What is a fast break in basketball?

A fast break in basketball is when a team takes the ball from defense to offense as quickly as possible. It usually occurs after a defensive rebound, steal, or turnover. The goal of a fast break is to catch the opposing team quickly transitioning from defense to offense and score before they can set up their defense.

The players involved in a fast break are the ball handler, usually the point guard or shooting guard, and two or three of the team's fastest players. The other players may trail the play or set up for a rebound or potential pass.

During a fast break, the ball handler will push the ball up the court quickly, looking for open teammates. The defense typically struggles to cover the fast break due to the quick transition from offense to defense, allowing for easy scoring opportunities.

The success of a fast break heavily depends on communication and teamwork. Players must know their roles and anticipate their teammates' movements to execute a successful fast break.