fast break

¹ American

noun

Basketball.

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 American

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

verb (used without object)

Basketball.

fast-broke, fast-broken, fast-breaking

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

Etymology

Origin of fast break

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It began with Ayton getting the defensive rebound and passing the ball to James, who then whipped the ball to Austin Reaves and filled the lane on the fast break.

From Los Angeles Times

By November, they had scored more goals from fast breaks than in the previous two league campaigns combined.

From BBC

They scored often from fast breaks but this was mainly after the opposition turned the ball over in dangerous areas.

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

Their 27 total fast breaks is more than any other side in the Premier League this season too.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023