The O-Zone section 4

Do you know what the Liberty’s easiest play is to score? It is the fast break. You create an easy scoring opportunity by beating the defense down the court.

TRANSITION BREAKDOWN
A fast break is a transition play where the offense’s strategy is to move down court and into a scoring position as quickly as possible so that the defense is outnumbered and does not have time to set up and defend the offensive players.

To create a successful fast-break

  • When running a fast-break, break up the court into five imaginary lanes on the court from endline to endline.
    * The two outside lanes are for the guards to run to the wing area.
    * The two inner lanes are for the posts. One post goes to the low block and one post goes to the high post area.
    * The middle lane is for the ball handler to bring the ball into the half court.
  • The rebounder passes the ball ahead to the outlet player.
    * The outlet player, who usually is a guard, stands above the foul line extended on the ball side.
  • The outlet player dribbles the ball up the middle of the floor.
  • The other players SPRINT down to the basket in their lanes.
  • The concept is for all of the players to run their lanes in order to have good court spacing. If all five players run up the court in the same area there will be poor floor spacing and it will be easier for the defense to defend.
  • Players will be rewarded with an open basket if they sprint down the court and get open.
  • Your team must be in top condition to outrun your opponent. So when your coach says take a lap, get going.
  • A well run fast-break can not only get your team a high percentage shot and a quick basket, but it can also tire out your opponents and foster great teamwork among your players.

    Five Lines
    This is a good full court transition drill that works on running the break and conditioning.

  • The center (5) starts with the ball in the middle of the floor.
  • The forwards (3 & 4) start at the elbows.
  • The guards (1 & 2) start wide at the wings, out past the 3-point line.
  • 5 passes to 3 and 3 passes to 4 (3 & 4 weave in the middle).
  • 4 passes to 1 who is running out ahead.
  • 1 passes to 2 who is up the court for a lay-up.
  • 5 runs down the middle of the floor. Their responsibility is to rebound the ball before it hits the floor.
  • 4 & 3 stay in the middle of the floor.
  • Once 2 shoots it, 2 & 1 crisscross under the basket, change sides and continue to run their lanes wide.
  • This is a full court drill, going down and back is a single.
    * For more conditioning, you can advance to running doubles (going up and down the court twice) or triples (going up and down the court three times).
  • Make sure that the team sprints their lanes and runs at full speed.
  • Have the team focus on good passing and making their lay-ups.
  • Any turnover or missed shots can lead to a penalty.
  • Make sure that all of the players rotate their spots and get a chance to run the drill on both sides of the floor.
  • Coaches do this drill for 4-5 minutes.