Primary Break

The Numbered, Sideline Fast Break is a simple system that can be used at any level of basketball.  Players are given numbers to correspond to the position they play and are assigned specific lanes to run on the offensive transition.  #1 is the point guard, the one who needs to take the outlet pass and make the fast break go.  His job is to get his back to the sideline, as far up the court as reasonable, and take the outlet pass.  #2 and #3 are the wing players and they run the two outside lanes on the break.  They must run wide and hard every time to make themselves available for a pass up the sideline from #1.  They can run either sideline, but should try to avoid both going on the same side if possible. #4 and #5 are the bigger players and they run the middle lane.  One of them takes off hard down the center and looks for a pass from #1 if he is open.  The other player trails and stays behind the ball as he advances to the top of the key.

When #1 (point guard) gets the ball, he immediately looks up the near sideline for a wing player who may be open.  Ideally, #1 will pitch the ball ahead without using a dribble; thus, getting the ball up court as quickly as possible.  This is called, “1 to 2”or “1 to 3” “sideline pitch.”   The “2” and “3” must always be a ready to attack the basket if they have an open path for a drive.  They should also be aware of the “5” or “4” streaking down the center of the court.  A pass to the lead man down the center is called “1 to 2 to 5” or “1 to 3 to 5.”

If the sideline pass is not safely available, the #1 starts his dribble toward the center of the court while looking ahead to see if the #4 or #5 has broken clear of his defender.  If someone is open in the center, #1 passes over the top and ahead to the player streaking to the basket.  This is called “1 to 5” or “1 to 4”, “over the top.”

When the sideline option is not available and the center streaker is not free, #1 continues to dribble across the court on a diagonal, looking for the opposite-side wing.  If the cross-court pass is available, then #1 will pass ahead as soon as it is safe to do so.  This is called “cross” and is usually available in two or three dribbles at the most.  If all three options are denied, then #1 will look to penetrate the ball himself as he continues his dribble up the center of the court.  This is called “1 to 1” as #1 gives himself a chance to make a play to the rim.  The #1 should not force his option and only use it when he seems to have an advantage on his defender.  Other options will become available in the Secondary Offense that follows.