Definition

1. Noun:
   • In basketball, a fast break is a quick offensive transition from defense to offense, where a team rapidly advances the ball down the court to attempt a scoring shot before the opposing defense can set up.

Usage

• The term fast break is used specifically in the context of basketball strategy. It describes a specific type of play characterized by speed and the element of surprise. It is a countable noun.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The point guard initiated a fast break after the rebound, leading to an easy layup.
  • Their team's strategy relies heavily on creating turnovers to generate scoring opportunities from the fast break.
  • The coach emphasized the importance of sprinting the lanes during a fast break.

Advanced Usage

• "to run a fast break": This is the standard verb phrase used to describe executing this play.
  • The young team loves to run a fast break whenever they get the chance.
• "fast-break offense": A compound term describing a team's overall strategy that prioritizes fast breaks.
  • Their fast-break offense is one of the most exciting in the league.

Variants and Related Words

• Fast-break (adjective): Used attributively to describe things related to this play.
  • fast-break points, fast-break opportunity
• Transition offense: A broader, more formal term for offensive play that occurs before the defense is set, which includes the fast break.
• Break: A common, informal shortening of the term in basketball contexts.
  • They scored on a quick break.

Synonyms

• Quick transition: A descriptive phrase with a similar meaning.
• Run-out: An informal synonym used in basketball commentary.

Related Phrases

• "Outlet pass": The first pass that often starts a fast break.
• "Numbers advantage": The situation in a fast break where the offense has more players near the basket than the defense.

Noun

1. (basketball) a rapid dash to get a shot as soon as possible after taking possession of the ball