Basketball Triple Threat

Triple threat describes what a player can do on the court, the moment he first gets the ball. When a player gets possession of the ball he has three options:

1. Pass the ball
2. Shoot the ball
3. Dribble the ball

IMPORTANT: A player is only in triple threat when they first get the ball. If they decide to pass, shoot, or dribble, they are no longer in triple threat.

Basketball Passing

Passing in basketball is a method of exchanging the ball between teammates. Passing is the fastest way to move the ball on the court. When in triple threat, a player should choose to pass if they have a teammate open on the court who can make an easy basket.

Basketball Shooting

Shooting in basketball is the only way players can earn points for their team. When in triple threat, a player should choose to shoot the ball if they are close to the hoop. Regardless if a player is in position, they should always shoot if the shot clock is nearing zero.

Basketball Dribbling

Dribbling in basketball is a method of moving the ball on the court, while having the same player retain possession. Dribbling works by having player repeatedly bounce the ball off the floor using one hand. There are rules for how players can dribble, which we'll learn more about in Basketball Dribbling.

Putting It All Together

Let's imagine our player gets possession of the ball from a pass, rebound. Our player is now in triple threat and has three things he can do to be threatening to the opposing team. Our player can pass, shoot, or dribble the ball.

Choosing To Pass

Our player decides to pass the ball to another player. Once a teammate catches the pass, the cycle starts over and that player is now in triple threat once again. Our new player can pass, shoot, or dribble the ball.

Choosing To Shoot

Our player decides to shoot the ball towards the basket in hopes of scoring points. Two possible things can happen:

1. the ball goes in the net and a score is made
2. the ball misses and a rebound is made

In either case, a new player will get possession of the ball and that player will be in triple threat.

Choosing To Dribble

Now, let's imagine our player chooses the third option to dribble the ball. Our player can dribble for as long as he wants until the shot clock expires. At any point, our player can pass or shoot the ball. Our player can also choose to stop dribbling by picking up his dribble.

Choosing To Pivot

If our player stops dribbling, he must choose a pivot foot. Once a pivot foot is established, our player has three options:

1. Pass The Ball
2. Shoot The Ball
3. Pivot With The Ball

REMEMBER: If our player picks up his dribble he can not start dribbling again. This would be a violation called a travel resulting in a turnover of the ball to the other team.