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-broken, fast-breaking. 

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 cornerstones of Booker’s game will now be doing traditional big-man things and using the speed that could make him a menace in the lob game and on the fast break.

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With an outstretched hand, Dent blocked a shot to trigger a fast break that he ended with his own long jumper.

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Last season, Liverpool only conceded two goals from fast breaks all season.

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“That’s the guard skills I was talking about and I had a couple of fast breaks these last few days and I passed the ball away. Now I said, ‘Naw, man.

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Hamilton remembered Greenwood as a remarkable rebounder who whipped outlet passes to him to get fast breaks started.

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