The Triple Threat Position | Basketball

Summary

This video teaches the triple-threat position — the versatile stance you use the moment you receive the ball to shoot, dribble, or pass. It covers three essentials: adopt the correct body stance (lead with the foot on your dominant-hand side and use the back foot as a pivot), protect the ball (hold it by your hip with a firm grip, outer hand over the ball, switch under the knees to avoid steals), and use effective fakes (dribble, shot and pass fakes to mislead defenders). Practice linking fakes to real moves, always face the basket, and avoid turning your back on the defender.

Takeaways

• 😀 The triple threat position is a fundamental stance in basketball that allows players to decide between shooting, dribbling, or passing as soon as they receive the ball.
• 😀 To use the triple threat position effectively, three key points should be kept in mind: adopting the right body stance, protecting the ball, and faking the defender.
• 😀 The correct body stance involves stepping forward with the foot on the same side as the dominant hand and keeping the back foot as the pivot.
• 😀 Protecting the ball means holding it in front of the hip, with a firm grip using both hands to prevent the defender from stealing it.
• 😀 To protect the ball further, players should switch sides by passing the ball beneath their knees to prevent the defender from reaching in.
• 😀 Faking the defender can be done with different types of fakes, including fake dribbles, shot fakes, and pass fakes.
• 😀 To fake a dribble, players should initiate a dribble motion and then quickly move toward the basket, pulling the ball in close to the knee to make the defender move forward.
• 😀 A shot fake involves bending the knees and bringing the ball up in line with the body to simulate a shot and make the defender react.
• 😀 To fake a pass, players step towards one of their teammates and extend their arms quickly, making the defender shift sideways.
• 😀 During a game, players should adapt their actions based on the defender's movements. If close, start dribbling; if open, take the shot. Always face the basket to maintain options.
• 😀 A common mistake for beginners is turning their back to the opponent and holding the ball against their stomach, which limits options for action.

Q & A

What is the triple threat position in basketball?

The triple threat position is a stance used when you first receive the ball. It allows you to decide between three actions: shoot, dribble, or pass. The position helps you stay flexible and unpredictable against your defender.

What are the key elements of the triple threat position?

The key elements of the triple threat position are adopting the right body stance, protecting the ball, and using fakes to deceive the defender.

How should you adopt the right body stance in the triple threat position?

To adopt the right body stance, step forward slightly with the foot on the same side as your dominant hand. Your back foot will be your pivot foot, and you should stay in a balanced, athletic position.

Why is protecting the ball important in the triple threat position?

Protecting the ball is crucial to prevent your opponent from stealing it. You should hold the ball just in front of your hip, with one hand on the ball and the other on its side, keeping a firm grip.

How can you protect the ball from your opponent?

To protect the ball, pass it beneath your knees. This movement makes it harder for your opponent to steal it and allows you to switch sides with the ball.

What types of fakes can you use in the triple threat position?

There are multiple types of fakes you can use: a dribble fake, a shot fake, and a pass fake. These fakes help you deceive the defender and make them react incorrectly.

How do you execute a dribble fake in the triple threat position?

To execute a dribble fake, start by pretending to dribble, then quickly move your leg toward the basket and draw the ball in close to your knee, making the defender move forward.

What is a shot fake, and how do you perform it?

A shot fake involves bending your knees and quickly bringing the ball in front of your face in a shooting position. This deceives the defender into thinking you're about to shoot, causing them to react prematurely.

How do you perform a pass fake in the triple threat position?

To fake a pass, step your leg toward one of your teammates while quickly extending your arms as if you're going to pass. This movement forces the defender to react to the potential pass.

What should you do if your defender is close to you while you're in the triple threat position?

If your defender is close, you should start dribbling to create space and avoid being trapped. This allows you to move and decide on your next action.

What is a common mistake beginners make in the triple threat position?

A common mistake for beginners is turning their back on the defender and holding the ball against their stomach. This limits their options and makes it easier for the defender to predict their next move.

How can practicing fakes help improve your triple threat position?

Practicing fakes helps you get comfortable linking one fake with another action, like shooting, dribbling, or passing. This makes you more unpredictable and effective when facing defenders.