Secondary Break

A fast break can be started even if the outlet to the #1 guard is taken away by the defense.  A rebounder can look to the #1, see he is covered, and  “Bust Out” with a strong dribble or two.  Faking to the #1 before dribbling will usually allow the #1 to get free as he releases up the sideline.  Strong ball handlers can dribble and attack until they find someone open ahead.  Weaker dribblers and some taller players should only bust out with one of two dribbles, jump stop, and look for the point guard or others who may now be free up the court or along the sideline.           

If the opponent scores, a fast break opportunity is still available if the ball is taken out and inbounded quickly to the #1.  All of the options of the Primary Break are still available to the point guard – sideline, middle, and cross.  Another quick strike option is the “4 to 2” deep pass or “4 to 5” deep pass which works well against teams that like to press after a score or are just lazy getting back on defense.  To run a consistently successful break out of a made shot by the opponent, one player should be designated to always take the ball out for your team.  This player is designated the #4 and he needs to be a good passer and deep ball thrower.  This frees #5 to always streak deep down the middle whenever the opponent scores.  Generally the slowest player to retreat on defense is the other team’s big man, and he usually guards your #5.  A hustling #5 can get a couple of easy baskets each game with this option.

When the Primary Break does not lead to an easy basket for the players running hard up the court (#2, 3, 5), a Secondary Break – Early Offense opportunity may be available.  This attack can take advantage of a defender who is late getting back or who relaxes momentarily after getting back on transition defense.  If the ball has been pitched ahead to the wing, a post pass may be open and should be delivered.  This gives the post an opportunity to score right away. It also opens the potential for the Inside-Outside Game where the wing might get the ball back for an open shot.  Another option is for the wing to pass to the #4 as he gets near the top of the key.  This passing angle change may free up the low post (#5) for a quick High-Low pass and an inside opportunity.  If the pass to the high post is contested, a High Post Back Door is an option to free up the #4 man.

Other quick-hitter plays can be designed to allow your team to take advantage of the better scorers on a team.  Some that I often use are Kickback and Reverse.  Another good play for almost all teams is Fist, a high pick and roll involving the #1 and the #4.  This is a great quick-hitter that can be used over and over with success, provided your point guard is a good play-maker.