How to Defend a Fast Break in Youth Basketball

The Fast Break is a great offensive weapon in basketball. When executed properly, it can lead to many scoring opportunities. Every team should have a strategy for defending the fast break to prevent their opponent from getting easy lay-ups in transition. This article will focus on defending the fast break for youth teams up to about age 12. Refer to my other article for defending the fast break for older teams.

Things You'll Need

  • Youth Basketball team in good physical condition
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Instructions

    • 1

      Assign a player to always be between the opposing team and the basket they are going towards. In many cases, this player is the point guard as he/she is closest to the opposing team's basket. If you run a motion offense that rotates the players, you should assign this responsibility to the player who is closest to the opposing team's basket when the possession changes (e.g. shot taken, pass stolen). To make it clear for the team, give a name to this responsibility such as "Mickey." For example, you could tell a specific player they are "Mickey" or they have "Mickey" responsibilities. Make it a fun name so they will remember it.

    • 2

      The other four players should be aggressive in going after offensive rebounds. This accomplishes two things:
      1. It provides scoring opportunities for your team.

      2. It forces the opposing team to keep at least four players near the basket to box out which slows down their ability to fast break.

    • 3

      "Mickey" never lets an opposing player get closer to the basket than he/she is.

    • 4

      Once the opposing team secures the ball, all players sprint down the court and into the lane.

    • 5

      All players should keep an eye on the ball at all times. In many cases, fast breaking teams can make errant passes which can lead to steals and easy baskets for your team. If your players do not keep an eye on the ball, they cannot get the steals and position themselves properly to defend.

    • 6

      Once the entire team is in the lane, they can then fan out to guard their assigned player. When doing this, be sure to instruct them to be ready for help defense. If their player is on the opposite side of the ball, they can stay in the lane for help defense.