Triple Threat: Teaching Decision-Making Before the Dribble

The moment a player catches the ball, one of two things usually happens:
They freeze… or they dribble without thinking.

That’s why the triple threat position is essential—it teaches decision-making before the dribble.
It’s not just a mechanical stance—it’s the foundation of offensive IQ.

Here’s how to break it down and teach it with purpose.

What Is the Triple Threat Position?

The triple threat position is the stance every player should assume immediately after catching the ball—before they've committed to an action.

From this position, a player can:

• Shoot

• Pass

• Dribble

Hence, the “triple” in triple threat.

It gives players the power to read, react, and respond—instead of rushing or wasting a possession.

The Three Core Elements of the Triple Threat

1. Body Stance and Footwork

Start with a solid foundation.

• Slightly step forward with the foot on the same side as your dominant hand

• The back foot becomes your pivot foot

• Knees are bent, back is straight, eyes on the basket

This stance keeps the player balanced, athletic, and ready for any option.

Coaching Tip:
Reference your teaching on the basic stance—this builds consistency and muscle memory.

2. Protecting the Ball

Ball security is non-negotiable.

• Hold the ball just in front of your hip, not your stomach or chest

• Place your outer hand on top for control

• Your inner hand stays on the side to support and pass

To protect the ball from defenders:

• Switch sides by passing it quickly under your knees

• Keep a firm grip to resist pokes or swipes

Drill It:
Have players face light pressure and practice switching sides, holding firm, and pivoting while maintaining triple threat.

3. Using Fakes to Force Defensive Reactions

This is where decision-making becomes dynamic.
Teach players how to use ball fakes, jab steps, and pass fakes to get the defender off balance.

Here are three effective fakes from triple threat:

• Dribble Fake:
  Fake a hard step forward with the lead foot while bringing the ball tight to the knee. This can push a defender backward and create a lane.

• Shot Fake:
  Bend the knees and raise the ball quickly in line with the body, near the face, as if preparing to shoot. Great to get a defender off their feet.

• Pass Fake:
  Step toward a teammate and extend your arms as if passing. This often shifts the defender sideways and opens new lanes or targets.

Progression Drill:
Start with fakes against air, then add a coach with a pad, then live 1v1 reactions.

Common Mistakes to Correct

Even experienced players can slip into poor habits. Watch for these:

• Turning their back on the defender

• Holding the ball against the stomach, eliminating any immediate action

• Not facing the basket, making them easier to guard

Always teach players to square up and face the hoop. Their mindset should be: “I’m a threat the moment I catch.”

From Fake to Action: Reading the Defender

Decision-making isn’t scripted—it’s responsive.

Help players build instincts with cues like:

• If the defender crowds you → Drive

• If they sag off → Shoot

• If they jump or lunge → Pass or attack their momentum

Create situations in practice where players link a fake directly into a read—then into a shot, pass, or drive.

Final Thoughts: Reps Build Reads

The triple threat is not flashy—but it wins possessions.

It builds:

• Confidence under pressure

• Composure on the catch

• Control before the chaos

Drill it with intensity. Teach it with intention.
Because the smartest players aren't just fast—they're a threat before they move at all.