fast break

¹ American  

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.

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fast-break ² American  

[fast-breyk, fahst-] / ˈfæstˈbreɪk, ˈfɑst- /

verb (used without object)

Basketball.

fast-broke, fast-broken, fast-breaking

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

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Etymology

Origin of fast break

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

The Gators like to get out in the fast break, but Iowa countered with a snail-paced offense style of any team in the nation this season.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Redondo Union loves to fast break and create scoring opportunities with its defense.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 15, 2026

With less than five minutes left, Londynn Jones forced a turnover, dove for a loose ball and started a fast break that was finished by Kara Dunn.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 7, 2025

The Lakers had 12 fast break points and 23 assists against the Bucks.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 16, 2025

I got another chance on a fast break, and I could have passed, but I forced a difficult shot because I’d missed the last one.

From "All American Boys" by Jason Reynolds