Basketball Tip
Basketball Tip: How to Master the Triple Threat
To elevate your game and become unpredictable on the court, you must learn to master the triple threat. It is exactly what it sounds like meaning when you have the ball you are ready to either shot, pass, or dribble the ball, all three moves ultimately leading to a bucket. This posture-based position is one fundamental aspect of basketball that yields immeasurable results and will leave your opponents uncertain of your next move. Here are a few tips from our Nike Basketball Camps coaches to help you understand how to execute it and how to defend it!
What is the Triple Threat Position?
This position is all about keeping your center of gravity low and holding the basketball close to your hip with your shooting elbow behind the ball. For ball security, it’s important that you keep both hands on the ball and use your body as a shield. To maintain athletic posture, keep your knees bent, back straight, and your weight on the balls of your feet.
How do you effectively execute this?
Shooting: To complete this successfully, you must be the recipient of a pass and must not have already dribbled the ball. Once you receive the ball, square yourself towards the basket, keep your eyes up, and shoot the ball.
Passing: Next you must establish your pivot foot, keep one foot planted and pivot with the other. This will open numerous new passing lanes to your teammates. If you fail to keep the same foot planted the entire time, then you will be called for a traveling penalty.
Dribbling: Finally, you have the option to begin dribbling into the open space you created from pivoting, which will free up the floor for the rest of your teammates. If you can find a direct lane to the hoop, go directly to it.
How do you defend against it?
Whenever you are on defense, it’s important that you are always in your defensive stance (staying low and keeping your arms up and alert). As you now know, players who choose to use the triple threat have three options with the ball and you need to be ready for all of them. If they choose to shoot, you should be prepared to block but it is important to know the player you are guarding. If they typically wouldn’t shoot from the three-point line, don’t fall for their pump fakes. If they pass, you need to either tip it out of the way or limit their passing lanes completely. If they dribble, try your best to close the gap and block their progress, especially if they are headed to the hoop.
Once you’ve fully understood how to perform and defend the triple threat, you can start to add your own twists to it to make it personalized and unpredictable. Check out more basketball tips like this one and join us this summer for a Nike Basketball Camp near you!