fast break

¹

noun

, Basketball.

1. a play or method of play that brings the ball from one end of the court to the other quickly, usually by one or two quick passes in an attempt by the offensive team to score before the defensive team can get into position.

fast-break

²

[ fast-breyk, fahst- ]

verb (used without object)

, Basketball.

, fast-broke, fast-bro·ken, fast-break·ing.

1. to execute or play in the style of a fast break.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fast break¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

The Terps snatched all of the momentum when Owusu sprinted out on a fast break and drove to the basket for an athletic layup and appeared to be fouled.

From Washington Post

Even though the Aces led the league in possessions per game, their success also underscores the limits of older statistics like possessions per game and fast break points per game.

From FiveThirtyEight