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Dizzy Miss Lizzy | Triangulation

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Triangulation Thoughtscrim

Triangulation is a small sided scrimmage or Thoughtscrim in which the defending team must always have a defensive triangle in place. Teams of 5 v 5 are ideal, while 3 v 3 teams are also okay.

Rules for Triangulation

Field Setup and Teams. The scrimmage field requires a halfway line so that offside calls can be made. Each team has either three or five players. Four-player teams are not recommended, because the natural shape is a square or diamond. Keepers are optional.
The Triangle Rule. The team with the ball has no special conditions imposed, and may play as it pleases. The defending team must either have a triangle in place or be in the process of setting up one. The triangle must point toward the ball. When such a triangle isn’t present, the coach begins counting out loud to three. If the triangle isn’t in place by the count of three, the other team receives a penalty kick.
Trading Positions. Players may trade off positions within the triangle. One player may be the point for a while, and then switch to the base. Players must communicate about such trades, however.

Before Triangulation, conduct a triangle walk through. In particular, show how the point of the triangle swings from side to side as opponents pass the ball. To perform this duty, the point defender must visualize a large box within the field, and stay inside it. If the defender wanders from the box, the triangle will soon break down (see diagram).

During Triangulation, make a coaching point if:

1. The point defender covers one opponent, and forgets to swing from side to side
2. The point defender wanders from the central box, and can’t swing from side to side
3. The base of the triangle becomes flat, steep, or uneven
Spot the problem, freeze the action, and walk through a solution.