The fast break usually develops after a rebound, steal, or possibly after a made basket, and is the fastest way to make the transition from defence to offence. As soon as the defence gains control of the ball, they use the outlet pass or dribble to start the break - passing being the first option, because it moves the ball faster. On a rebound, the rebounder should pivot toward the wing area on that side of the court and hit the outlet - point guard being the first option. The player receiving the pass gets the ball to the middle of the court by either passing or dribbling. Team mates should fill the lanes on either side as they proceed down the court. The player with the ball in the middle wants to get to the area between the 3 point and free-throw line before passing to either lane for a shot or short drive.

It's important to stay spread out and run at top speed under control during the fast break. The last two players down the floor are called trailers. They cut directly to the blocks on either side, looking for a pass from one of the outside lanes. Trailers often get passes on the blocks from the right or left lane cutters when the defence moves out to cover them on the wings.