'Triangle-&-2' Defense Keeps Opponents at Bay By James Rowe, head boys varsity basketball coach, Woodinville (WA) High School I ..f an opposing team has three talented players you ..may run this defense when one of them is out of the game to give your opponent a different look. We normally don't run this defense for extended periods of time. When used only for a few possessions at a time it can cause confusion in an opponent. A good Triangle-&-2 defense: * Matches up your defense to focus on the opposing offense's best or most dangerous two players. * Confuses the offense and causes it to hesitate and think as opposed to reacting instinctively. * Is relatively easy to teach to your players. * Forces your opponents to change strategy. Your opponents may not know what to do against this defense. * Keeps your post players in the paint for rebounding purposes. 34 WINNING HOOPS COACHES PLAYBOOK 2022 * Controls tempo and limits how many touches an opponent's best players get on the offensive end. ALIGNMENTS The following diagrams illustrate the initial setup movements and player responsibilities for the Triangle-&-2 defense. DIAGRAM 1: Initial Defensive Set - X2 and X3 who should be your two best defenders are assigned to guard the opposing team's best two shooters. X1 is responsible for denying penetration and watching the high-post area. X4 and X5 are responsible for the post players. DIAGRAM 2: Defending A Talented Point Guard - In this match-up, X2 is on the opposing team's point guard. This is done in situations where the other team's point guard is one of their top two most dangerous players.