1. AREA 4: STRUCTURES AND STRATEGIES - BASKETBALL Saint Roch’s Secondary School Higher Still P.E.

2. THE FAST BREAK (The Running Game) Every team has the same aim: to score more points than their opponents. The easiest way to score points is to shoot the hoop unopposed. If a player can move very quickly towards the opponents basket, with no defenders in front of it, then it is a much simpler task to lay-up or slam dunk the ball. When a team try to get a player into this kind of position it is referred to as a FAST BREAK. It is the first option in any offence at any time during the game. The primary fast break can be created from steals, rebounds, blocked shots, made field goals and made free throws. Saint Roch’s Secondary School Higher Still P.E.

3. Saint Roch’s Secondary School Higher Still P.E. The break is the best way to create easy scoring opportunities and to control the tempo of the game The break is the first and often most effective way of beating full or half-court pressure defences. The break works well against a zone defence if your players push the ball up the court and get a scoring opportunity before the zone has time to set up. ADVANTAGES OF THE FAST BREAK

4. Fast break rules ‘ The more you give it up, the more you get it back’ The pass that leads directly to the score is no more important than the pass that sets up the pass that leads to the score. Players too often focus on making the ‘assist’ pass that leads directly to the basket, often forcing the ball to team mates who are not open, which leads to turnovers and missed scoring opportunities. ‘ Hit the open man’ If a team mate is ahead on the break, pass it to him. If he is closer to the basket and open, pass it to him. The importance of passing is making sure you know what a good pass is. Don’t try to overpass or pass to a player in trouble. Saint Roch’s Secondary School Higher Still P.E.