The Triangle

by Jeff Clark on Jun 2, 2008 12:00 PM EDT in Boston Celtics News & Links

You'll be hearing a lot about Tex Winter's Triangle offense. If you have never looked it up or had it explained, here's a good place to start. HoopTactics.com has a number of detailed diagrams and explanations and sums it up thusly:

Basically, the triangle offense consists of a sideline triangle on one side of the court and a two man game on the other. Created, developed and refined over the years by Tex Winter the Triangle Post Offense is a system of defensive recognition and execution. Every player is involved at all times and therefore, must know the options for each spot on the court and be well schooled in basketball fundamentals and footwork. Since offensive options are dictated by what the defense is doing, players need to be efficient in recognizing and attacking defensive deployment.

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In reality, this is Phil’s Triangle Offence:

by FLCeltsFan @ CelticsBlog on Jun 2, 2008 2:04 PM EDT reply actions

I have news for Tex Winter and everyone else – this is a very popular offensive strategy in soccer. It has been used by every major club for a 100 years!

by Bastone on Jun 2, 2008 2:06 PM EDT reply actions

FLCeltsFan – hilarious! :D

by DJ to Bird on Jun 2, 2008 2:54 PM EDT reply actions

im curious, what soccer formation loads one side near the net with 3 guys in a triangle and the other side with 2 guys running a back and forth passing system?

that sounds like a real good way to turn the ball over to a defender and get trapped behind a counter attack….wouldn’t you have 5 forward at the net?

by crownsy on Jun 2, 2008 6:23 PM EDT reply actions

to hell with the triangle o. Lets beat the crap out of Phil & the Lakers ;)

by tommyfan on Jun 2, 2008 6:26 PM EDT reply actions

Thank you Jeff! Might as well learn something while I hyperventilate waiting for the Finals to start . . .

by Thruthelookingglass on Jun 2, 2008 8:05 PM EDT reply actions

That is only half the picture – not even.

by BrickJames on Jun 2, 2008 10:39 PM EDT reply actions

The triangle offense is just like the Patriots’ option-route offense. Its effectiveness is not the scheme; its the ability of the players to read the situation the exact same way as their teammate at the exact right time. It is adaptable to personnel changes by the offense and the defense. That’s why it can be run with a guard in the post (Jordan/Kobe) or a center (Shaq). But conceptually, it actually attempts to be very simple.

by migit on Jun 3, 2008 7:31 AM EDT reply actions

im curious, what soccer formation loads one side near the net with 3 guys in a triangle and the other side with 2 guys running a back and forth passing system?

Most football teams who pass the ball well work out of Triangles. For one example, Jose Mourinho’s teams (Chelsea, Porto) always do. It’s an easy way to manufacture movement while always giving the passer multiple options. In other words it helps the team hang onto the ball and build attacks as the team moves up the park. Triangles … all over the field not just scoring positions.

I believe that is what Bastone was getting at.

by Who on Jun 3, 2008 8:48 AM EDT reply actions