Fast Break

Particularly against tired teams, the fast break is a devastating weapon.  We should look to fast-break off turnovers whenever possible.

Role of Players in Front of the Turnover

• If you are in front of the turnover, your job is to make threatening cuts.
• Never run back to pick up the disc unless you and a teammate upfield are wide open.
• If you have good spacing, head deep, but at an angle, and with your head up.  Putting your head down and running straight away from the disc is a really difficult cut to throw to.
• If you head deep, be ready to cut back at the disc for the 2^nd or 3^rd pass of a fast break.
• Most fast breaks are started with a 10-15 yard pass upfield.  Look to get quickly into these middle-range spots.
• Recognize other players upfield.  Create space for them, and work together.
• Avoid short lateral passes, even between open players.  These are the most frequently turned over fast-break passes.  Work to gain yards quickly with fewer throws.

Role of the first Player Behind the Turnover

• If you are behind but near the turnover, run with your head up to the disc. 
• Look for an open pass upfield before you pick the disc up.
• If you do not have an immediate open yardage-gaining pass, run through and become a cutter.
• If you do have an open throw, pick up the disc and hit it immediately, then break upfield to continue the flow.
• The rules are relaxed if you’re a part of a 2-on-2.  Pick up the disc, and give the other cutter a chance.  It’s incredibly difficult to play defense 1-on-1 with the whole field to work with.

Role of the Other Players Behind the Turnover

• You do not need to (or usually want to) clear through a fast break.  It’s easier to score 2-on-2 than 3-on-3, 3-on-3, than 4-on-4, etc.
• However, move quickly enough to be in position to pick up a disc that another player has passed by.
• The last person through should become the dump in case the play stalls.
• If you are uncovered, you can clear up the far sideline to get into the play.  Do not run by the thrower at a close angle.  This pass is easy to turn over.

When to Walk to the Disc

• If you’ve turned the disc over already a few times that point, you may want to slow things down and walk.
• If you don’t see an open look upfield, and in turn each behind-the-turnover player has passed by the disc, the last person should slow down to give his team time to regroup.