DESCRIBING THE FAST BREAK

1. DESCRIBING THE FAST BREAK 3 STAGES

2. Three main phases of the fast break • Rebound and Outlet Pass (Defensive Phase) • Drive up to the centre of the court and the bounce pass (Transition Phase) • The collection of the bounce pass, and drive towards the basket for the lay-up shot. (Attacking Phase)

3. 3 MAN FAST BREAK C C G G F F F

4. Key Concept 2 Identification of strengths and weaknesses in performance in terms of roles and relationships; formations; tactical and design elements; choreography and composition. Key Feature 2 In terms of Formations • The 3 man Fast Break • The 3 man fast break is the first option of our offence and can be used under the following situations: • After a rebound • After a steal • After a blocked shot • After a successful shot • The fast break is the ultimate offensive weapon. It allows the ball to be advanced up the court quickly for a high percentage shot, the lay – up, either by outnumbering the defence or by not allowing the defence to set up in time. If performed effectively, the fast break provides width, depth and mobility in attack.

5. MODEL ANSWER:Description of the phases in the fast break strategy • Strategy starts at high speed after winning a defensive rebound or an interception has been made. The centre is the player who wins the rebound and initiates the fast break. • The outlet pass is made quickly to the guard. • Guard calls ‘ball’ and receives the pass. Good communication lets them know what is happening. • Guard ‘dribbles the middle’ with control and keeps up the fast speed of attack. • Guard should drive hard towards the defence making them commit, causing the defence to lose shape. K.ANDERSON 2011

6. Driving down the middle also gives the guard an option of passing to both sides (depending on which player can receive the pass in good space) therefore increases the attacking options • While the guard dribbles down the middle, the forward and centre should fill the outside lanes just ahead of the guard to provide him with passing options and maximum opportunity to attack. (Width) • Guard passes right to the oncoming forward. The forward signals to show when and where he/she wants the ball • Forward takes the opportunity to lay-up the shot as soon as the pass has been collected. The centre supports the attack and moves under the basket for a rebound. • The guard remains at the top of the key to support the attack. (Depth) • A lay-up shot is the 1st option because it has a higher percentage chance of being scored. This is because the distance between the where the shot is taken and the basket is at its smallest K. ANDERSON 2011

7. Strengths of the Fast Break • Fast break creates a high % shot, the lay – up • Attack takes place before the opponents have time to set up their defence defence • Works well against zone defence due to the time restriction the opponents have for setting up such defence • Creates an attacking overload (2v1 or 3v2) • A fast break attack can cause mismatches against player to player defence • A fast break team discourages opponents from sending to many players to the offensive board to rebound for fear of not having players to defend K.A NDERSON 2011

8. Weaknesses of the Fast Break • Could get caught in the opponents half, if the ball is intercepted • Speed of attack puts pressure on players skill level • Ability levels of players must be high • Could create a mismatch in opponents favour K.ANDERSON 2011

9. Fast Break Criteria Defensive Phase Rebound Fast, accurate outlet pass to the G Transition Phase Dribble the middle Accurate bounce pass to the F Attacking Phase Pass collected, F just in front of G Lay up shot