Basketball is a sport that is played by two teams of five players on the court. The objective of basketball is to score points by shooting a ball through the hoop, which has been elevated above the floor. Points are scored when the ball goes in or bounces off of one of three different colored hoops, called baskets. For those new to basketball, you may not know some basic terms used during a game. Here are some definitions for common words and phrases used in the game of basketball.
Air Ball
An airball is a missed shot in basketball that hits neither the backboard nor the hoop.
Alley-oop
An alley-oop is a pass off the backboard or a lob towards the basket to an offensive player near the hoop. The goal of an alley-oop is to provide an easy way for a player to score points since they are especially close to the basket when they get it. An alley-oop has two variations: one where the player dunks, and another where they simply tip it in.
Assist
An assist is a statistic in basketball that rewards players for passing the ball to teammates who then score. Assists are a crucial element of offensive tactics.
Back Court
A backcourt is the area of the court that’s farthest from the basket. This part of the court is mostly occupied by the defense.
It can also refer to a team’s duo of point guard and shooting guard, the smaller, quicker players that run the team’s offense and are often spotted on the back of the court.
Back Door Cut
A backdoor cut is a strategy in basketball where an offensive player moves away from the basket, then runs out their defender to cut near the basket and receive the pass. He then gets a pass and a good shot to score from within the close range.
Back Screen
A back screen is when an offensive player stands in front of a defender and tries to block the defender’s vision with his body or arms so the other player can score. While a stationary screen is perfectly fine, a moving screen is illegal and results in a violation.
Backboard
A backboard is a white or green-surfaced board that reflects the ball. The backboard is attached to the front of the hoop and has a standard height of 10 feet.
Ball Fake
It is a move where a player with the ball fakes a pass or shot to make the other team believe they are going to get the ball, which causes them to get out of position.
Bang the Boards
Bang the Board is a term that means crashing against the backboard to grab rebounds. This can be done by players on both teams. Players should bang the board when they are close to the hoop, but not too close because it’s likely they’ll get fouled. It’s important to know the right timing for jumping for rebounds to avoid fouls.
Bank Shot
A bank shot is a shot that goes off the backboard and towards the hoop like a normal shot, but it also has the power to bounce off the rim before going in.
Baseline Pass
A baseline pass is a basketball play where the player passes the ball from the baseline to another teammate who is out of bounds. Then the second player inbounds the ball.
Baselines
Baselines are the lines that are drawn in between the two sides of the court. The baseline is also called the sideline.
Basket
A goal made out of metal, shaped like the inside of a circular hoop, usually hung from the ceiling. The ball must go through this hoop to register as one point for the team that gets the rebound.
Between the Legs Dribble
When a player needs to dribble the ball without it being taken away, they may go between their legs to make the defender’s reach less effective. The pressure of the defender will still force them to go slower, but this is better than having the ball stolen.
Blocked Shot
A blocked shot, also known as ‘block,’ is the act of preventing an opposing player from successfully shooting the ball. The player will try to block the shot with his hand, either in mid-air or against the backboard.
Blocking
Blocking is the act of preventing an opposing player from successfully shooting the ball. Blocking can be done either by offensive players or defensive players, but some of them are better at blocking shots than others. It takes some skill to know when to block a shot and which type of block to use, but once they learn these skills, some players become very good at blocking shots.
Bounce Pass
It is a type of basketball move that has the player throw the ball to a teammate by bouncing it off the floor. It’s used to get past defenders and into open areas because it causes the defender to react differently than they would for other types of passes. The advantage that this technique has over other passing techniques is that it doesn’t go as high and so the defender cannot jump and steal the ball. This move can also be done with both hands, which can help players avoid getting picked off because there’s no one dominant hand. The only downside is that this type of pass takes more time to execute and so if a player times wrong, they are very likely to get intercepted.
Box Out
Boxing out is a fundamental basketball skill that forces a player to guard one of their team’s players by standing in front of them and attempting to keep them from rebounding the ball. It’s especially important to do this if the opponent has a height advantage over the player boxing them out.
Carrying the Ball
Carrying is a violation committed when a player rests the ball on his hands and then proceeds to dribble it. If a player is caught carrying the ball, the team loses possession.
Center
A central player in basketball is usually a large player who can make baskets by scoring or rebounding and can also defend their opponents well. The center player serves as the team’s defensive anchor. They must know how to play both defense and offense as a guard would, but they also need to be big enough and good enough at defense to protect passers and shooters from getting by them.
Change of Pace Dribble
A change of pace dribble in basketball is when the player changes the speed of their dribbling. A player might start by dribbling slowly, then suddenly increase their speed or change direction to keep their opponents guessing.
Charging
In basketball, a player can be called for charging when they run into the opposing player. It usually happens when the player is going in towards the basket and takes a few steps before they shoot. This happens more often when the players are playing defense because it’s easier for them to gain momentum.
Chest Pass
A chest pass is one of the most common passes in basketball. It’s when the player bounces the ball off their own chest, which helps to get it near the other player to who they are intending to pass to. The person receiving the pass can then either shoot or pass it back off to the next teammate. This move is often used because players can’t dribble and pass at the same time, so this is a way of getting around that. A downside of this type of pass is that it leaves both hands free for defense while executing, so if someone steals the ball from you, there’s no one on your team who can guard them.
Chin it
In basketball, a chin is the act of protecting the ball with your hand and arm and also your chin. It can be done in any number of ways: you can hold it tight to your chest, under your arm, or close to your body. Oftentimes when a player guards their opponent they will do this because it allows them to steal without getting fouled and having to give up possession.
Clear Out
A clear-out in basketball is when the player with the ball takes a pass and then dribbles to an open spot on the court so that they can shoot. This move has to be done at the right time though because if the player gets fouled and loses their shot, then it doesn’t really accomplish anything.
Control Dribble
This is where the player dribbles the ball with their head up, looking around for teammates to pass to or defenders to penetrate. A normal control dribble that’s done on the perimeter of the court would decline in height as it gets closer to the basket because it’s easier to shoot from a closer distance. It’s also harder for opponents to steal on this type of dribble because they don’t have time to react or prepare before the shot. It’s a great move to outplay the defender guarding you.
Conversion
Conversion is another word for a basket. You can also refer to it as a point.
Court
A court in basketball is where the game takes place. It consists of two lines that divide the area, each half has a basket for scoring, and it’s surrounded by a rectangular boundary.
Cross-Screen
A cross-screen is when one player screens another player by setting up behind them. They can set up at the same height as the player they are screening, or they might screen from below them. This move is used to help create open shots for their teammate because it gets the defender out of position and tries to guard two players at once. The cross-screener usually has the ball and is facing away from the basket.
Crossover Dribble
A crossover dribble is when a player dribbles with their body facing one direction, but the ball is always traveling in the other direction. It’s usually done by pivoting on your preferred foot to have your back to the other player so you can pass or shoot over them.
Crossover Step
A crossover step is when you dribble with one leg to make it seem like you’re going in one direction and then switch legs so that now your body is facing the opposite way. It’s commonly used as a move to trick defenders and get past them because it makes them think you’re going to go in one direction, but instead, you go in another.
Curl Cut
A curl cut is a cut around a screen.
Cut
A cut is when a player changes the direction of his movement.
Cylinder
A cylinder in basketball is the area within the three-point line that is surrounded by the goal, free-throw line, and end line.
Dead Ball
A ball becomes dead when the game stops due to a foul or violation.
Defense
Defense is the act of preventing an opponent from scoring. There are three types of defenses in basketball: man-to-man, zone, and combined defense. A player’s position on the court determines their defensive responsibilities.
Double Dribble
A double dribble in basketball is when a player dribbles the ball and then picks it up with their hand again. A player is only allowed to dribble the ball twice. If they do so, they have committed a violation and lost possession of the ball for their team.
Double Team
A double team is when two defenders try to guard one offensive player. They line up next to each other and try to stay in their opponent’s way to prevent them from making a shot or passing the ball.
Down Court
A down court is a term used for the opponents’ teams’ half of the court. It’s also known as their baseline. The opponents’ half of the court is also called “the other side”.
Down Screen
A down screen is when one player screens another player by setting up behind them. They can set up at the same height as the player they are screening, or they might screen from below them. This move is used to help create open shots for their teammate because it gets the defender out of position and tries to guard two players at once. The cross-screener usually has the ball and is facing away from the basket.
Dribble
A dribble is an act of bouncing the ball over the ground with one hand. The player can do this in any number of ways: they can either bounce it with their strong or weak hand or even switch hands with every bounce. Dribbling helps players move around more quickly than jogging and is also used to confuse opponents about which way they’re going to go next.
Drive
A drive is when a player dribbles the ball and runs to the basket.
Dunk
A dunk also called a “slam dunk”, is when a player jumps up and throws the ball into the hoop with one hand, often off of the backboard. The National Collegiate Athletic Association banned this movie for a few years due to the increased possibility of injury while doing a slam dunk. Dunking isn’t banned anymore.
Elbow
An elbow is a type of foul in basketball. An elbow is a foul made when a player elbows an opponent. A player could also be called for an elbow if they have grabbed the rim with their arms and pulled themselves up, thereby grabbing onto their opponent.
End Lines
An end line in basketball is the line at the end of the court that marks where one team’s baseline is. The other end line in the court is called “the other end.”
Fake
A fake is a move where a player pretends to do something to make their opponent react. For example, a player might pretend to be going towards the hoop and then veer off at the last minute. Usually, this will cause the defender to leave their feet to try and make a block or steal, but when they land they’re out of position and can’t stop the player from scoring.
Fast Break
A fast break is a scoring opportunity in basketball that can come from either defensive or offensive rebounds, steals, and even turnovers. A fast break is a transition between offense and defense were the team going on offense has a head start to get back on defense. A successful fast break can lead to easy points because there’s less time for defenders to set up their defenses.
Field Goal
A field goal in basketball is every successful attempt at a basket beside a free throw. A field goal can be awarded two or three points depending on the position of the player when the shot was made. If the player shoots from behind the three-point line, he gets three points.
Field Goal Percentage
Field goal percentage is a statistic that measures the proportion of shots made from the field that are successful. For example, a player could have a 50% field goal percentage by knocking down half of the shots he attempts.
Fishhook Cut
A fish hook cut is when a player quickly changes direction and cuts across the baseline to get open or have a better rebounding position.
Five-second Violation
A five-second violation is when a player stands with their pivot foot touching the ground for too long. Players are only allowed to stand in one spot for five seconds unless they’re in the act of shooting or dribbling.
Flagrant Foul
A flagrant foul in basketball is when a player commits the act of unsportsmanlike conduct that results in contact with an opponent. There are two types of flagrant fouls, flagrant foul 1 is given for excessive contact and is penalized by two free throws and possession for the opposite team. Flagrant foul 2 is given for excessive and unnecessary contact and is also punished by two free throws and loss of possession. In addition, flagrant foul 2 results in the player’s ejection.
Floor
A floor is a surface on which a game of basketball is played. The floor can be either made of wood, metal or any other hard material.
Forwards
A forward is a player in the frontcourt on a basketball team. There are two types of forwards: small forwards and power forwards.
Foul
A foul in basketball is when a player violates the rules of the game. This includes committing personal or technical fouls, which are respectively considered either unsportsmanlike or an infraction on the game. An infraction is usually called against a player who’s not in possession of the ball. A personal foul would be, for example, hitting another player with an elbow. When it’s preventing the player from getting the ball, while neither team has possession of the ball, it’s called a loose ball.
Foul Line
This is a line that a player must stand behind if they want to shoot free throws or a technical free throw.
Foul Trouble
Foul trouble is when an offensive player commits too many fouls in a game, which can lead to fouling out. Coaches keep them off the game to prevent them from piling up more fouls. If the player fouls out it means they can’t get back into the game.
Free-throw
A free throw in basketball is when players get fouled while shooting from the line and they get to do one shot without having an opponent in their way. To shoot a free throw, the player shoots the ball from a distance of 15 feet from the basket and has to be in an established position until they release their shot.
Free-throw lane
The free-throw lane in basketball is the lane that’s exactly one-half the width of the court from the baseline to the sideline. It’s painted green and it can be five feet or more in length. The free-throw lanes are used to give a player ample space for a clear shot, with no interference from his opponent.
Free-throw Line
The free-throw line is the line that a player must stand behind if they want to shoot free throws or a technical foul.t.
Front Court
The frontcourt is the half of the basketball court closest to the opponent’s hoop and where all players on offense are. It also consists of the team’s trio of small forward, power forward, and center.
Full-court Press
A full-court press is when a team is in the frontcourt with their defense, instead of in the backcourt. A team may choose to do this because they are behind in the game or to steal the ball from an opponent. When a team is doing a full-court press, they are trying to end the game before it gets too close.
Goal-tending
Goal-tending is when a defending player intentionally interferes with the ball when it’s on the rim or near it. The opposite team will be awarded a number of points that could be made if there wasn’t any violation. It means that if the shot was made behind the three-point line, the offensive team gets 3 points. There can also be an offensive goal-tending which happens when the player touches the ball when it’s above the rim or touches the net.
Guard
A guard in basketball is a player who typically handles the ball and is in charge of the offense. Guards are usually smaller and quicker than other players on the team, and so they can get past opposing players easily to get to the hoop. Guards typically play close to the basket, while forwards and centers play farther from it.
Half Court Press
A half-court press is when a team is in the frontcourt with their defense, instead of in the backcourt. A team may choose to do this because they are behind in the game or to steal the ball from an opponent. When a team is doing a half-court press, they are trying to end the game before it gets too close.
Hand Check
A hand check is when a defensive player puts their hands on the ball carrier to slow him down or stop him. It’s only legal if the defender has one foot in front of the offensive player’s pivot foot.
Hash Mark
A hash mark is a line that goes across the court and is used to divide up the court into zones. They are typically painted in both teams’ colors, and they mark the spots of free throws, foul shots, etc.
Held Ball
A held ball is when two opposing players get tangled up on the court and have trouble separating themselves. If the ball goes out of bounds during this time, then a jump ball ensues.
Help Side
A help site in basketball is when a player on defense will try to play in the opposite direction of the offense. They want to assist their teammate in guarding an opponent that has just gotten past them. So, for example, if a player with the ball goes right, then the player on defense will go left to double up on him and make it difficult for him to get past them.
High Post
A high post in basketball is when a player stands on the opposite side of the basket to the other players. For example, if all other players are on the right side of the basket, then the high post is on the left side. A team may have a player set up as a high post for three reasons: to shoot or pass, to clear space by receiving an outlet pass and taking the ball out of bounds, or to screen for an offensive play.
Holding
Holding is when a player grabs his opponent and holds on to him, either with one hand or both hands. The only thing the player isn’t allowed to do while holding is taken themselves out of the play by stepping out of bounds or picking up their pivot foot (a foot they must keep in contact with at all times).
Hook Shot
Hook shots are a type of shot in basketball that is made by elevating yourself on one foot, the one closer to the basket, and shooting the ball with the opposite hand. The ball is released by bending the wrist and it should make the way to the basket above the heads of the players, in the shape of a hook. The hook shots are most effective when done in the proximity of the basket. They are useful because if the ball is thrown that way, there is a higher possibility that the defender won’t be able to block it.
Hoop
Hoop is a common name for a round, metal rim used as a goal in basketball.
Inbound Pass
An inbound pass is a way of beginning a play from the sideline. When a player on the perimeter of the court grabs a rebound, they throw an inbounds pass to a player on the other side of the court.
Incidental Contact
Incidental contact in basketball is when players accidentally touch each other and it’s not considered a foul.
Inside Cut
An inside cut is a move where a player uses their defender as a screen. The player may cut to the outside or inside of their defender and then use an up-and-under or any other inside move to get around the defender.
Inside Shot
An inside shot is an attack against close coverage where the attacker’s body constitutes a part of the defender’s body.
Intentional Foul
An intentional foul is a foul where one player deliberately tries to stop the other team from scoring. This is illegal because it denies the other team a fair chance of scoring.
Jab Step
A jab step is a move where the ball handler steps with one foot on either side of the defender. This forces the defender to pivot or turn, giving up their position on the perimeter or the baseline. The jab step can be used as an offensive move or as a defensive maneuver to buy time for teammates to get open.
Jump Ball
The jump ball is when two players from each team fight for possession of the ball after they both try to tap it. It’s most often used near the start of a game to determine which team will get possession. It’s also called tip-off when it’s the first possession of the game.
Jump Shot
A jump shot is a type of shot in basketball that players take when they want to shoot without being contested. It’s called that because the player jumps off the floor when they shoot.
Jump Stop
A jump stop is a move where the player jumps to the ground and then stops on the floor. It helps keep their balance and also provides them with an opportunity to shoot or pass.
Key
A key is a rectangular part of the basketball court near the hoop, separated by a free throw line and a baseline. A player can’t spend more than three seconds in the key because they can be called for a turnover.
L Cut
An L cut is when a player with the ball dribbles toward the baseline and cuts in front of their defender to the opposite wing, creating space.
Lane
A lane is a space on a basketball court that’s near the basket. Players who are standing in the lane are considered to be standing in the paint.
Lane Violation
A lane violation is when a player who’s not in control of the ball stands in the lane.
Lay-up
A layup is a type of shot that’s taken near the basket. It’s typically more difficult than a jump shot or free throw, but it also has a higher reward. To make a layup, an attacking player jumps up and puts their hand on the rim while they’re coming down, then they shoot it with one hand to make it easier for them to score points.
Live Ball
A live ball is when basketball is in play. It means that there’s no time-out, offensive foul, or team possession.
Low Post
The low post in basketball is an area near the hoop that’s on the side of the court with the player’s back to the basket. The player will try to set up in this type of position so they can either get a pass or send a shot up for themselves.
Man-to-man Defense
Man-to-man defense is a defensive strategy when each player on the defensive team guards their corresponding player on the offensive team. The defender will try to keep the player they’re guarding close and keep them from getting free. It’s also called player-to-player defense.
Mid-court Line
A mid-court line is a line that divides the court in half. This rule came about because of the NBA’s old rule: players couldn’t cross the half-court line and get back with less than 10 seconds left on the clock during a game. The mid-court line was added to ensure that this time limit was respected.
Net
A net is a rectangular piece of material typically made of synthetic fibers that are hung at the backboard and used as a guide for players who are shooting jump shots, throwing the ball into the basket, or trying to catch it.
Off the Dribble
An off the dribble in basketball is when an offensive player dribbles the ball away from their body and shoots a shot. To make it easier for them to shoot, they might also step back from their defender with their front foot. This type of movement slows down their opponent’s reaction time and gives them an advantage when that person tries to block or steal the ball.
Offense
Offense in basketball is when one team attacks the other team’s defense with the aim of scoring points to win the game. The goal is to try to get the ball into the basket or out of bounds. If you’re on offense, one of your players will have the ball while their other players are trying to get open so they can receive a pass for an easier opportunity to score points. They’ll also try to control the tempo of the game by dribbling and shooting whenever they have a chance so they can keep their opponent from doing anything productive.
Offensive Rebound
An offensive rebound is when a player on the team that was on offense comes over and grabs the ball that was just missed by his or her teammate. This allows them to take another shot before their opponents can get it. When the opponents obtain the ball it is called a defensive rebound.
One-and-one
A one-and-one is a free throw that an offensive player gets after they’ve been fouled while shooting. They can make another shot only if the first attempt is successful. This rule doesn’t apply to the NBA.
Open
Being open in basketball means that there’s space around you for an offensive player to get the ball. It can also mean that one of your players is left open by the opponent. In other words, there are no defenders guarding them or within their vicinity.
Out-of-bounds
Out-of-bounds is when a player shoots the ball and it goes on the sidelines. The lines that create the sidelines are called out-of-bounds. If you’re on offense and you shoot the ball off of your side’s out-of-bounds line, then your opponent will be allowed to take an uncontested shot at their basket. You can also be out of bounds if you’re in control of the ball and either of your feet touches the baseline.
Outlet Pass
An outlet pass in basketball is when a defensive player rebounds the ball after a missed shot and passes it to their teammate. The goal is to transfer the ball far up the court to perform a quick offensive attack.
Overhead Pass
An overhead pass in basketball is where a player will hold the ball above their head and will pass it to an open teammate. This type of pass is typically performed during a fast break, but it can also be done at other times during a game. It’s usually the best option if the player needs to get the ball over a defender and they’re too far away for them to do anything else.
Overtime
Overtime in basketball is when there’s a tie score and the game goes past regulation to a new period of time. The overtime in basketball can be either an extension of a quarter or a whole other period that’s taken.
Paint
In basketball, the paint is the area between the key and the near sideline. It’s also called “key” or “keyboard”.
Palming
Palming is a violation in a basketball game when the player grabs the ball while dribbling or places his hand under the ball.
Pass
A pass is an act of throwing the ball to another player.
Perimeter
Perimeter is an area of the basketball outside the three-point line.
Period
Period in basketball is a time unit according to which the game is being played.
In the NBA four periods last twelve minutes. Between the first and the second, as well as the third and the fourth period there is a 2,5-minute break. Between the second and the third period the break lasts 15 minutes.
Personal Foul
A personal foul in basketball is when a player makes excessive contact with the other player who’s trying to make a play.
Pick
A pick is a move in basketball where one player will try to fool the other team by making them think that they’re open. This is done by standing in the way of the action. The idea is that an offensive player will have an opening to get out of the way and score while the defender, who’s guarding someone else, isn’t looking.
Pivot
Pivot in basketball refers to when a player is moving around while leaving one foot on the ground. The foot which is not picked up is called the pivot foot.
Point Guard
A point guard in basketball is the initial ball handler on offense. The point guard has the job of directing their team’s offensive strategy. They are responsible for determining what plays are called during each time by offensive players, getting the ball to their teammates, and setting the pace of the game, at the same time.
Possession
A possession in basketball is when a team has the ball and is controlling it. They’ll either try to score or advance the ball to make it more difficult for the other team. The opposing team will also be trying to take the ball from them, but they’ll still want to try and make a play with it as well.
Post
A post in basketball is a close, stationary player usually near the key. The post will have their back to the basket and will try to score or cause a foul by outmaneuvering the defender. If they’re being defended by more than one player, they’ll try to create opportunities for themselves with pivots, double pivots, and jump shots.
Post up
Post-up is a setting in basketball when a player shields his defender with his back and dribbles the ball back towards the basket.
Power Forward
Power forward is a player’s position in a basketball team responsible for screening, rebounding, and defending the hoop. Power forwards usually stand inside the three-point line and with their back towards the basket but modern players are also good three-point shooters.
Press
The press is a defensive move in basketball used to create a turnover, where the defense will have three players trying to steal the ball. The fourth player will be positioned in the backcourt. When they get a chance to steal the ball, they’ll try to intercept it and start an immediate fast break by passing the ball up court to one of their teammates.
Push Pass
The push pass is a type of pass in basketball where the player will push the ball forward with their hands while running. The goal of this move is to throw it towards the basket before the defender can steal the ball.
Quadruple double
A quadruple-double is when a player scores at least ten points, grabs at least ten rebounds, dishes out at least ten assists, and gets at least ten blocks and/or steals in one game. This is something that’s not very common.
Rebound
A rebound in basketball is when the player misses the shot and another player on their team goes to get it. The person who got the rebound will then shoot again.
Reverse Dribble
A reverse dribble in basketball is when a player will dribble the ball backward. The primary goal of this move is to try and confuse the defender and create more space between them and their opponent. The downside to this move, however, is that it might not always work and the defender may be able to steal the ball.
Reverse Pivot
A reverse pivot in basketball is a move where a player will take a step in one direction and then take a step in the opposite direction to get out of the way. The primary goal is to create space between them and their opponent, but it might not always work.
Rocker Step
Rocker step is a move made by a basketball player to mislead their defender. It’s executed by making a step forward and leaning in this direction, then quickly rocking back to the original direction.
Screen
A screen in basketball can be used when a defender is guarding a player that has the ball in order to try and force them into another defender or away from any open space on the court. This will be done by standing in front of them while running in either direction.
Shooter
A shooter in basketball is someone who’s on the floor and is usually someone who’s known for making shots. Some common shooters are players at the point guard, shooting guard, or small forward positions.
Shooting guard
A shooting guard is a traditional position in a basketball team mainly responsible for making shots. Players in this position are often the best shooters on the team. It’s a very diverse position, they need to have good range, but they also need to be able to play defense and steal the ball.
Shot
A shot in basketball is when the player, who has the ball, attempts to score by putting it into the basket. The player will bring the ball up, jump, and release it towards the basket.
Shot Clock
The shot clock is a time limit where the person with the ball has to shoot the ball or pass it to another player before time runs out. It’s placed on both sides of the court above the backboard. The team with the possession has 24 seconds to make a shot.
Sidelines
Sidelines are the lines that separate the court area from the rest of the floor. Players can’t touch or cross these lines.
Small Forward
A small forward is a player in a basketball team who is usually shorter than the power forward but quick and very athletic. They are usually the best defenders of the team but this position is so versatile that they can’t be put in one category. Small forwards often guard the three-point line.
Spacing
Spacing in basketball is when players are spread out on the court. This helps open up more space for them to make shots or to get past their opponents, but it also leaves them vulnerable to passing lanes.
Squaring up
Squaring up in basketball refers to a position when a player is facing the basket before making the shot.
Starting Lineup
A starting lineup in basketball is the players who are on the court when the game starts. This usually contains 5 positions: point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center.
Strong Side
The strong side is the side of the court where the ball is. There are two sidelines on both sides of the court, with one person in each. It’s important to know which side will be the stronger side because players will usually make their way there when they’re not taking a shot or when they can’t get past an opponent. A lot of times, though, teams will use this as a strategy and try to make both sides as strong as possible.
Substitute
Substitution in basketball is when a player who’s on the court for one team is replaced with another player. This will happen every few minutes if the coach decides to do it or it can be done at any point in time. The coach may choose to substitute a player because he/she has fouled out. After all, they’re not performing well, because it’s crunch time, etc. The substitutions could be for any position: point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center.
Team Fouls
Team fouls are all fouls committed by the team members counted together. A team will usually commit up to 6 team fouls per quarter, after which each additional foul will result in one personal free throw for their opponent.
Technical Foul
A technical foul is when a player commits an act that is against the rules of the game. Some of the examples of technical fouls are a player hanging on the basket ring, delaying the game, or conducting improperly. If a player commits two of these fouls, they will automatically get ejected from the game.
Three-point Field Goal
A three-point field goal in basketball is when the player, who has the ball, makes a shot from beyond the arc. A three-point field goal will get an extra point that’s added to the score and it’s worth 3 points.
Three-point Shot
A three-point shot in basketball is when the player has the ball and shoots it from beyond the arc. A three-point shot gets an extra point on the score and is worth 3 points.
Three-second Violation
A three-second violation in basketball is when a player stays in the restricted area for too long. The time limit for this penalty is 3 seconds. If that time elapses, then the other team gets possession of the ball and it’s called a 3-second violation.
Timeout
A timeout is when one of the team’s players wants the coach to give instructions. The player, who wants the timeout, will say “Timeout!” and then everyone on their team must stop playing until their coach has finished talking with them. A player can call a timeout if they don’t think they’ll be able to make a free throw or if they want to change something about how they’re defending someone. A team can only call three timeouts per game so they need to pick carefully when they might need it.
Transition
A transition in basketball is when a player dribbles the ball from one end of the court to the other. A player can make a transition by dribbling or running. If a team scores, they will try to get back on defense as soon as possible to stop the other team from scoring.
Trap
A trap in basketball is when one of the players, usually the center or power forward, will come up to block an opponent who has the ball. It’s important to set a trap so that one of the other players can steal the ball.
Traveling
Traveling in basketball is when a player is holding the ball and moves with it without dribbling. Travelling is considered a violation of the rules and results in losing possession of the ball. Travelling can be also called walking.
Triple-double
A triple-double in basketball is when a player gets double digits in 3 of 5 major statistical categories (points, assists, rebounds, steals, or blocks. In order to get a triple-double in the NBA, a player will have to score at least 10 points, have at least 10 assists, and have at least 10 rebounds, or get at least 10 steals and/or blocks.
Turnover
A turnover in basketball is when a player makes a mistake and the other team gets the ball. A player can turn the ball over by throwing the ball out of bounds, getting the ball stolen, or committing an offensive foul or a violation.
V-cut
V-Cut is a basketball drill used to get open. It’s executed by moving slowly to the basket and pushing the defender inside the three-point line. Then the player blocks his defender and quickly sprints to the initial position to receive a pass.
Violation
A violation in basketball is when the player breaks the rules of the game. There are different kinds of violations that can happen, but usually, it’s for people who are dribbling or moving without the ball. A player might slam into someone without realizing that they’re too close to them. If this happens, then they will be called for a personal foul and their team will lose possession of the ball. It’ll count as a violation even if they didn’t take it from their opponent or if it didn’t touch anyone else’s hands.
Weak Side
A weak side of the basketball court is the part where the ball is not located at the time.
Zone Defense
Zone defense in basketball is when the team defending tries to control the court by placing players within different sections of the court. The players must be in key positions so that they can stop opponents from scoring baskets or getting past them.
Alternating-possession Rule
The alternating possession in basketball is a rule that the opposing team gets the ball after a player scores.
Behind-the-back Dribble
A behind-the-back dribble in basketball is when a player is dribbling the ball behind their back.
Behind-the-back Pass
A behind-the-back pass in basketball is when a player passes the ball behind his back to mislead the defender. Usually, the ball is passed directly to another player but sometimes bounced off the floor.
Bonus Free-throw
When a team commits more than 6 fouls in a quarter, the opposing team gets a free throw in every foul, even if those aren’t shooting fouls.
Catch and Face
Catch and face is a basketball drill when a player receives the ball and faces the basket. To properly execute catch and face, the player must be in the triple threat position.
Controlling the Boards
Controlling the boards in basketball means trying to get the most rebounds per game. NBA teams will play together to try and out-rebound their opponents so they can win games.
Defensive Rebound
A defensive rebound is when one of the team’s opponents misses a shot and their team gets the ball to try and score baskets. If their opponents make a shot, then they won’t get anything off of it. The second player will usually be the one who’s responsible for getting the defensive rebound. They’ll need to be alert and aware to go after any loose balls that come towards them or out-stretch their opponents who are trying to grab them.
Floor Violation
Floor violation it’s any type of violation other than a foul that results in a change in possession of the ball.
Over-and-back Violation
An over-and-back violation is when a player gets the ball past the half-court line and goes back to the backcourt after already being in the frontcourt.
Overhand Lay-up Shot
An overhand lay-up basketball shot is when a player gets the ball near the basket and tries to lay it up with their hand. They’ll take a few steps to get into position and then they’ll jump – usually from two or three feet away from the hoop – and try to place the ball into the hoop.
Power Layup Shot
A power layup shot is when a player gets the ball near the basket and tries to lay it up with their hand. They’ll take a few steps to get into position and then they’ll jump – usually from two or three feet away from the hoop – and try to place the ball into the hoop.
Pull-back Dribble
A pull-back dribble in basketball is when a player is dribbling and want to change the direction of the ball. They’ll quickly pull back on the ball and then move in the opposite direction so that they can maintain their speed. It’s a simple move that gives them more time to make decisions with the ball and it allows them to get out of tangled situations where their opponents might be trying to steal it from them.
Stride Stop
A stride stop occurs when a player is catching the ball or stops dribbling the ball. After a jump, one leg hits the floor first and the other one follows.
Swing-man
Swing-man is a term used in basketball to describe a versatile player who plays shooting guard and small forward at the same time.
Ten-second Lane
A ten-second lane refers to the half of the basketball court the player must pace after their team receives the ball. In the NBA the players have only 8 seconds to cross to the other side of the court.
Three-point Play
A three-point play occurs when a player scores three points in one play. It can happen when a player shoots a two-point field goal and is fouled while doing it. If the resulting free throw is successful, the team is awarded another point.
Top-of-the-Key
The top-of-the-key is the area of the basketball court at the top of the circle above the key. This is the furthest place from the basket to make a two-point shot and is often guarded by a defender.
Underhand Lay-up Shot
An underhand lay-up is a shot made by a player having their hand under the ball and flicking their wrist to give the ball desired direction.
Up-court
An up-court in basketball is a direction towards the basket at which points are scored.
Conclusion
This article has provided you with a basic understanding of what some common basketball terms mean. If you’re new to the game, it’s important that you know these definitions so that your team can be as successful as possible on and off the court. We hope this post will help clear up any confusion about how to play or understand the terminology used in basketball because we all need a little education now and then!
Where is the 45 on basketball court?
The number “45” refers to the degrees from the baseline that a player is positioned. The player is on the three-point line, halfway between the baseline and the top of the key, beyond the three-point line.
What is a 3 and D player?
A player who specializes mainly in three-point shooting (“3”) and defense (“D”), typically not a star. The term is most often used in the NBA, where this specific skill set has been increasingly valued in the 21st century.
