fastbreak
fastbreak Lexical Profile
fastbreak Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An offensive play in basketball, ice hockey, or similar team sports in which a team rapidly moves the ball or puck up the court or ice after gaining possession, aiming to score before the opposing defense can organize.
"The point guard intercepted the pass and led a textbook fastbreak to score an easy layup."
• verb
To execute a rapid offensive advance down the court or field immediately after gaining possession of the ball or puck, before the opposing defense can set up (in basketball and similar team sports).
"Their coach encouraged the players to rebound aggressively and fastbreak at every opportunity."
Word Nuance & Usage
As a noun, the open compound 'fast break' is more common in standard writing, whereas the closed form 'fastbreak' (or hyphenated 'fast-break') is frequently used as a verb or attributive modifier.