Fast break is an offensive tactic that ensues when you steal the ball from your opponent, bringing it up court as quickly as possible through a pass or a dribble. The player can obtain control of the ball with a block, steal, turnover, or rebound. This method is done before the opposing team can have the chance to set up their defense.
Why is Fast Break a Strong Offensive Strategy?
Running a fast break offense can elevate your team’s gameplay, leading to victory. Here are top reasons why it is one offense you need to train for.
Keeps your opponent under pressure
When your team goes for this type of offense, the opponent team is caught off guard, which negatively affects their defenses and tempo. With this extreme pressure, the opponents make more mistakes, giving you the upper hand. The coach and the players are forced to change their plan abruptly and may lead to bad decisions.
Drives your team to generate more points
Basketball fast break offense allows you to score more since you can beat the opposing team’s defense right before they have a chance to build it up. Plus, it keeps the game exciting for viewers and basketball players alike.
Gives you control over the pace of the game
If your team is trained enough to run a high number of break offenses in a game, odds are each player is in great shape and has increased endurance. This may not be the same case for your opponent, who is not trained well to endure a fast game pace. The tempo change can wear down your opponents, which is one of your goals aside from shooting. Once tired of running the break, the opposing team won’t be able to do defense adequately.
Tips on How to Run a Fast Break Seamlessly
Funny as it may sound, to effectively run a fast break, you must do it quickly. It may be pumped from an adrenaline rush, but having the right drills and ample practice can train you and your team to do it instinctively.
As mentioned, this offense can be done from a missed shot, rebound, block, or steal. It typically requires one or more players who have the upper hand in quantity to drive the basketball up the court to the net. Each player must be ready to run and go into their lane. Remember, stay wide. Keep an eye on the player who is open to receive the ball and pass it to him. Then your goal is to get the ball to the middle of the floor, not on the sidelines. At this point, avoid over-dribbling and overpassing. The main target is to pass the ball to the player closest to the basket who can finish it with a lay-up or a dunk. In some cases, it can be done with a three-point shot.
Key Tips:
- Practice cues for communication that will start a fast break. Some do it impulsively, some may do some hand movements, and some may use verbal cues like shouting “break.”
- Each player must be trained to do a good pass. Overcomplicated passes or bounce passes are not ideal during a break. Opt for the chest pass.
- Each player must be trained to get in the position as fast as possible to save time in passing the ball to players with lesser chances of shooting the ball.
- Keep your distance. Space is one critical factor of a good break. When players stay wide, it will be harder for opponents to defend.
- Apart from starting a fast break on a rebound or steal, try to run it after a successful shot from the opposing team. Keep in mind that each scoring opportunity matters.
Fast Break in a Nutshell
Running a fast break effectively can help your team score more points. Like any other offense, the team must be trained and conditioned enough to do it properly. This offensive play must be done at every chance you get made possible with good communication skills and quick decision making.