Basketball is a game of constant motion. The only time the players are expected to stop moving is when they shoot free throws after being fouled.
Understanding the game requires knowledge of many terms that are commonly used during play. Here’s a list of some common words and phrases you will hear on any basketball court.
Field Goal
A field goal is a basketball term that’s used to refer to any successful attempt on the net from any place on the court. A field goal earns 2 points if it’s shot inside the three-point line and three points outside the three-point line.
Frontcourt
The frontcourt is a basketball term that refers to the position of the tallest players on the team who will usually play close to the basket. The frontcourt consists of a small forward, power forward, and center. It can also refer to the team’s offensive part of the court.
Backcourt
The backcourt is a basketball term that refers to the players who play mostly outside the paint, in the perimeter of the court. Traditionally it’s the duo of point guard and shooting guard.
Turnover
A turnover is a basketball term that’s used to refer to any event when the opposing player steals or intercepts the ball from you, or when you throw an illegal pass during the game. A turnover leads to the team in possession of the ball having possession of it once again. Offensive fouls are also turnovers.
Double
A double is a basketball play where the scoring player shoots and scores two field goals in one attempt, or on one possession.
Double Double
In the NBA, a double-double is a performance when a player scores a double-digit total in two of five statistical categories, points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.
The most frequent double-double combination is points and rebounds, followed by points and assists.
The record for the most double-doubles in consecutive games is held by Wilt Chamberlain.
Triple Double
A triple-double is when a player records at least 10 points in three of five statistical categories, points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks. Only a handful of players have made it to this level.
You are probably wondering who has the most triple-doubles in 2020-2021. It’s Russel Westbrook, an NBA player for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Quadruple Double
A quadruple-double is one step further than a triple duple. It happens when a player scores 10 points or more in four of five statistical categories. It means that he has to score at least 10 points, grab at least 10 rebounds, get at least 10 assists, and also record at least 10 steals or 10 blocks. Such an array of double figures has happened in the NBA only four times!
Post-up
A post-up is when a player cuts to the hoop and receives the ball from an open teammate, or dribbles down before shooting.
Why is it called post-up?
NBA players have to post up in order to get open or set a good position on the basketball court.
Open Shot
An open shot is an opportunity for any player on the court to shoot the ball. Some of the most common shots are three-pointers, free throws, close-range shots, or layups. These shots are all open because there are no defenders in front of them that could block them.
Pick and Roll
A play in basketball is known as a pick-and-roll when one player, most often the point guard, picks up their dribble and then dribbles towards the paint before passing to another player. The other player is called the roll man, who has moved to seal off the opposing team’s defender after they help on defense. This is an effective strategy for creating open shots for players, especially big men who are able to score with their backs to the basket.
3-and-D Player
A 3-and-D player is a player who excels at shooting from the three-point line and playing decent defense. These players are always in demand in today’s NBA because of their versatility.
Paint
Paint, as a basketball reference, is an area on the court, restricted by the foul line and the baseline. Paint has perpendicular lanes enclosing the shape. These are generally used when shooting, passing, and driving to the basket.
We could say that this is one of the most important parts of any basketball play as it’s typically where most action occurs.
Buzzer Beater
A buzzer-beater is a shot that is the last shot of the quarter before the clock expires. Buzzer-beaters are one of the spectacular shots of the game especially when the last points outweigh the outcome of the game.
Sixth Man
A sixth man is a player who comes off the bench and provides the team with an instant boost of energy.
The best example of a sixth man is Lou Williams and Jamal Crawford, who has won the Sixth Man of the Year award 3 times apiece.
Fast Break
A “fast break” is a basketball play where the team tries to make a quick offensive move towards the basket. It happens when the defending team gets into possession of the ball. The defense passes the ball to the fastest player who runs for the basket. If executed properly, the opposing team won’t have the time to set up their defense.
Hack a Shaq
“Hack-a-Shaq” is a basketball strategy coined to stop Hall of Fame player Shaquille O’Neal. The “hack-a-Shaq” fouling technique involves the opposing team fouling the other player in order to get them out of the game or to shoot free throws. This is because you know they are poor at shooting free throws.
Hack-A-Shaq was named after Shaquille O’Neal. Shaq was a great player but didn’t excel at free throws. He was purposefully fouled and had to take shots from the foul line. He missed almost every time.
Opposing Team
The opposite team in basketball is the other team that you are playing against. Members of that team are called opposing players.
Offensive Team
The offensive team is the team that has possession of the ball and is trying to score. The other team is the defensive team and they are trying to prevent the offensive team from scoring.
Double Digits
This term refers to two digits seen on screen when a player has scored 10 or more points in the game. It’s a big accomplishment considering the speed at which matches are played.
Point Guard
A point guard is a player who starts the play and is in charge of distributing the ball to their teammates. A point guard also acts as a floor leader, which means they have to have good court vision and be able to lead the team on the court.
Point guards are also offensive players because they are usually in charge of scoring off of assists from other players, including outside shooters. Magic Johnson, Stephen Curry, Chris Paul, John Stockton, and Jason Kidd are just some of the greatest point guards in NBA history.
Conclusion
Basketball is a complex game that can be difficult to learn, but one of the most important aspects is knowing what terminology you should know.
The article has given an extensive list of terms and definitions for basketball players who are just starting off in this sport. You will find keywords such as triple-doubles, open shot, pick and roll, paint, buzzer-beater, opposing players, and much more!
Keep these in mind when playing against your next opponent so they don’t have the advantage over you. Let them know that you mean business!
Remember: knowledge is power!
What does 3 and D mean?
A player who specializes in three-point shooting and defense, especially one who is not a star. The term is most often used in the NBA, where this specific skill set has been increasingly valued since 2000.
What is the best buzzer-beater of all time?
Among other achievements, Michael Jordan made history for the most iconic buzzer-beater in NBA history, “the shot” in the 1998 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz.
Does a 3 count as a field goal?
A “field goal” in basketball is when the player makes a basket from beyond the three-point line. A field goal is worth either two or three points.
