Running the Fast Break in Basketball

Fast break basketball is what it is all about in the sport today. Players are becoming faster and quicker and more big men are learning how to run the floor and finish. With this, a good education in fast break basketball is almost a must for any basketball team. Every aspect of it is important, from the outlet pass to the finish at the other end.

The fast break always starts with an effective outlet pass. An outlet pass is when the rebounder pulls down the basketball and immediately looks for a teammate down the court. Most fast break teams will also have a player that leaks out around mid court to receive the pass just in case the outlet pass can not be longer. If the passer sees someone wide open down the floor, they simply pass him the ball for a layup or dunk. If not, then they hit this outlet to start the fast break.

Another key element to a fast break is decision making. If you see that you do not have more offensive players ahead than defensive players, then you need to pull up and start your normal half court offense. If the player is not clearly open, do not push the ball down the floor.

When you receive the outlet pass, the key is to get the basketball to the middle of the floor. The other players should fan out on either side of you so that you can have some options. If you have two players on either wing and only one defender in front of you, the decision is simple. You simply drive and pass or shoot depending on who the player covers. The same holds true for whatever numbers advantage you may hold. You respond with pass or shot based on what they do. If they come to you, then dish the rock to whoever is open.

The bottom line with fast break basketball is to keep the ball ahead of the defense when possible. If you have a player open beyond the defense, pass the ball. There is no need to do otherwise as they will likely have a layup or foul. When you pass ahead, you must hit the player in stride so that they can easily make a move to the basket. If they have to reach back or wait for the pass, the chances they will score go down considerably because the defense will have time to react.

Trailing the fast break is important as well. The big men need to run the floor as though the fast break will be stopped. Also, many fast break teams will send a good shooter beyond the three point line in case the layup is not there. In this situation, the point guard will drive deep into the defense and then kick the ball out for three.