Fastbreak

Fastbreak is an offensive strategy in which a team attempts to move the ball up court and into scoring position as quickly as possible, so that the defense is outnumbered and does not have time to set up.

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A typical situation is when a big man obtain the basketball and passes it to the a smaller player who sets up the fast break. The smaller player (preferably the point guard) speed dribbles the ball upcourt and passes it to the wing player (who flanks him) or either try to make the basket himself.

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If the fastbreak did not lead to any results, there is still a opportunity left for a quick bucket, this is called the secondary break. In this situation the defense is not set yet, but isn't outnumbered anymore.

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Fastbreaks are often results of good defensive plays such as a steal or a block, where the defending team gains possession of the ball and run the other way while the offensive team has not adjusted. Recognition and speed are critical to the success of a fastbreak.

Related Topics:
Steal - Block

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Fastbreaks are aesthetically pleasing in basketball and often draws excitement from the crowd. The Los Angeles Lakers uses them to great effect in the 1980s, drawing the term Showtime.

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