How to Practice a Fast Break Offense and Defense in One Drill

The fast break is an exciting and important aspect of the game of basketball. There are skills that need to be developed for both the offensive and defensive sides of the fast break. The purpose of this article is to outline a drill that can effectively develop these skills. For this drill, there are many coaching opportunities. Be sure to take the opportunity to stop the drill and provide teaching points.

Things You'll Need

  • At least 5 players
  • Basketball
  • Full basketball court
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Instructions

    • 1

      Start with five players on the court--the rest of the players should be in a line underneath the basket.

    • 2

      Three players start in the lane--the other two players start in the mid-court circle.

    • 3

      The drill begins with the coach shooting and missing a shot. The players in the lane rebound the ball and start to fast break down the court.

    • 4

      When the players in the lane secure the ball, the players in the mid-court circle become the defenders--this creates a 3-on-2 fast break.

    • 5

      The fast breaking offense tries to get the ball up the court and score while the defense tries to prevent them from scoring.

    • 6

      The 3-on-2 fast break is done when:

      A. A basket is scored

      B. A shot is missed and the 2 on defense get the rebound

      C. The offense has a turnover

    • 7

      When the fast break is done, the two players on defense start a fast break going to the other basket against one of the original offensive players. The offensive player that converts to defense is the one who takes the first shot or causes the turnover if a shot is not taken. This creates a 2-on-1 fast break.

    • 8

      The two remaining offensive players now convert to be the defenders and set up in the mid-court circle to get ready for the next set of three fast breaking offensive players.

    • 9

      Once the 2-on-1 fast break is completed, the next 3 players in line step into the lane and the drill starts again from Step 3.