Fast Break Offense

If a poll was to be taken, asking players if they want to fast break, about 95% of the players would say, “yes.” I, also, think the majority of coaches would also reply yes. A running, fast breaking style is exciting, and enjoyable to play. But few players understand the fundamentals of running a good fast break and the effort involved. Plus, there are not a lot of coaches that know the running game well, and how to coach it as well as the other fundamentals of basketball.

Basics of the Fast Break

  • A good fast break is not just 5 guys running down the court as fast as they can.

  • Proper spacing. Be aware of the different lanes. There are two wide lanes, for the wings. Two interior lanes for trailers. A middle lane for the ball handler.

  • Timing. A proper break should be run in a 3-1-1 sequence. The first three are the 2 wings and the ball handler, followed by the first trailer, and then the fifth player trailing.

  • Wings run wide until foul line extended, and then cut at a 45 degree angle to the basket.

  • The ball handler, in middle lane, pulls up at foul line.

  • A good fast break should offer a high percentage shot with.an advantage in numbers.

Different Types of the Fast Break

  1. 2 on 1 Fast Break

  2. 3 on 2 Fast Break

  3. 3 on 3 Fast Break

  4. 2 on 2 Fast Break

Ball Handler’s Actions

  • Catch the ball, from the rebounder or an out of bounds passer, on a circuitous route.

  • Upon catch, handler should immediately look up the floor, checking to see if the wings are filled, and how many defenders are up the floor.

  • If a wing is open, throw ahead; may be able to create a 3 on 2. Run ahead, looking for a pass back

  • If ball is not thrown ahead, a quick glance backward will give the dribbler an idea if the trailers might become part of the break.

  • Recognize what type of break it will be. 2 on 1, he’s thinking lay up. 3 on 2, pull up at foul line. 2 an 2, looking to beat defender to create numbers. 3 on 3, again, looking to beat defender to create numbers, or looking for a trailer.

  • Make the pass early enough so that the wing has some room to dribble. Be aware of the skills of the players that are to receive a pass, and pass accordingly.

Wing’s Actions

  • Assume this is not a “numbered break.”

  • At the moment there is a change of possession, whether by rebound or after a basket, the 3 remaining players who are not to be the ball handler or who don’t have the ball, should look immediately to the nearest outside lane. If that lane is empty, player should sprint to fill it.

  • If nearest outside lane is already filled, then look to opposite outside lane to see if that lane in filled. If not, sprint to fill it.

  • Understand that the most important part of a fast break happens in the back court. From the backcourt, if the ball isn’t pushed up the floor quickly, and the outside lanes aren’t sprinted to quickly, then there will not be a break.

  • If lanes are filled, then player should slow up, and move to an inside trailer lane and trail the break.

  • Wing players sprint to foul line extended at opposite end, then cut to basket at 45 degree angle.

  • They should see the ball at all times. As wing players enter the front court, they should slow up a little, chop their steps some, and start to get under control.

  • Wings should run for lay ups not slow up and stop at 3 point line.

  • Some coaches want wings to continue on and cross. Other coaches like the wings to pop out on the same side. Still other like to have wings go to a “turn out action.”

Trailers’ Actions

  • Upon seeing that the outside lanes are filled, a player should slow up a bit and move to the inside trailer lane.

  • The fifth player, seeing that the outside lanes are filled, and one of the trailer lanes is filled, should slow up even more than the first trailer, and move to an inside trailer lane.

  • The fifth player, as the last player, needs to be aware of defensive balance. He shouldn’t sprint up court leaving the back court naked, in case of a turnover.

  • The first trailer should run down the floor with timing, understanding that the first 3 players go first, and then the first trailer.

  • The first trailer looks for an opening. If there are 2 defenders behind the first trailer, then he can yell to the wing man on his side to sprint through, leaving an open lane.

  • Some coaches want the first trailer to stop as a reverse ball guy; some coaches like trailers to go to post up position.

  • The second trailer, being the last player, is often used as a reverse the ball player. Sometimes they are sent to the post; other times they are used as a quick screener.

Fast Break Pointers

  • Ball handlers should try to receive the ball on a circular route.

  • Ball handlers should not go toward the ball, especially not on a straight line. Going to the ball slows the break down at its most critical point.

  • Get the ball to the middle of the court as quickly as possible.

  • Get players to the wings as soon as possible.

  • All players should see the ball, and be ready for a pass.

  • Ball handler should look up the court. Advance the ball with a pass if passing lane is open, and if the wing is skillful enough to handle.

  • Player with the ball should make a defender to pick him up.

  • Look for a good shot opportunity.

  • Trailers should be looked to if the first wave is not open for a high percentage shot.


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