Bulls a quick hitting shot from the post despite the extended pressure of the Bucks defense.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>In this next clip, we'll see how the guard quickie resembles a two pass to the top.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>This time Michael Jordan is the lead guard. He enters the ball into Kukoc while Bill Wennington comes to set the UCLA screen and Dennis Rodman cuts across the lane. The ball is reversed to the top, resembling a two pass to the top, keying the same two actions:</div><div>- Jordan (who executes the guard quickie) to the pinch post</div><div>- Kukoc runs a rebound screen cut for Rodman</div><div>I'm not sure if the Rockets are aware of who they are letting isolate on the entire left side of the floor while choosing to send no help, but Jordan gladly takes advantage of the Rockets desire to stand around and watch and drills his patented fadeaway.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>Again the lead guard is Jordan. He directs some traffic, then enters the ball into Kukoc. Brian Williams steps to the high post to make the UCLA screen as Rodman cuts across the lane. Jordan makes his UCLA cut as the ball is reversed to Stever Kerr up top:<br />
- Kerr enters the ball into Jordan<br />
- Kukoc makes his rebound screen cut. <br />
Kerr immediately speed cuts after his pass leaving his defender a step behind. Jordan uses his handoff as a screen. Kerr's defender decides that going under the screen was the best option for defending the all time leader in three point field goal percentage in NBA history, allowing Kerr to receive the ball and shoot in rhythm.</div>Joonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06621985771900062901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604504286842339249.post-38963535582662797282010-12-05T23:29:00.018-06:002010-12-13T23:32:08.310-06:00Lob plays and the Triangle vs Lebron's returnToday we will look at another Triangle Offense play that utilizes the UCLA screen as well as see how the Heat may fare against the Triangle this coming Christmas.<br />
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<a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/11/ucla-inspired.html" linkindex="16">Last week</a> we looked at a UCLA inspired pressure counter. Today we will look at a set play call. The Lakers like to run this play to start quarters. Yesterdays 2nd quarter started out with this play:<br />
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</div><div>The lead guard, Shannon Brown, initiates the offense by entering the ball into Luke Walton in the wing. Pau Gasol comes up to the elbow to set the UCLA screen. </div><div><br />
</div><div>The key difference between this play and last week's play is the weakside wing (Matt Barnes in this clip). Instead of staying on the weakside, Barnes cuts across the lane. This cut clears the lane and tips off the coming of the lob. Shannon makes the UCLA cut off of Gasol and the Kings must foul to stop the athletic Brown from finishing.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>Once again:</div><div>- strong side entry</div><div>- post man to the elbow</div><div>- weakside wing cuts across the lane leaving room for the lob.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>In last months Kings matchup, we see how the play can be run in a side out of bounds situation. We can't see the start of the play because of the director's facination with Gasol, but Kobe is out of bounds. He passes to Odom who quickly hands the pass back to Kobe in the wing. Gasol makes the UCLA screen, Barnes cuts across, and Odom finishes with an easy dunk.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>Naturally, the lob pass can be sniffed out by opposing teams, so the lob has a counter:</div><div><br />
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</div><div>We again see strong side entry and the UCLA screen, but the lead guard is Derek Fisher. Surely he isn't about the receive lob? Rather than going for the lob, Fisher goes to fill the strong side corner. But we know something must be brewing because the weakside wing still made his cut across the baseline. Indeed, instead of foolishly setting up a lob play for Fisher, the play is designed for Gasol, who spins off to receive the lob and finishes with a close jumper.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>This lob counter doesn't always work, so the Lakers can simply move into triangle options if the play breaks down:</div><div><br />
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</div><div>Again, this is a set play call. This time to start the 3rd quarter. We see strong side entry, the weakside wing clearing, and Gasol going to set the screen. Gasol attempts to go for the Lob counter, but his brother does a good job denying so Gasol simply moves to the pinch post as the ball is reversed to the top. This resembles a two pass to the top:</div><div>- Gasol fills the pinch post</div><div>- Artest runs a rebound screen cut</div><div>Fisher receives a good shuffle pass and drives to the basket. Unfortunately, Darrell Arthur is able to come over and block the layup.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>Once again, a set play to start a second half. The playcall is for the Lob counter but the Kings do a good job denying the pass so the ball is reversed, again resembling a two pass to the top:</div><div>- Gasol goes to the pinch post</div><div>- Artest runs a rebound screen cut<br />
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</div><div>When the shuffle pass is not available, the man in the pinch post can counter by getting the ball to the man running off of the rebound screen cut in a "dribble weave." Here, Gasol dribble weaves over to Kobe. Typically, if the ball is dribble weaved over, the man receiving the ball will have an open pull up shot at the foul line. In practice, this is often used as a shooting drill while learning the options of the two pass to the top. Here Kobe elects to drive against the bigger DeMarcus Cousins, who has switched onto Kobe on the dribble weave. Kobe tries a tough fadeaway over Cousins and bricks the shot.<br />
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Speaking of the dribble weave, not even this blog can escape the enormity of Lebron's long awaited first return to Cleveland!<br />
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Here we see the Cavs run the Triangle!<br />
Strong side entry > Strong side fill > Two pass to the top which keys<br />
- weakside wing to the pinch post<br />
- strongside wing rebound screen cut<br />
The shuffle pass can't be made so we see the dribble weave option!</div>Joonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06621985771900062901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604504286842339249.post-76547507757948435262010-11-30T21:11:00.004-06:002010-12-27T17:32:22.038-06:00UCLA InspiredLast week we saw how the Triangle's offense could resemble other offenses. In today's post, we'll look at another pressure counter and see how the triangle directly incorporates other offenses within the format of the triangle.<br />
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Tex Winter first released his book on the "The Triple Post Offense" in 1962. Since that time, many new elements have been added into the offense. Among them were some <a href="http://static.espn.go.com/ncb/2003/0212/1507738.html" linkindex="20">UCLA functions</a> added by Phil Jackson in his time with the Bulls.<br />
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In this clip of the 1997 Finals, we see the Chicago Bulls facing light pressure against the Utah Jazz. Steve Kerr initiates the offense at the moment of truth by entering the ball into Michael Jordan, who has popped out to the wing. We see that Luc Longley has flashed to the high post. It's here that we see the famed UCLA cut: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUb2AKKD-ikKZNwUYzPTW6U1MF4wvuaoiV-e2MRF6_tLw1ois3tCk-iBl-9Ul7QC2OXclCUVgOlmNHTq0xmbr7vmGk7dgMGMTp6EleyhRNNPExnLm98QdsFvztwEivqs4HhT3tv3lGLe1/s1600/UCLA+Cut-0000000.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="21" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUb2AKKD-ikKZNwUYzPTW6U1MF4wvuaoiV-e2MRF6_tLw1ois3tCk-iBl-9Ul7QC2OXclCUVgOlmNHTq0xmbr7vmGk7dgMGMTp6EleyhRNNPExnLm98QdsFvztwEivqs4HhT3tv3lGLe1/s320/UCLA+Cut-0000000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Longley, in the high post, sets a backscreen for Kerr to cut to the basket. <br />
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After setting the backscreen, Longley initiates a side screen and roll with Jordan. <br />
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Nothing results from the screen and roll so Jordan passes to Scottie Pippen, who makes a dribble entry into the wing position on the other side of the floor, establishing a triangle:<br />
- Pippen at the wing<br />
- Dennis Rodman in the post<br />
- Kerr, who made the UCLA cut off of Longley, in the corner<br />
- Jordan at defensive balance<br />
- Longley at weakside wing<br />
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From there we see a two pass to the post keying Pippen and Kerr: <br />
- Pippen runs a squeeze action to free up Jordan<br />
- Kerr speed cuts the baseline<br />
Jordan's defender chooses to go under the screen so Jordan rises up and fires the catch and shoot three.<br />
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Back in the present season, we see the Kings applying light pressure against the Lakers. Odom enters the ball into Artest and executes the UCLA cut. Pau then moves to screen for Artest. Carl Landry is playing Artest for the drive. Artest makes a quick in and out and moves Landry into Pau's screen. Landry chooses to go under the screen leaving Artest open for a wide open rhythm three.<br />
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For the next clip we step back in time again to look at the famed 2006 First Round Game 4 of the Lakers vs the Suns:<br />
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This time the play is called from a side out of bounds. Odom initiates the offense by entering the ball into Kobe in the wing and makes the UCLA cut off of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYFNhjVWQKk" linkindex="22">Kwame Brown</a>. Brown then screens for Kobe who drives, drawing the complete attention of the defense, and dumps the ball off to Brown for the finish.<br />
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Back to that Kings game:<br />
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Kobe pops out and receives the ball from Odom, who then makes the UCLA cut off of Pau, who then screens for Kobe. DeMarcus Cousins and Tyreke Evans develop a case of concrete feet waiting to trap Kobe, so Pau slips the screen and receives the ball from Kobe. Landry moves off Odom to help on Gasol so Lamar wisely cuts to the basket and Pau makes the great pass leading to an easy layup.<br />
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As Kurt Rambis <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/4346/the-playbook-laker-assistant-kurt-rambis" linkindex="23">said</a> when he was with the Lakers, the triangle is just a format. Any sets that you see another team run can be run out of the Triangle. <br />
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Next week we'll take a look at how the Lakers take advantage of teams who begin to sit on this UCLA screen play.Joonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06621985771900062901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604504286842339249.post-28806050156753541422010-11-22T00:53:00.009-06:002011-04-19T22:31:50.895-05:00Guard Dribble Series of OptionsLast week we looked at the <a href="http://thetriangleoffense.blogspot.com/2010/11/n2-pass-to-corner.html" linkindex="16">N.2 pass to the corner</a>. Today we'll look at a counter against pressure that keys a similar sequence of options.<br />
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In this clip of a preseason game against the Nuggets, we see Ty Lawson applying light pressure in the backcourt. Shannon Brown enters the ball into Barnes in the wing like normal. Instead of filling the corner to form a triangle, Brown immediately receives a handoff and procedes to fill the corner <i>with</i> the ball. This keys a sequence known as the "Guard Dribble Series of Options." Even though no N.2 pass was executed, the sequence of actions keyed once the ball entered into the corner remain similar to a two pass to the corner:<br />
- Wing position banana cuts<br />
- Post man screens for man in the corner<br />
Theo Ratliff's defender moves to show on Brown but no one rotates to help on the rolling Ratliff leaving him open for the easy dunk.<br />
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In the same preseason game, we see light halfcourt pressure once again, so the Lakers execute the guard dribble series. This keys the banana cut and side screen but the Nuggets do a good job of keeping Fisher in the corner. Instead of using the screen, the Lakers players simply move to the open positions and form a triangle. The Nuggets are still shifted over to stop the side pick and roll so the N.2 pass to the top is available, keying two actions:<br />
- Rebound screen cut<br />
- Normally, the weakside wing would move to the pinch post, but Barnes chooses to stay out in the perimeter and launches a hurried three as the clock winds down.<br />
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This time we'll take a look at an October game against the Warriors:<br />
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Again we see the handoff, keying the banana cut, but no one is in the post so Kobe comes across to fill it. Fisher enters the ball into the wing, initiating the triangle. Biedrins is denying the pass to the post so Pau makes the N.2 pass to the top. Because Kobe has already acquired such deep position, Pau forgoes the rebound screen cut and Ron moves out to the perimeter to form a Solo between Kobe and Artest. Kobe takes advantage of his mismatch against Ellis and banks home the layup.<br />
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In the last post, we saw that the ball could be entered into the post from a N.2 pass to the corner. In the next clip we will see the same is true of the guard dribble series:<br />
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Again we see light pressure being applied, this time by the Blazers. The Lakers execute the handoff and Artest banana cuts. Just like in the last clip, Odom comes across the lane to fill the post. Rather than entering the ball into the wing, Blake directly feeds Odom in the post, keying two actions:<br />
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- Blake speedcuts the baseline<br />
- Brown action zone speed cuts and then screens for Artest<br />
(the N.2 pass to the post also should also key Barnes to fan away to the garden spot, then work back over to the ball but he's not captured in the frame of this clip)<br />
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Odom faces up and looks to take Camby off the dribble. Camby leaves his hands down to play the drive so Odom quickly pulls up for the step back jumper.<br />
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This clip describes the guard dribble handoff sequence as a UCLA style cut. The Lakers' staff often talks about how other offenses can be run in the format of the triangle. When the post man comes up to screen for the banana cut, it's very much like a UCLA style screen and cut. Next week, we'll take a look at another triangle pressure counter that's influenced by the UCLA cut.Joonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06621985771900062901noreply@blogger.com7