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• fast break
  fast break

  noun

  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
  fast-break

  verb (used without object)

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

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

With just under a minute left, Davidson hit the floor to get a steal and coach Lindsay Gottlieb called a timeout as a fast break was developing.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026

A Jamerson block started another fast break that led to another Brown driving layup.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 19, 2025

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

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 16, 2025

We missed at the other end, and English didn’t push the fast break.

From "All American Boys" by Jason Reynolds