Fast Break

Fast Break

Year: 1979

Runtime: 107 mins

Language: English

Comedy

David Greene, a New York basketball enthusiast, lands a coaching job at a small Nevada college and assembles an eclectic roster: Swish, a talented girl hidden from the squad; Preacher, a devout player pursued by dangerous foes; D.C., a fugitive; plus a jailbird, a pool‑shark, a muscleman and other oddball talent. Greene molds them into a genuine contender and engineers a high‑stakes game against the nation’s top team led by Bo Winnegar, hoping to earn the squad the respect and exposure they deserve.

Fast Break (1979) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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In the bustling streets of Brooklyn, David Greene lives and breathes basketball, juggling neighborhood pickup games with a modest deli job while dreaming of a full‑time coaching career. His ambition collides with a restless marriage to Jan, whose own hopes of stability and a home clash with the uncertainty of his pursuit. When a surprisingly small college in the Nevada desert offers him a chance to lead its struggling men’s program, the offer becomes a crossroads between personal sacrifice and the chance to finally turn his passion into a profession.

Arriving at the dusty campus of Cadwallader University, David discovers that the roster is less a traditional squad and more a gathering of outliers. With the help of his street‑wise friend Hustler, he enlists a devout yet haunted player known as Preacher, a former high‑school star turned numbers runner called D.C., and a gifted, gender‑ambiguous sharpshooter named Swish who must conceal her identity to earn a spot. The final piece falls into place with the hulking yet earnest enforcer Bull, whose physical presence compensates for his raw skill set. Together they form a mismatched family of talent, each carrying their own hidden stories beneath the surface of the sport.

Under David’s unconventional guidance, the team begins to coalesce, blending raw street instincts with disciplined play. The atmosphere crackles with the energy of underdogs daring to rewrite expectations, set against the expansive Nevada backdrop of scorching courts and endless horizons. Word of their progress reaches the national stage, culminating in an invitation to challenge a powerhouse program led by the legendary Bo Winnegar. The prospect of that showdown looms as both a test of skill and a chance for the fledgling squad to claim the respect and visibility they have long chased.

Amid the looming contest, David balances the pressure of an impossible schedule, the lingering doubts of his marriage, and the yearning to prove that a ragtag collection of misfits can become something greater. The film swirls with humor, grit, and heartfelt moments, inviting viewers to root for a team whose biggest victories may be measured in the bonds they forge as much as in the points on the scoreboard.

Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 17:57

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about building an underdog team like Fast Break

Where an inspirational leader assembles a ragtag group of misfits into champions.If you enjoyed watching David Greene assemble his eclectic squad in Fast Break, you'll love these movies about quirky team builders. This thread features feel-good stories where an inspirational leader gathers a group of misfits and molds them into champions, perfect for fans of underdog sports comedies and similar team-building narratives.

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Narrative Summary

These stories follow a clear, satisfying arc: a protagonist with a dream or a challenge must recruit a team of unlikely and unconventional talents. The middle act involves training, bonding, and overcoming internal and external obstacles, building towards a climactic test where the team proves its worth, not just through skill, but through heart and unity.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread are grouped by their shared focus on the process of team formation and the uplifting vibe of turning outsiders into a family. They blend light comedy with steady-paced, straightforward narratives, culminating in a happy, feel-good ending that celebrates collective achievement over individual glory.

Movies with clever, lighthearted schemers like in Fast Break

Stories where charming characters use wit and clever plans to beat the odds.Fans of the clever recruitment tactics and the pool-hall sting in Fast Break will enjoy these movies featuring lighthearted schemers. These stories focus on charismatic characters who use their wits and unconventional plans to achieve their goals, offering a similar mix of steady pacing, medium intensity, and feel-good comedy.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist facing a superior opponent or a difficult system. Instead of a direct confrontation, they devise an elaborate, often humorous, plan or series of cons to level the playing field. The journey is as much about the clever execution of the scheme as it is about the final outcome, emphasizing ingenuity and charm.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific vibe: a blend of medium-intensity challenges solved with cleverness and humor, resulting in a light emotional weight. The pacing is steady as the plan unfolds, and the tone remains optimistic, ensuring the scheming feels like a delightful game rather than a desperate gamble.

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Fast Break Summary

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Fast Break Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Fast Break

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