In a fast break, a team attempts to move the ball up court and into scoring position as quickly as possible, so that the defense is outnumbered and does not have time to set up.

The various styles of the fast break–derivative of the original created by Frank Keaney–are seen as the best method of providing action and quick scores.

In a typical fast-break situation, the defending team obtains the ball and passes it to the fastest player, who sets up the fast break.

Recognition, speed, ball-handling skills, and decision-making are critical to the success of a fast break.

A fly fast break (also known as a one out fast break, the technical term for the play) is a basketball move in which after a shot is attempted, the player who is guarding the shooter does not box out or rebound but instead runs down the court looking for a pass from a rebounding teammate for a quick score.