Glossary of basketball terms
Encyclopedia
Basketball
, like any other major sport, has its own unique words and phrases used by sports journalists, players, and fans.
violation.
5x5: A minimum of 5 in all positive stat categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks).
; often regarded as the second-strongest domestic league in the world, behind the NBA. Initialism for the Spanish
Asociación de Clubes de Baloncesto ("Association of Basketball Clubs").
advance step: A step in which the defender's lead foot steps toward their man and the back foot slides forward.
air ball
: An unblocked shot that fails to hit the rim or backboard. Does not reset the shot clock.
alley oop
: An offensive play in which a player throws the ball up near the basket to a teammate (or, more rarely, to himself) who jumps, catches the ball in mid air and immediately scores a basket, usually with a slam dunk.
and one: The free throw awarded to a shooter who is fouled while scoring.
assist
: A pass to a teammate who scores a basket immediately or after one dribble.
ball hog
: A player who does not pass the ball
backboard : The rectangular platform behind the rim in which supports it
backcourt: (1) The half of the court a team is defending. The opposite of the frontcourt. (2) A team's guards.
backcourt violation : (1) Touching the ball in the backcourt after it has entered the frontcourt and was not last touched by the other team. (2) failure to bring the ball from the backcourt into the frontcourt within the allotted time of 8 seconds in the NBA or FIBA (previously 10) and 10 seconds in Men's NCAA. The timing violation does not exist in NCAA Women's basketball.
back screen: An offensive play in which a player comes from the low post to set a screen for a player on the perimeter.
ball fake: A sudden movement by the player with the ball intended to cause the defender to move in one direction, allowing the passer to pass in another direction. Also called "pass fake."
ball reversal: Passing of the ball from one side of the court to the other.
ball screen: An offensive play in which a player sets a screen on the defender guarding the player with the ball.
ball side: The half of the court (divided lengthwise) that the ball is on. Also called the "strong side." The opposite of the help side.
banana cut: A wide, curving cut, as opposed to a cut that is a straight line. Also known as a 'C' cut
bank shot: A shot that hits the backboard before hitting the rim or going through the net.
baseball pass: Passing the basketball using an overhand throw with one hand similar to a baseball pitch.
baseline: The line that marks the playing boundary at either end of the court. Also called the "end line."
baseline out-of-bounds play: The play used to return the ball to the court from outside the baseline along the opponent's basket.
basket cut: A cut toward the basket.
bench: (1) Substitutes sitting on the sideline, (2) The bench or chairs they sit on.
benchwarmer: A player who sits on the bench for most if not all of the game.
blindside screen: A screen set directly behind a defender where the player can't see it.
block: (1) A violation in which a defender steps in front of a dribbler but is still moving when they collide. Also called a "blocking foul." (2) To tip or deflect a shooter's shot, altering its flight so the shot misses. (3) The small painted square on the floor next to the basket just outside the lane.
block out: To maintain better rebounding position than an opposing player by widening your stance and arms and using your body as a barrier. Also called "box out."
board: A rebound
bonus
: under NCAA and NFHS rules, a team is "in the bonus" when its opponent has seven, eight or nine team fouls in a half and so gains a one and one opportunity on each non-shooting foul. The opposing team is "over the limit." See also double bonus and penalty.
bounce pass: A pass that bounces once before reaching the receiver.
box-and-one: A combination defense in which four defenders play zone in a box formation and the fifth defender guards one player man-to-man.
box out: See block out.
box set: A formation in which four players align themselves as the four corners of a box. Often used for baseline out-of-bounds plays.
brick: A bad shot that bounces off the backboard or rim without a chance of going in.
bricklayer: One who repeatedly shoots bricks.
bump the cutter: To step in the way of a player who is trying to cut to the ball for a pass.
buzzer beater
: A basket in the final seconds of a game (right before the buzzer sounds) that in itself results in a win or overtime.
: One of the three standard player positions. Centers are generally the tallest players on the floor, responsible mainly for scoring, rebounding, and defense near the basket.
chucker: A player who takes frequent, and often imprudent, shot attempts. The term was popularized by the television series Seinfeld
.
dish: An assist.
double bonus: (NCAA and NFHS) when a team accumulates 10 or more fouls in a half, the other team is "in the double bonus", earning two free throws on each subsequent non-shooting foul by the defense. See also bonus and penalty.
double-double: Double-digit figures in two positive statistical categories (example: 12 points, 14 rebounds)
double dribble: (1) To dribble the ball with two hands at the same time (2) To dribble, stop, and then begin to dribble again; Either act results in a loss of possession.
double nickel: To accumulate 55 points.
downtown: Well outside the three-point line
.
dribble drive motion
: An offense that spreads the players to open up the lane for driving player to make a layup or kick out for a three pointer.
dribble: To bounce the ball continuously with one hand. Required in order to take steps with the ball.
drop a dime: To make an assist
drop step: A post up move where the ballhandler picks up his dribble and at the same time extends a leg back on one side of his defender and then turns toward the basket, using that leg as leverage to get between his defender and the basket.
dunk
: (v) To score by putting the ball directly through the basket with one or both hands. (n) A shot made by dunking.
Eurocup : Europe's second-level transnational club competition; the qualifying rounds are operated by FIBA Europe, while the competition proper is operated by ULEB. Analogous to the UEFA Europa League in football.
Euroleague : Europe's top transnational club competition, also operated by ULEB. Analogous to the UEFA Champions League
in football.
EuroBasket
: European international tournament, held every two years for both men and women
. Analogous to the UEFA European Football Championship
(men) and UEFA Women's Championship
.
FIBA
: The International Basketball Federation, an association of national organizations which governs international competitions.
FIBA 33
: A formalized version of three-on-three halfcourt basketball created by FIBA in 2007, and currently being heavily promoted by the federation.
field goal
: A shot made from anywhere on the court, does not include free throws.
flagrant foul
: An unsportsmanlike foul in which there is no serious attempt to play the ball.
forward : One of the three standard player positions. Forwards are primarily responsible for scoring and rebounding. See Small forward
and Power forward
.
foul
: Violations of the rules other than floor violations, generally attempts to gain advantage by physical contact; penalized by a change in possession or free-throw opportunities; see personal foul, technical foul, and flagrant foul.
four-point play
: A rare play in which a player is fouled while making a three-point shot and then makes the resulting free throw.
free throw
: An unopposed attempt to score a basket, worth one point, from the free throw line. Generally, two attempts are awarded when the player is fouled in the act of shooting (three attempts are awarded in the case of three point shot), fouled flagrantly, or when the opposing team fouls while over the foul limit. One attempt is awarded for technical fouls.
guard : One of the three standard player positions. Today, guards are typically classified in two broad categories. Point guard
s have strong ballhandling and passing skills and are typically used to run the offense. Shooting guard
s, as the name implies, are generally the team's best shooters, and are very often the leading scorers on their teams. Some players, often referred to as combo guard
s, combine the features of both.
gunner: Someone who shoots the ball too many times.
: The strategy of intentionally and repeatedly committing a personal foul against a player who shoots free throws poorly. "Shaq" refers to Shaquille O'Neal
.
halfcourt defense: The portion of a team's defensive play conducted with both teams having established positions. See also transition defense.
halfcourt offense: The portion of a team's offensive play conducted with both teams having established positions. See also transition offense.
Halftime : (1) The end of the first half of play. (2) The interval between the two halves.
index rating : A player rating used by ULEB to determine MVPs in the Euroleague and Eurocup. It is calculated from statistics available in standard ULEB box scores as follows:
: The free-throw lane and free-throw circle together (originally, the lane was narrower than the circle's diameter, giving the area the appearance of a skeleton key
hole)
kicking : A violation called when a player intentionally uses his or her foot or leg to contact the ball. Play is stopped and the ball is given to the non-violating team to inbound.
lay-in: A close-range shot using one hand to tip the ball over the rim
layup : A close-range shot using one hand to bank the ball off the backboard
Memphis Attack : Another name for dribble drive motion; the offense was popularized in the early 2000s at the University of Memphis
.
motion offense : Offense created through a series of cuts and screens to create the best possible shot, with most or all offensive players moving simultaneously.
: The National Basketball Association, the largest professional league in the United States
, also with one team
in Canada
.
NCAA
: The National Collegiate Athletic Association, the primary governing body for intercollegiate sports in the United States
. Also used to describe national tournaments operated by this body, especially the Division I men's
and women's
tournaments. An unrelated body with the same name
exists in the Philippines
.
NFHS
: The National Federation of State High School Associations, the body that sets rules for high school sports in the U.S., including basketball.
NIT
: The National Invitation Tournament, a postseason tournament for NCAA Division I men's basketball teams that do not qualify for the NCAA Tournament. Founded in 1938, a year before the NCAA Tournament, it is closely identified with New York City
; all games were originally held at the third Madison Square Garden
, and to this day the semifinals and final are held at today's Madison Square Garden
. In its early years, it was considered more prestigious than the NCAA Tournament, but this changed starting in the 1950s. The tournament has been directly operated by the NCAA since 2006
.
one-and-one: (NCAA and NFHS) A free-throw attempt which, if made, allows the player a second free-throw attempt. See also bonus.
one trillion: A box score
showing one minute played and zero for all other statistics, resulting in a one followed by twelve zeros – the conventional American
rendering of "one trillion."
outlet pass: A pass thrown by a rebounder to start a fast break.
over-and-back: See backcourt violation (1).
over the back: a foul committed by a player who tries to rebound the ball by pushing, moving or climbing on a player's back who is already in position to rebound the ball.
overtime: when the score is tied at the end of regulation play, the teams play a five-minute overtime period.
paint: the key.
pass: (v) To throw the ball to a teammate. (n) The act of passing.
penalty
: once a team reaches a set number of team fouls in a playing period, varying by governing body, the fouled team gets free throws instead of possession of the ball. The fouling team is "over the limit." See also bonus and double bonus.
perimeter: the area outside the key but well inside the three-point arc.
pivot: (1) The pivot center.
pivot foot: The foot that must remain touching the floor to avoid traveling
point forward
: A forward with strong ballhandling and passing skills who can be called on to direct the team's offense.
points in the paint : Field goals made in the painted area below the free-throw line
post up : To go in or near the key, turn so that you are facing away from the basket but towards a teammate who has the ball, and try to establish position to receive a pass.
prayer : A shot that has very little probability of being made.
rejected : To have one's shot blocked.
rip a C: A motion used while chinning the ball to create space during a pivot between an offensive player and a defensive player. Pivot towards the defender and rips the ball in a C-shape away from the pressure to create a passing lane.
run : An interval in which one team heavily outscores the other.
rock : the ball
: (v) To attempt to prevent a defender from guarding a teammate by standing in the defender's way. The screening player must remain stationary; a moving screen is an offensive foul. (n) The tactic of setting a screen. Also called a "pick".
secondary break: An offensive phase after a fast break is initially stopped, but before the opponent can enter into its set defense.
set shot: A shot taken without leaving the floor.
shot clock
: A timer designed to increase the pace (and subsequently, the score) by requiring the ball to either touch the rim or enter the basket before the timer expires, resulting in a loss of possession. The time limit is 24 seconds in the NBA, WNBA, and FIBA play; 30 in NCAA women's play; and 35 in NCAA men's play. See also airball.
sixth man
(or sixth woman) : A player who does not start, but is generally the first person off the bench, and often has statistics comparable to those of starters.
swingman
: A player capable of playing either shooting guard or small forward.
swat: To hit a ball that an opposing player just shot off course so that it misses completely. (See also, pack.)
Swish
: (n) A shot which goes through the net without hitting the backboard or rim. (v) To make a swish.
: A foul assessed for unsportsmanlike non-contact behavior and for some procedural violations (for example, having too many players on the floor or calling timeout when none remain). Penalized by loss of possession after a free throw which may be taken by any member of the opposing team. Frequently abbreviated as "technical" or "T."
three-point field goal
: A shot, worth three points, attempted with both feet behind the three-point line.
three-pointer: A three-point field goal
trey: A three-point field goal
three-point play : (1) A play in which a shooter is fouled while making a two-point shot and then makes the resulting free throw. See also and one. (2) (rarely) When a shooter is fouled while taking but missing a three-point shot and then makes all three free throws.
toilet bowl : When the ball hits the rim on a certain angle and then circles around it, can go in or out.
transition defense: The portion of a team's defensive play conducted when the other team has first gained possession and is moving up the court, before both teams have established positions. Includes defense against fast breaks. See also halfcourt defense.
transition offense: The portion of a team's offensive play conducted when first obtaining possession from the other team and moving up the court, before both teams have established positions. Includes fast breaks. See also halfcourt offense.
travel
: To move one's pivot foot illegally or to fall to the floor without maintaining a pivot foot (exact rules vary — see Traveling (basketball)
)or takes 3 step.only 1 or 2 steps are allowed but after you take three steps with not dribbling the ball it is called traveling.
triangle offense
: An offensive strategy with the goal of exchanging three (sometimes all five) positions, creating spacing among players and allowing each one to pass to four teammates.
triple-double : Double-digit figures in three positive statistical categories (example: 12 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists)
turnover
: A loss of possession.
: A cooperative organization of professional basketball leagues in Europe, this body operates the Euroleague and Eurocup. The name is a French
acronym for "Union of European Leagues of Basketball".
Up and down : A violation when the ball carrier jump vertically into the air and does not get rid of it before landing.
V-cut : A move where you move to the player defending you, then quickly turn and receive the ball. Used to fake the defender.
: The Women's National Basketball Association, the largest professional basketball league for women in the United States.
WNIT
: The Women's National Invitation Tournament, a postseason tournament for NCAA Division I women's basketball teams that do not qualify for the NCAA Tournament. Founded in 1969, the WNIT predates collegiate national championship tournaments for women, but has never been considered the equal of those tournaments. Despite the name, it has no relation to the men's NIT—it is not operated by the NCAA, and was never under the control of any of the bodies that ran the men's NIT before 2006.
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
, like any other major sport, has its own unique words and phrases used by sports journalists, players, and fans.
0–9
24-second violation: (NBA, WNBA, FIBA) a shot-clockShot clock
A shot clock is used in some sports to quicken the pace of the game. It is normally associated with basketball, but has also found use in sports such as snooker, professional lacrosse, water polo, and korfball....
violation.
5x5: A minimum of 5 in all positive stat categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks).
A
ACB: The top professional league in SpainSpain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
; often regarded as the second-strongest domestic league in the world, behind the NBA. Initialism for the Spanish
Spanish language
Spanish , also known as Castilian , is a Romance language in the Ibero-Romance group that evolved from several languages and dialects in central-northern Iberia around the 9th century and gradually spread with the expansion of the Kingdom of Castile into central and southern Iberia during the...
Asociación de Clubes de Baloncesto ("Association of Basketball Clubs").
advance step: A step in which the defender's lead foot steps toward their man and the back foot slides forward.
air ball
Air ball
In basketball, an air ball is a shot that misses both the rim and the backboard.The usage may have an ironic subtext to it; "air" is generally used positively in basketball, often relating to jumping ability. The "air ball", on the other hand, is widely perceived as the opposite: a signifier of an...
: An unblocked shot that fails to hit the rim or backboard. Does not reset the shot clock.
alley oop
Alley oop (basketball)
An alley-oop in basketball is an offensive play in which one player throws the ball near the basket to a teammate who jumps, catches the ball in mid air and immediately scores a basket, usually with a slam dunk...
: An offensive play in which a player throws the ball up near the basket to a teammate (or, more rarely, to himself) who jumps, catches the ball in mid air and immediately scores a basket, usually with a slam dunk.
and one: The free throw awarded to a shooter who is fouled while scoring.
assist
Assist (basketball)
In basketball, an assist is attributed to a player who passes the ball to a teammate in a way that leads to a score by field goal, meaning that he or she was "assisting" in the basket. There is some judgment involved in deciding whether a passer should be credited with an assist...
: A pass to a teammate who scores a basket immediately or after one dribble.
B
backdoor cut: An offensive play in which a player on the perimeter steps away from the basket, drawing the defender along, then suddenly cuts to the basket behind the defender for a pass. The opposite of a V cut.ball hog
Ball hog
A ball hog is a derisive term in basketball for a player that handles the ball exclusively to the point of impairing the team. "Ball hogging" is generally considered unacceptable playing behavior at all levels of basketball competition. It is not a violation of the rules of basketball...
: A player who does not pass the ball
backboard : The rectangular platform behind the rim in which supports it
backcourt: (1) The half of the court a team is defending. The opposite of the frontcourt. (2) A team's guards.
backcourt violation : (1) Touching the ball in the backcourt after it has entered the frontcourt and was not last touched by the other team. (2) failure to bring the ball from the backcourt into the frontcourt within the allotted time of 8 seconds in the NBA or FIBA (previously 10) and 10 seconds in Men's NCAA. The timing violation does not exist in NCAA Women's basketball.
back screen: An offensive play in which a player comes from the low post to set a screen for a player on the perimeter.
ball fake: A sudden movement by the player with the ball intended to cause the defender to move in one direction, allowing the passer to pass in another direction. Also called "pass fake."
ball reversal: Passing of the ball from one side of the court to the other.
ball screen: An offensive play in which a player sets a screen on the defender guarding the player with the ball.
ball side: The half of the court (divided lengthwise) that the ball is on. Also called the "strong side." The opposite of the help side.
banana cut: A wide, curving cut, as opposed to a cut that is a straight line. Also known as a 'C' cut
bank shot: A shot that hits the backboard before hitting the rim or going through the net.
baseball pass: Passing the basketball using an overhand throw with one hand similar to a baseball pitch.
baseline: The line that marks the playing boundary at either end of the court. Also called the "end line."
baseline out-of-bounds play: The play used to return the ball to the court from outside the baseline along the opponent's basket.
basket cut: A cut toward the basket.
bench: (1) Substitutes sitting on the sideline, (2) The bench or chairs they sit on.
benchwarmer: A player who sits on the bench for most if not all of the game.
blindside screen: A screen set directly behind a defender where the player can't see it.
block: (1) A violation in which a defender steps in front of a dribbler but is still moving when they collide. Also called a "blocking foul." (2) To tip or deflect a shooter's shot, altering its flight so the shot misses. (3) The small painted square on the floor next to the basket just outside the lane.
block out: To maintain better rebounding position than an opposing player by widening your stance and arms and using your body as a barrier. Also called "box out."
board: A rebound
bonus
Bonus (basketball)
In the sport of basketball, the bonus situation is a situation where one team accumulates a certain amount of fouls, which varies depending on the level of play. When the number of fouls has been reached, the bonus begins...
: under NCAA and NFHS rules, a team is "in the bonus" when its opponent has seven, eight or nine team fouls in a half and so gains a one and one opportunity on each non-shooting foul. The opposing team is "over the limit." See also double bonus and penalty.
bounce pass: A pass that bounces once before reaching the receiver.
box-and-one: A combination defense in which four defenders play zone in a box formation and the fifth defender guards one player man-to-man.
box out: See block out.
box set: A formation in which four players align themselves as the four corners of a box. Often used for baseline out-of-bounds plays.
brick: A bad shot that bounces off the backboard or rim without a chance of going in.
bricklayer: One who repeatedly shoots bricks.
bump the cutter: To step in the way of a player who is trying to cut to the ball for a pass.
buzzer beater
Buzzer beater
In basketball, a buzzer beater is a shot taken just before the game clock of a period expires, when the buzzer sounds. The term is normally reserved for baskets that win or tie the game, but also refers to shots that beat an end-of-quarter or halftime buzzer...
: A basket in the final seconds of a game (right before the buzzer sounds) that in itself results in a win or overtime.
C
centerCenter (basketball)
The center, colloquially known as the five or the post, is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. The center is normally the tallest player on the team, and often has a great deal of strength and body mass as well...
: One of the three standard player positions. Centers are generally the tallest players on the floor, responsible mainly for scoring, rebounding, and defense near the basket.
chucker: A player who takes frequent, and often imprudent, shot attempts. The term was popularized by the television series Seinfeld
Seinfeld
Seinfeld is an American television sitcom that originally aired on NBC from July 5, 1989, to May 14, 1998, lasting nine seasons, and is now in syndication. It was created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, the latter starring as a fictionalized version of himself...
.
D
dime: See drop a dime.dish: An assist.
double bonus: (NCAA and NFHS) when a team accumulates 10 or more fouls in a half, the other team is "in the double bonus", earning two free throws on each subsequent non-shooting foul by the defense. See also bonus and penalty.
double-double: Double-digit figures in two positive statistical categories (example: 12 points, 14 rebounds)
double dribble: (1) To dribble the ball with two hands at the same time (2) To dribble, stop, and then begin to dribble again; Either act results in a loss of possession.
double nickel: To accumulate 55 points.
downtown: Well outside the three-point line
Three-point field goal
A three-point field goal is a field goal in a basketball game, made from beyond the three-point line, a designated arc radiating from the basket...
.
dribble drive motion
Dribble drive motion
The dribble drive motion is an offensive strategy in basketball, developed by University of Massachusetts assistant coach Vance Walberg, when he was a high school coach in California....
: An offense that spreads the players to open up the lane for driving player to make a layup or kick out for a three pointer.
dribble: To bounce the ball continuously with one hand. Required in order to take steps with the ball.
drop a dime: To make an assist
drop step: A post up move where the ballhandler picks up his dribble and at the same time extends a leg back on one side of his defender and then turns toward the basket, using that leg as leverage to get between his defender and the basket.
dunk
Slam dunk
A slam dunk is a type of basketball shot that is performed when a player jumps in the air and manually powers the ball downward through the basket with one or both hands over the rim. This is considered a normal field goal attempt; if successful it is worth two points. The term "slam dunk" was...
: (v) To score by putting the ball directly through the basket with one or both hands. (n) A shot made by dunking.
E
end of quarter : when a quarter endsEurocup : Europe's second-level transnational club competition; the qualifying rounds are operated by FIBA Europe, while the competition proper is operated by ULEB. Analogous to the UEFA Europa League in football.
Euroleague : Europe's top transnational club competition, also operated by ULEB. Analogous to the UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
in football.
EuroBasket
Eurobasket
The EuroBasket, also referred to as the FIBA European Basketball Championship, is the main basketball competition contested biennially by the men's national teams governed by FIBA Europe, the European zone within the International Basketball Federation. The championship was first held in 1935 and...
: European international tournament, held every two years for both men and women
Eurobasket Women
Eurobasket Women is a bi-annual basketball competition held between the nations of Europe for women's national basketball team. Eurobasket Women is also used as a qualifying tournament for the FIBA World Championship for Women and also for Olympic Games.-Summaries:-Performance by nation:-See...
. Analogous to the UEFA European Football Championship
UEFA European Football Championship
The UEFA European Football Championship is the main football competition of the men's national football teams governed by UEFA . Held every four years since 1960, in the even-numbered year between World Cup tournaments, it was originally called the UEFA European Nations Cup, changing to the current...
(men) and UEFA Women's Championship
UEFA Women's Championship
The UEFA European Women's Championship, also called the UEFA Women's Euro and unofficially the "European Cup", held every fourth year, is the main competition in women's association football between national teams of the UEFA Confederation...
.
F
fast break : An offensive tactic in which a team attempts to advance the ball and score as quickly as possible, giving the other team no time to defend effectively. Often the result of a steal or blocked shot. See also secondary break.FIBA
International Basketball Federation
The International Basketball Federation, more commonly known as FIBA , from its French name Fédération Internationale de Basketball, is an association of national organizations which governs international competition in basketball...
: The International Basketball Federation, an association of national organizations which governs international competitions.
FIBA 33
FIBA 33
FIBA 3x3 basketball is a formalized version of three-on-three basketball, a form of the game initially developed on inner-city asphalt outdoor courts in the United States. With over 250 million players worldwide and among the most played recreational sports in the world, 3x3 will become a key motor...
: A formalized version of three-on-three halfcourt basketball created by FIBA in 2007, and currently being heavily promoted by the federation.
field goal
Field goal (basketball)
In basketball, the term field goal refers to a basket scored on any shot or tap other than a free throw, worth two or three points depending on the distance of the attempt from the basket. "Field Goal" is the official terminology used by the National Basketball Association in their rule book,...
: A shot made from anywhere on the court, does not include free throws.
flagrant foul
Flagrant foul
A flagrant foul is a serious contact foul involving unnecessary, excessive, or intentional contact in sport. There is a specific National Basketball Association foul termed a flagrant foul.-NBA flagrant fouls:...
: An unsportsmanlike foul in which there is no serious attempt to play the ball.
forward : One of the three standard player positions. Forwards are primarily responsible for scoring and rebounding. See Small forward
Small forward
The small forward, or colloquially known as three, is one of the five positions in a regulation basketball game. Small forwards are typically somewhat shorter, quicker, and leaner than power forwards and centers, but on occasion are just as tall...
and Power forward
Power forward (basketball)
Power forward is a position in the sport of basketball. The position is referred to in playbook terms as the four position and is commonly abbreviated "PF". It has also been referred to as the "post" position. Power forwards play a role similar to that of center in what is called the "post" or "low...
.
foul
Foul (basketball)
In basketball, a foul is an infraction of the rules concerning illegal personal contact with an opponent and/or unsportsmanlike behavior. A personal foul is the most common type of foul in basketball. Due to the nature of the game, personal fouls occur on occasion and are not always regarded as...
: Violations of the rules other than floor violations, generally attempts to gain advantage by physical contact; penalized by a change in possession or free-throw opportunities; see personal foul, technical foul, and flagrant foul.
four-point play
Four-point play
In basketball, a four-point play is the rare occasion when an offensive player shoots and makes a three-point field goal while simultaneously being hit by a defensive player, resulting in a shooting foul and one free throw being awarded...
: A rare play in which a player is fouled while making a three-point shot and then makes the resulting free throw.
free throw
Free throw
In basketball, free throws or foul shots are unopposed attempts to score points from a restricted area on the court , and are generally awarded after a foul on the shooter by the opposing team...
: An unopposed attempt to score a basket, worth one point, from the free throw line. Generally, two attempts are awarded when the player is fouled in the act of shooting (three attempts are awarded in the case of three point shot), fouled flagrantly, or when the opposing team fouls while over the foul limit. One attempt is awarded for technical fouls.
G
granny shot : An underhand shot taken using both hands, usually as a free throw.guard : One of the three standard player positions. Today, guards are typically classified in two broad categories. Point guard
Point guard
Point guard , also called the play maker or "the ball-handler", is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. A point guard has perhaps the most specialized role of any position – essentially, he is expected to run the team's offense by controlling the ball and making sure that...
s have strong ballhandling and passing skills and are typically used to run the offense. Shooting guard
Shooting guard
The shooting guard , also known as the two or off guard, is one of five traditional positions on a basketball team. Players of the position are often shorter, leaner, and quicker than forwards. A shooting guard's main objective is to score points for his team...
s, as the name implies, are generally the team's best shooters, and are very often the leading scorers on their teams. Some players, often referred to as combo guard
Combo Guard
A combo guard is a basketball player who combines the attributes of a shooting guard and point guard , but does not necessarily fit the standard description of either position...
s, combine the features of both.
gunner: Someone who shoots the ball too many times.
H
Hack-a-ShaqHack-a-Shaq
Hack-a-Shaq is the name commonly ascribed to a basketball defensive strategy initially instituted in the National Basketball Association by former Dallas Mavericks coach Don Nelson to hinder the scoring ability of the opposing team by deliberately fouling one of its opposing players, the player...
: The strategy of intentionally and repeatedly committing a personal foul against a player who shoots free throws poorly. "Shaq" refers to Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal , nicknamed "Shaq" , is a former American professional basketball player. Standing tall and weighing , he was one of the heaviest players ever to play in the NBA...
.
halfcourt defense: The portion of a team's defensive play conducted with both teams having established positions. See also transition defense.
halfcourt offense: The portion of a team's offensive play conducted with both teams having established positions. See also transition offense.
Halftime : (1) The end of the first half of play. (2) The interval between the two halves.
I
in-n-out : A shot that appears to be going in, but instead goes back out.index rating : A player rating used by ULEB to determine MVPs in the Euroleague and Eurocup. It is calculated from statistics available in standard ULEB box scores as follows:
-
- Add the following statistics—points, assists, rebounds, blocks, steals, fouls drawn, free throws made, 2-point field goals made, 3-point field goals made.
- Subtract turnovers, own shots blocked, fouls committed, free throw attempts, 2-point field goal attempts, and 3-point field goal attempts.
K
keyKey (basketball)
The key, officially referred to as the free throw lane by the National Basketball Association and the National Collegiate Athletic Association , the restricted area by the international governing body FIBA, and colloquially as the shaded lane and the paint, is an area in a basketball court...
: The free-throw lane and free-throw circle together (originally, the lane was narrower than the circle's diameter, giving the area the appearance of a skeleton key
Skeleton Key
Skeleton Key is a rock band based in New York City. The band is the brainchild of bassist and singer Erik Sanko, who is the only constant member of the band...
hole)
kicking : A violation called when a player intentionally uses his or her foot or leg to contact the ball. Play is stopped and the ball is given to the non-violating team to inbound.
L
lane : The free-throw lane.lay-in: A close-range shot using one hand to tip the ball over the rim
layup : A close-range shot using one hand to bank the ball off the backboard
M
Man-to-man defense : A defense in which each player guards a single opposing player. See also zone defense.Memphis Attack : Another name for dribble drive motion; the offense was popularized in the early 2000s at the University of Memphis
Memphis Tigers basketball
The Memphis Tigers men's basketball team represents the University of Memphis in NCAA Division I men's college basketball. The Tigers compete in Conference USA, in which they have won six regular season and four conference tournament championships. As of 2011, the Tigers have the 29th highest...
.
motion offense : Offense created through a series of cuts and screens to create the best possible shot, with most or all offensive players moving simultaneously.
N
NBANational Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
: The National Basketball Association, the largest professional league in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, also with one team
Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors are a professional basketball team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1995, along with the Vancouver Grizzlies, as part of the NBA's re-expansion...
in Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
.
NCAA
National Collegiate Athletic Association
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a semi-voluntary association of 1,281 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals that organizes the athletic programs of many colleges and universities in the United States...
: The National Collegiate Athletic Association, the primary governing body for intercollegiate sports in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Also used to describe national tournaments operated by this body, especially the Division I men's
NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship
The NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship is a single-elimination tournament held each spring in the United States, featuring 68 college basketball teams, to determine the national championship in the top tier of college basketball...
and women's
NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Championship
The NCAA Women's Division I Championship is an annual college basketball tournament for women. Held each April, the Women's Championship was inaugurated in the 1981–82 season...
tournaments. An unrelated body with the same name
National Collegiate Athletic Association (Philippines)
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is an athletics association of nine colleges and universities in the Philippines. Established in 1924, the NCAA is the oldest athletic association in the Philippines...
exists in the Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
.
NFHS
National Federation of State High School Associations
The National Federation of State High School Associations is the body that writes the rules of competition for most high school sports and activities in the United States. Most high schools, whether public or private, belong to their state's high school association; in turn, each state association...
: The National Federation of State High School Associations, the body that sets rules for high school sports in the U.S., including basketball.
NIT
National Invitation Tournament
The National Invitation Tournament is a men's college basketball tournament operated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. There are two NIT events each season. The first, played in November and known as the Dick's Sporting Goods NIT Season Tip-Off , was founded in 1985...
: The National Invitation Tournament, a postseason tournament for NCAA Division I men's basketball teams that do not qualify for the NCAA Tournament. Founded in 1938, a year before the NCAA Tournament, it is closely identified with New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
; all games were originally held at the third Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden (1925)
Madison Square Garden was an indoor arena in New York City, the third of that name. It was built in 1925 and closed in 1968, and was located on Eighth Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets in Manhattan on the site of the city's trolley car barns. It was the first Garden that was not located near...
, and to this day the semifinals and final are held at today's Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
. In its early years, it was considered more prestigious than the NCAA Tournament, but this changed starting in the 1950s. The tournament has been directly operated by the NCAA since 2006
2006 National Invitation Tournament
-Michigan Bracket:-Louisville Bracket:-Cincinnati Bracket:-Semifinals & Finals:...
.
O
offensive foul: A foul committed by a member of the team playing offense.one-and-one: (NCAA and NFHS) A free-throw attempt which, if made, allows the player a second free-throw attempt. See also bonus.
one trillion: A box score
Box score
A box score is a structured summary of the results from a sport competition. The box score lists the game score as well as individual and team achievements in the game....
showing one minute played and zero for all other statistics, resulting in a one followed by twelve zeros – the conventional American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
rendering of "one trillion."
outlet pass: A pass thrown by a rebounder to start a fast break.
over-and-back: See backcourt violation (1).
over the back: a foul committed by a player who tries to rebound the ball by pushing, moving or climbing on a player's back who is already in position to rebound the ball.
overtime: when the score is tied at the end of regulation play, the teams play a five-minute overtime period.
P
pack: To roughly hit down a ball that an opposing player has just released for a shot. (See also, swat.)paint: the key.
Key (basketball)
The key, officially referred to as the free throw lane by the National Basketball Association and the National Collegiate Athletic Association , the restricted area by the international governing body FIBA, and colloquially as the shaded lane and the paint, is an area in a basketball court...
pass: (v) To throw the ball to a teammate. (n) The act of passing.
penalty
Bonus (basketball)
In the sport of basketball, the bonus situation is a situation where one team accumulates a certain amount of fouls, which varies depending on the level of play. When the number of fouls has been reached, the bonus begins...
: once a team reaches a set number of team fouls in a playing period, varying by governing body, the fouled team gets free throws instead of possession of the ball. The fouling team is "over the limit." See also bonus and double bonus.
perimeter: the area outside the key but well inside the three-point arc.
pivot: (1) The pivot center.
pivot foot: The foot that must remain touching the floor to avoid traveling
point forward
Point forward
Point forward is an unofficial playing position in basketball for those who share the attributes of both a point guard and a forward.A point forward is usually described as a forward who possesses the ball handling skills and court vision to bring the ball up the court and to initiate the team's...
: A forward with strong ballhandling and passing skills who can be called on to direct the team's offense.
points in the paint : Field goals made in the painted area below the free-throw line
post up : To go in or near the key, turn so that you are facing away from the basket but towards a teammate who has the ball, and try to establish position to receive a pass.
prayer : A shot that has very little probability of being made.
Q
quadruple-double : Double-digit figures in four positive statistical categories (example: 12 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists, 10 steals)R
rebound : (v) To obtain the ball after a missed field goal attempt (n) An act of rebounding.rejected : To have one's shot blocked.
rip a C: A motion used while chinning the ball to create space during a pivot between an offensive player and a defensive player. Pivot towards the defender and rips the ball in a C-shape away from the pressure to create a passing lane.
run : An interval in which one team heavily outscores the other.
rock : the ball
S
screen, set a screenScreen (sports)
A screen is a blocking move by an offensive player, by standing beside or behind a defender, to free a teammate to shoot, receive a pass, or drive in to score. In basketball, it is also known as a pick. Screens can be on-ball , or off-ball...
: (v) To attempt to prevent a defender from guarding a teammate by standing in the defender's way. The screening player must remain stationary; a moving screen is an offensive foul. (n) The tactic of setting a screen. Also called a "pick".
secondary break: An offensive phase after a fast break is initially stopped, but before the opponent can enter into its set defense.
set shot: A shot taken without leaving the floor.
shot clock
Shot clock
A shot clock is used in some sports to quicken the pace of the game. It is normally associated with basketball, but has also found use in sports such as snooker, professional lacrosse, water polo, and korfball....
: A timer designed to increase the pace (and subsequently, the score) by requiring the ball to either touch the rim or enter the basket before the timer expires, resulting in a loss of possession. The time limit is 24 seconds in the NBA, WNBA, and FIBA play; 30 in NCAA women's play; and 35 in NCAA men's play. See also airball.
sixth man
Sixth man
The sixth man in basketball is a player who is not a starter but comes off the bench much more often than other reserves, often being the first player to be substituted in. The sixth man often plays minutes equal to or exceeding some of the starters and posts similar statistics. He is often a...
(or sixth woman) : A player who does not start, but is generally the first person off the bench, and often has statistics comparable to those of starters.
swingman
Swingman
A Swingman is a basketball term denoting a player who can play both the small forward and shooting guard positions, and, in essence, swing between the shooting guard and small forward positions." Swingmen males are often between 6'5" and 6'8" .John Havlicek, who played for the Boston Celtics in...
: A player capable of playing either shooting guard or small forward.
swat: To hit a ball that an opposing player just shot off course so that it misses completely. (See also, pack.)
Swish
Swish
Swish may refer to:*Swish , a widespread colloquial term for a 'perfect' shot which goes through the basket without touching the rim or backboard*Swish , a term used to describe effeminate behaviour and interests in gay male communities...
: (n) A shot which goes through the net without hitting the backboard or rim. (v) To make a swish.
T
technical foulTechnical foul
In basketball, a technical foul is any infraction of the rules penalized as a foul which does not involve physical contact during the course of play between players on the court, or is a foul by a non-player. The most common technical foul is for unsportsmanlike conduct...
: A foul assessed for unsportsmanlike non-contact behavior and for some procedural violations (for example, having too many players on the floor or calling timeout when none remain). Penalized by loss of possession after a free throw which may be taken by any member of the opposing team. Frequently abbreviated as "technical" or "T."
three-point field goal
Three-point field goal
A three-point field goal is a field goal in a basketball game, made from beyond the three-point line, a designated arc radiating from the basket...
: A shot, worth three points, attempted with both feet behind the three-point line.
three-pointer: A three-point field goal
trey: A three-point field goal
three-point play : (1) A play in which a shooter is fouled while making a two-point shot and then makes the resulting free throw. See also and one. (2) (rarely) When a shooter is fouled while taking but missing a three-point shot and then makes all three free throws.
toilet bowl : When the ball hits the rim on a certain angle and then circles around it, can go in or out.
transition defense: The portion of a team's defensive play conducted when the other team has first gained possession and is moving up the court, before both teams have established positions. Includes defense against fast breaks. See also halfcourt defense.
transition offense: The portion of a team's offensive play conducted when first obtaining possession from the other team and moving up the court, before both teams have established positions. Includes fast breaks. See also halfcourt offense.
travel
Traveling (basketball)
In basketball, traveling is a violation of the rules that occurs when a player holding the ball moves one or both of his feet illegally. Most commonly, a player travels by illegally moving his pivot foot or taking too many steps without dribbling the ball....
: To move one's pivot foot illegally or to fall to the floor without maintaining a pivot foot (exact rules vary — see Traveling (basketball)
Traveling (basketball)
In basketball, traveling is a violation of the rules that occurs when a player holding the ball moves one or both of his feet illegally. Most commonly, a player travels by illegally moving his pivot foot or taking too many steps without dribbling the ball....
)or takes 3 step.only 1 or 2 steps are allowed but after you take three steps with not dribbling the ball it is called traveling.
triangle offense
Triangle offense
The Triangle Offense, also known as the triple-post offense, is an offensive strategy in basketball. Its basic ideas were initially established by Hall of Fame coach Sam Barry at the University of Southern California. His system was later refined by former Kansas State University head basketball...
: An offensive strategy with the goal of exchanging three (sometimes all five) positions, creating spacing among players and allowing each one to pass to four teammates.
triple-double : Double-digit figures in three positive statistical categories (example: 12 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists)
turnover
Turnover (basketball)
In basketball, a turnover occurs when a player from one team gives possession to a member of the opposing team by losing the ball. This can result from the ball being stolen, the player making mistakes such as stepping out or throwing the ball out of bounds, or committing a violation or committing...
: A loss of possession.
U
ULEBULEB
ULEB was founded in 1991, with the aim to help in the cooperation and development of European professional club basketball leagues...
: A cooperative organization of professional basketball leagues in Europe, this body operates the Euroleague and Eurocup. The name is a French
French language
French is a Romance language spoken as a first language in France, the Romandy region in Switzerland, Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium, Monaco, the regions of Quebec and Acadia in Canada, and by various communities elsewhere. Second-language speakers of French are distributed throughout many parts...
acronym for "Union of European Leagues of Basketball".
Up and down : A violation when the ball carrier jump vertically into the air and does not get rid of it before landing.
V
violation : An infraction of the rules other than a foul, such as traveling or a three-second violation.V-cut : A move where you move to the player defending you, then quickly turn and receive the ball. Used to fake the defender.
W
WNBAWomen's National Basketball Association
The Women's National Basketball Association is a women's professional basketball league in the United States. It currently is composed of twelve teams. The league was founded on April 24, 1996 as the women's counterpart to the National Basketball Association...
: The Women's National Basketball Association, the largest professional basketball league for women in the United States.
WNIT
Women's National Invitation Tournament
The Women's National Invitation Tournament , formerly the National Women's Invitation Tournament, is a college basketball tournament with a preseason and postseason version played every year...
: The Women's National Invitation Tournament, a postseason tournament for NCAA Division I women's basketball teams that do not qualify for the NCAA Tournament. Founded in 1969, the WNIT predates collegiate national championship tournaments for women, but has never been considered the equal of those tournaments. Despite the name, it has no relation to the men's NIT—it is not operated by the NCAA, and was never under the control of any of the bodies that ran the men's NIT before 2006.