Basketball is a sport that demands players to learn basic skills to stay active throughout the game. To understand the triple threat basketball position, we need to know the required skills for playing games on the courts. One such essential skill for enjoying basketball is the triple threat position.
A triple threat position is one of the basketball skills we use for offense and defense against opponent players during the game. It is also called a ‘triple attack’ because only one player can use this position simultaneously in the game. Let us explore the article to acknowledge a triple threat basketball position.
Why is it Called the Triple Threat in Basketball?
In a basketball game, when we use three basic options; dribble, pass, and shoot, on the offensive side is called the triple threat position. It is named triple threat because we can use this position in three ways (dribble, pass, and shoot). A triple threat in basketball is a very effective athletic position we can use on the offensive side while playing on the court.
In this position, one foot is fixed to the floor without moving, and the other foot’s position is changing. We can only select one of the three positions to dribble, pass, and shoot while doing triple threat basketball position. Both hands aren’t separated from the basketball; the body is also used to protect the basketball from opponents.
How to Get into the Triple Threat Position?
Triple threat or triple attack is the position to hold the ball on the offensive side of the court, and we quickly have three options to do in this situation: shoot, pass, and dribble. We can get into a triple threat position in the following ways:
- By keeping the ball in the correct position and holding the ball firmly while moving
- By placing the ball on our thigh or waist and separating it from the defender
- By making solid angles and shooting from a distance to the basket
- By maintaining weight balance between the soles of our foot and not on the heel
- By using a weak foot for practicing and moving the other foot short and fast
What Can We Do in a Triple Threat Position?
When we get the ball standing in the position of the triple threat, we can choose to dribble the ball, pass it to the side, or shoot to the basket. These positions are essential for performing well in higher-competition games like the NBA. Let us explain how we can use these positions in triple threat condition for enjoying the game on the court.
Shooting the Basketball
Shooting the basketball is essential for every player to score more goals from a distance. It contributes to winning competitions against tough opponent teams. The triple threat attack is useless if we don’t enter into the position of shooting in the game.
Even when we recognize that we don’t have enough space to hit a shot, we must try to make a pump fake when we get the ball.In this way, we can quickly panic our opponents and get the shooting position. Big shoulders help us to make shooting positions from long distances.
It is a useful advantage when we create space on the fence side. We need to be unfear of the opponent’s defense, and our minds must be ready to shoot at any time. If the player we are guarding tries to hit a shot, we must try to block the shot. When we put our hand on the opponent’s face and take a good position for a rebound, we can challenge the opponent’s shot.
Dribbling the Basketball
Dribbling is the skill that requires us to become professional players like NBA superstars. The triple threat basketball position only works with the option of dribbling. Therefore, it is impossible to be in a triple threat position when holding the ball after stopping dribbling. At this stage, we can use only two options: pass or shoot.
When entering a triple threat position, the shots should be given priority. If the other person dribbles, we must lose our position and follow him. We should always try to bite the ball several times to steal the ball.
Passing the Basketball
Passing the basketball should be our last priority when we enter a triple threat position. The pass can be considered a backup plan for “Plan B” or “Plan C.”
A pass is an excellent option if there is no dribble left. In such a situation, we should consider playing the ball before the defense has a double team.
We should look forward constantly to quickly and accurately read the floor. If our opponent passes the ball, we can react swiftly and steer the pass or at least hit the ball out of bounds. Predicting a pass, taking the ball, and making a dunk shot on the other side is very comfortable for us to enjoy on the court.
Tips to Master the Triple Threat Position
Getting into Position
Getting into position is important for us to master the triple threat basketball position. Any player used to shooting, passing, and dribbling can take a triple threat position. However, traveling with a ball is a disincentive and can lead to fouls. In this position, we can shoot, dribble, break the defense without changing his position, and pass our teammates.
Keeping Center of Gravity Low
We must keep our center of gravity low. In this situation, the legs are open to the shoulder, the knees are bent to make shots pass and start dribbling quickly. All three options need to start slowly for better control of the body.
In addition, from this position, sometimes twist the trunk and perform a jab step to cope with the previous defender. It is necessary to step firmly on the ground so as not to lose balance.
Eyes Up
Another way to master the triple threat position is to keep our eyes on the defenders. Keeping our eyes on the court can improve our game awareness. A common mistake is to step into a 3T position while bowing our head and keeping our eyes fixed on the defender’s feet. This is a big mistake due to the need for more awareness of the surrounding situation to plan the next move.
We need to look up and look at the court to understand the surrounding situation. Keeping an eye on the rim and using the peripheral field help us understand the game’s awareness. By doing so, we can make the defenders and opponents think we will hit the shot, making passes and drives easier.
Hand Movement and Footwork
Hand movement and footwork also play an important role in mastering the triple threat position. We should hold the ball firmly between the knees and shoulders with both hands. This will help us to get closer to a shoot chance. It is important to note that the error will be tiny because we will have a ball during play.
Footwork is also very important in the triple threat position. We need to move only one foot and the other one to remain pivoted. Doing so allows the ball to be dribbled right and left and moved. We should remember that we should not walk with a ball that will foul.
Use Elbow and Head Position
Elbows and head positions are also beneficial in mastering the triple threat basketball position. Elbows play an essential role in protecting the ball. This is useful as a defensive strategy to create a gap between us and the players we are guarding. To avoid losing the ball, our elbow should be turned outward.
In the triple threat position, the head is raised high to see the whole court. That way, we can figure out where our teammates are during play. In addition, we can know the timing of shooting and dribbling. In doing so, we will take advantage of an open three-point.
Shot Fake and Jab Step
Shot fake and jab steps are basic and famous tricks that we can use to deceive our opponents. It is called the Jab Step.
We can deceive our opponent’s player with a jab step when we are in the position of a triple threat. There are different options for Jab Step.
We can drive away our opponent or make space and hit a shot. Jab Step is an effective and reliable weapon when in triple threat.
Significance of Triple Threat Basketball Position
Basketball requires skills and techniques to become a professional basketball players. Many young players want to become professional NBA players like Lebron James. Triple threat helps them to become a better player than other opponent players. It has excellent significance in basketball due to these reasons:
- The triple threat basketball position allows us to become more versatile and quicker in NBA courts. If we hold our nerves under pressure and make quick responses to defend against opponent teams, it helps us to win contributions by making baskets in the games.
- In basketball, the triple threat position improves our decision-making skills. It allows us to choose one of three options: pass, shoot, and dribble. Decision-making skills benefit us by changing our decisions according to game situations.
- After an offensive rebound, being in the triple threat position allows us to make quick decisions. We can pass the ball to our teammates, shoot the ball to the basketball, or dribble against opponents’ defense. It helps us to balance our positioning system on basketball courts.
- It helps us in offensive attacks against our opponent teams. When an opponent tries to make a basket, we must react quickly to force him to make a mistake. In this way, we can take the ball from the opponent to score the baskets for our teams.
FAQs
Does the Triple Threat Position Work?
Yes, triple threat basketball position absolutely work on basketball. It works for both young and NBA players but NBA players have advantage of having good skills on the court. Triple threat position works more when we make offensive move because defender don’t know what move the offensive player will make.
What Makes the Triple Threat Position so Powerful?
The triple threat basketball position is so powerful because we must take any of three options, dribble, pass, and shoot, to beat the opponent’s defenders. Defenders are still determining what move we will take to beat him. Defensive players face difficulty holding the ball when the offensive player is in the triple threat position.
How Do You Defend Against the Triple Threat?
We can defend against triple threat by playing with the opponent’s mindset. We must give some space for the offensive opponent to try to take position. When he takes position, we should stay low to the ground with arms up to show a quick reaction to winning the ball on the court. This technique helps us to defend against the triple-threat basketball position.
Conclusion
The triple threat, also called triple attack position in basketball. When getting into this position, we would have to adopt three options: pass, shoot, and dribble. We must choose one of three options according to the situation in the court. It helps us understand the defensive and offensive awareness of the basketball game. Mastering the triple threat position allows us to enjoy better game on the court. If we want to become professional players like NBA players, we must learn the triple threat skill in games.