Basketball Vocabulary List

word example sentence meaning

assist James won the MVP award with 28 points, nine assists and eight rebounds.

a pass to a teammate that leads directly to a goal

backboard My shot came off the backboard and down through the hoop for a 3-point goal.

a board behind the basket, off which the ball may rebound

basket In the early days, peach baskets were nailed to the walls and used as goals.

1. a container used to hold or carry things2. a net fixed on a hoop used as the goal

block He stepped in front of our player to block his run, and the referee ruled it a foul.

to stop the movement of an opponent, or stop an opponent's pass or shot

bounce Players must bounce the ball on the floor as they run.

to rebound after hitting a surface

bounce pass The crowd cheered when Mario threw a perfect no-look bounce pass.

a pass that bounces off the floor before it reaches the receiver

chest pass Michael threw a quick chest pass, ran forward, and received a bounce pass back.

a two-handed pass thrown from chest height

double- Young players still learning the game violation of dribbling the ball with

word example sentence meaning

dribbling often get fouled for double-dribbling. two hands, or stopping and restarting the dribble

draft Every team studies the players in the draft and decides which ones they'll try to recruit.

the annual process by which NBA teams select local or foreign players for their teams

dribble He dribbled past two defenders and then shot for goal.

To bounce the ball repeatedly with one hand while running or walking

drive Yao Ming is very difficult to stop when he drives to the basket.

A fast, strong dribble directly to the basket in an effort to score

exceed A team that exceeds the time-limit on the shot clock loses possession of the ball.

to go beyond what is allowed

foul Larry's already had four fouls, so if he commits another one he'll be out of the game.

a violation resulting from illegal contact with an opposing player

free throw Rodney practises his free throws for an hour every day.

a free shot taken from the free throw line as the result of a foul

game clock The coach called a time-out, and the game clock stopped while he talked to his players.

a scoreboard clock that shows the time remaining in each period of a game

word example sentence meaning

guarding Guarding is a man-on-man defensive tactic used to counter dangerous players.

following an opponent to stop him from driving, shooting or passing easily

hoop The ball has to go through the hoop from above to score a goal.

the round metal rim from which a basketball net is suspended

jump shot A jump shot is much harder to block than a set shot.

a shot taken while a player is jumping through the air

lay up The best players spend a lot of time working on skills to improve their lay ups.

a shot taken close to the basket that is usually banked off the backboard and into the basket

MVP Michael was awarded MVP many times during his career.

'most valuable player' award, given to the best player in a game

no-look pass Crowds love the no-look pass, but coaches warn players not to use it just to show off.

a pass thrown without looking towards the receiver

overhead pass

An overhead pass can get the ball to a teammate who's behind some opponents.

a pass thrown from over the head, to clear a defender or for added power

overtime We won the game by outscoring our opponents in overtime.

a five-minute extra period that is played when the game is tied after

word example sentence meaning

four quarters

personal foul Younger players often get over-excited and too aggressive and commit many personal fouls.

a foul that involves illegal physical contact such as blocking, charging, elbowing or holding

possession The team whose player commits a violation loses possession of the ball.

to be holding, or be in control of, the ball

rebound A lot of goals are scored from rebounds after an opponent's shot misses.

get control of a ball that has come off the rim or backboard after a failed shot attempt

referees How many referees are usually on court during a game of basketball?

officials who call violations and fouls, give penalties, signal field goals, and stop and start play

set shot Practising set shots is important because they are used to score from free throws.

a shot taken with both feet on the floor in a set position

shoot Players earn more points if they shoot from outside the three-point line.

to throw the ball in an attempt to score a goal

shot clock Players have to keep an eye on the shot clock while they are playing.

a clock that shows the amount of time a team has left to take a shot

word example sentence meaning

slam dunk Matt drove towards the basket, jumped high into the air and scored with a huge slam dunk.

a high jump shot in which the ball is thrust down through the hoop

substitute The substitutes sat on the bench and watched as their teammates on the court kept playing.

a player who comes into the game to replace a player on the court

technical foul

Their coach got a technical foul for arguing with a referee.

a foul called against a player or coach for unsportsmanlike conduct such as arguing with a referee

three-point line

In the NBA, the three-point line is 23 feet 9 inches from the basket.

a semi-circle painted on the court, from outside of which a successful shot earns three points

time-out Their coach indicated that he wanted a time-out, and the referee stopped the game.

clock stoppage requested by a coach for a short meeting with the players

travelling Even professional players sometimes get penalized for travelling.

the violation of moving with the ball without dribbling correctly

turnover Good players protect the ball to stop opposition players from making a turnover.

a player loses the ball to a member of the other team without taking a shot

word example sentence meaning

violation Two of the most common

violations in junior basketball

are double-dribbling and

travelling.

Basketball Terms and Phrases to KnowBy Richard Phelps, Tim Bourret, and John Walters

Part of the Basketball For Dummies Cheat Sheet

As with any sport, basketball has its own terms and phrases to describe game moves,

plays, positions, and more. Knowing some basketball lingo will help you to enjoy the

game more while you play or watch from courtside seats — or your sofa.

alley-oop: A designed play in which a player lobs the ball toward the basket and a

teammate jumps up, catches the ball in midair, and usually dunks it.

block out (or box out): Using the body to block or shield an opponent in order to gain

better position to grab a rebound.

boards: Rebounds.

brick or clank: An especially ugly, misfired shot that clanks hard off the rim.

bucket: A good multipurpose word that can mean the basket itself or a made basket;

also can be used as an adjective for an especially good shooter, as in "That guy is

bucket."

bury a jumper: To make an especially pretty jump shot.

cager: A basketball player.

charity stripe: The free throw line.

deuce: A made field goal, worth two points.

downtown: A long way from the basket, as in, "He just hit that shot from downtown!"

hack: A foul.

hole: a basket, as in "take it to the hole."

hoop: a basket.

hops: Jumping ability.

H-O-R-S-E: A popular game in which one player makes a shot and his opponent must

make the identical shot. Failure to do so results in gaining a letter (starting with "h").

in the paint: In the free throw lane.

nothin' but net: A shot that goes through the rim without touching the rim or any other

part of the basket.

rock: Slang for ball, as in "shoot the rock" or "pass the rock."

T: technical foul.

take it to the hole: To drive toward the basket in an attempt to score.

trey: A made field goal from behind the three-point arc, worth three points.

21: A game in which any number of players can play. The player who has the ball

attempts to score while all other players defend. A made shot results in two points, plus

you are given up to three consecutive free throws, each worth one point.

walk: To travel.

Alternating-possession rule:

The possession arrow changes direction after each held ball situation, alternating which team gets possession of the ball.

Assist:

A pass that immediately precedes and sets up a scored basket.

Backboard:

The rectangular or fan-shaped board behind the basket.

Backcourt:

The half of the court that is opposite a team’s offensive basket; the court a team is attempting to defend.

Ball handler:

The player with the ball; usually the point guard at the start of a play.

Ball Side:

The half of the court from the middle to the sideline where the ball is currently located. May also be referred to as the ‘strong side’.

Bank shot:

A shot where the ball is first bounced (or banked) off the backboard at such an angle that it then drops into the basket.

Baseline:

The boundary line behind each basket; also called the endline.

Basket:

Attached to the backboard, it consists of a metal rim 18″ in diameter suspended 10′ from the floor, from which a 15-18″ corded net hangs, and through which points are scored; also used to refer to a successful field goal.

Beat the defender:

When an offensive player, with or without the ball, is able to get past an opponent who is guarding him.

Bench Points:

The number of points scored during a game from players that began the game on the bench. All points scored by non-starters.

Blocked shot:

The successful deflection of a shot by touching part of the ball on its way to the basket, thereby preventing a field goal.

Blocking:

The use of a defender’s body position to illegally prevent an opponent’s advance; the opposite of charging.

Bonus free throw:

See “One-and-One.”

Bounce pass:

A pass that strikes the floor before it reaches the receiver.

Boxing out:

A player’s attempt to position his body between his opponent and the basket to get rebounds and prevent the opponents from doing so. Also referred to as Blocking out.

Carrying the ball:

Also called “palming;” a violation committed by a dribbler that involves placing the dribbling hand under the ball and momentarily holding or carrying it while dribbling.

Center:

Also called the “pivot player;” an offensive position typically played by a tall player who plays mainly in the key areas (at the post).

Center court circle:

The circular area at midcourt from which jump balls are taken.

Charging:

A personal foul committed when an offensive player illegally contacts a defensive player who has established position or is stationary.

Chest pass:

A two-handed pass thrown from the passer’s chest in a straight line to the chest area of the receiver.

Controlling the boards:

Securing a majority of the rebounds.

Conversion:

A made basket or free throw.

Court vision:

A player’s ability to see everything on the court during play — such as where his teammates and defenders are set up — which enables him to make better choices in passing; the best players possess this trait.

Crossover dribble:

A dribble in which the ball is moved from one hand to the other while the dribbler changes directions.

Cut:

A quick movement by an offensive player to elude an opponent or to receive the ball.

Cylinder:

The imaginary area directly above the basket where goaltending or basket interference can occur.

Dead ball:

Occurs whenever the whistle blows to stop play and after a field goal, but before the opponent gains possession of the ball.

Defense:

The team not in possession of the ball whose objective is to keep the opponent from scoring; also a specific pattern of play used by a defending team.

Defensive rebound:

A rebound of an opponent’s missed shot.

Double-double:

When a player scores double-digits in 2 categories during one game (points, assists and rebounds are most common, but it can also be blocks or steals); a sign of great versatility.

Double dribble:

A violation that occurs when a player dribbles the ball with two hands simultaneously or stops dribbling and then dribbles again.

Double foul:

A situation in which two opponents commit a foul against each other simultaneously.

Double team:

A defensive tactic in which two defenders temporarily guard one player.

Downcourt or down the court:

The direction a team on offense moves, from its backcourt into its frontcourt and towards its own basket.

Dribble or dribbling:

Process by which a player repeatedly bounces the ball off the floor so that it returns to his/her possession. It’s the only legal means by which a single player may move the ball across the court.

Drive:

A quick dribble directly to the basket in an effort to score.

Dunk:

When a player close to the basket jumps and strongly throws the ball down into it; an athletic, creative shot used to intimidate opponents.

Elbow:

A term often used to indicate the area of the court where the free-throw line and side of the key meet.

Elbowing:

It is a violation if a player vigorously or excessively swings his elbows, even if there is no contact; it is a foul if contact is made.

End line:

See ‘baseline’.

Established position:

When a defensive player has both feet firmly planted on the floor before an offensive player’s head and shoulder get past him; the offensive player who runs into such a defender is charging.

4-point play:

A made 3-point field goal in which the shooter was fouled, followed by a successful free-throw.

Fake or feint:

A deceptive move to throw a defender off balance and allow an offensive player to shoot or receive a pass; players use their eyes, head or any other part of the body to trick an opponent.

Fastbreak:

An offensive strategy in which a team attempts to move the ball downcourt and into scoring position as quickly as possible so that the defense is outnumbered and does not have time to set up.

Field goal:

A basket scored on any shot other than a free throw, worth two or three points depending on the distance of the attempt from the basket.

Flagrant foul:

Unnecessary or excessive contact against an opponent.

Forward:

An offensive position played to the sides of the basket near the key area and out toward the sideline along the baseline.

Foul (also referred to as ‘personal foul’):

A violation resulting from illegal contact with an opposing player.

Foul line:

See “Free-throw line.”

Foul shot:

See “Free-throw.”

Free throw:

An unguarded shot taken from behind the free-throw line after a foul. If successful, the shot counts one point.

Free-throw lane:

Also called the “key” or “lane;” a 12-foot wide area extending from the baseline to the free-throw line. Players may not be in this area during a free-throw attempt.

Free-throw line:

A 12-foot-long line that is parallel to and 15 feet from the backboard.

Free-throw line extended:

An imaginary line drawn from the free-throw line to the sideline to determine the location for certain plays.

Front court:

The half of the court (divided by the center line) that contains the offensive team’s basket; the offensive half of the court.

Full–court press:

A defensive tactic in which a team guards the opponents closely the full length of the court.

Game clock:

Shows how much time remains in each quarters or halves of games.

Guard:

An offensive position played primarily at the perimeter, or away from the basket.

Guarding:

The act of following an opponent around the court to prevent him from getting close to the basket, taking an open shot or making easy an pass, while avoiding illegal contact.

Half-court or set offense:

When a team takes the time to develop a play in its frontcourt, such as the give-and-go or a screening play; opposite of fast break.

Held ball:

Formerly called a “jump ball.” When two players on opposite teams are in joint control of the ball.

Help Side:

The half of the court from the middle to the sideline opposite to where the ball is currently located.

Hesitation Dribble:

A dribbling action with a change-of-pace intended to confuse and/or freeze the defender. The basic action is a stutter step in which the dribbler momentarily slows his or her pace and speed.

High percentage shot:

A shot that is likely to go in the basket, such as a layup.

High post:

An imaginary area outside either side of the foul lane at the elbow / free-throw line extended area.

Inbounds:

The area within the baselines and sidelines of the court; also the act of bringing the ball into this area by means of a throw-in.

Incidental contact:

Minor contact usually overlooked by officials.

Inside shooting:

Shots taken by a player near or under the basket.

Intentional foul:

A personal foul that the official judges to be premeditated.

In the paint:

In the “key” area, so named because this area of the floor is painted.

Jump ball:

The procedure for starting play at the beginning of a game or an overtime period. The official tosses the ball into the air between the two opponents positioned at the center-court circle; the two players jump up and try to tap the ball to a teammate.

Jump shot:

A shot that is released after the shooter has jumped into the air.

Jump stop:

A method used to come to a complete stop. Both feet must land simultaneously – either parallel or staggered – in order for it to be a jump stop.

Key:

Also called the “free-throw lane” or “lane;” the area measuring 12 feet in width and extending from the free-throw line to the end line.

Layup or layin:

A shot taken close to the basket that is usually banked off the backboard towards the basket.

Loose ball:

A ball that is alive but not in the possession of either team.

Low post:

An imaginary area outside either side of the foul lane close to the basket.

Lower percentage shot:

A shot that is less likely to go in the basket, such as one thrown by a player who is off balance or outside his shooting range.

Man-to-man defense:

A team defense in which each player is assigned to guard a particular opponent.

Offense:

The team that has possession of the basketball. Also, a structured pattern of play that a team uses while attempting to score.

Offensive rebound:

A rebound of a team’s own missed shot.

Officials:

The referees who control the game, stop and start play, and impose penalties for violations and fouls.

One-and-one:

The “bonus” free-throw situation awarded for non-shooting fouls after the opposing team exceeds a certain number of team fouls in a half. The person fouled shoots one free throw; if successful, the shooter takes a second shot.

Out of bounds:

The area outside of and including the end lines and sidelines.

Outside shooting:

Shots taken from the perimeter.

Over-and-back violation:

A violation that occurs when the offensive team returns the ball into the backcourt once it has positioned itself in the front court.

Overhead pass:

A two-handed pass thrown from above the forehead.

Overtime:

An extra period played to break a tie score at the end of a regulation game.

Palming:

See “Carrying the ball.”

Pass:

An intentional throw to a teammate.

Passer:

The player who passes the ball to a teammate.

Period:

Any quarter, half or overtime segment.

Perimeter:

The area beyond the foul circle away from the basket, including 3-point line, from which players take long-range shots.

Personal foul:

Contact between players that may result in injury or provide one team with an unfair advantage; players may not push, hold, trip, hack, elbow, restrain or charge into an opponent; these are also counted as team fouls.

Pick:

See “Screen or Screener”

Pick and Roll:

A play in which an offensive player sets a pick for the dribbler, then cuts off that pick, or ‘rolls’, toward the basket looking for a pass from the dribbler for a shot.

Pick-up games:

Impromptu games played among players who just met.

Pivot:

A footwork technique in which a player keeps one foot in contact with a “spot” on the floor while moving the other foot to adjust the position of the body or to evade a defensive player.

Point guard:

An offensive position played by a guard who usually brings the ball up the court and initiates the offense.

Possession:

To be holding or in control of the ball.

Possession arrow:

Used to determine which team’s turn it is to inbounds the ball to begin a period or in a held ball situation.

Post:

An offensive position played close to the basket along the key.

Press:

An aggressive defense that attempts to force the opponents to make errors by guarding them closely from either half court, three-quarter court or full court.

Quadruple double:

A triple double with double-digits scored in 4 categories.

Rebound:

The act of gaining possession of the ball after a missed shot.

Run:

Occurs when one team scores several field goals in quick succession while its opponents score few or none.

Scoring opportunity:

When a player gets open for a shot that is likely to score.

Screen or screener:

The offensive player who stands between a teammate and a defender to gives his teammate the chance to take an open shot.

Scrimmage:

An unofficial game between two teams, or five-on-five play between team members in a practice situation.

Shot clock:

A clock that limits the time a team with the ball has to shoot it; 24 seconds in the NBA; in college, 35 seconds for men, 30 seconds for women.

Shooter:

A player who takes a shot at the basket.

Shooter’s roll or shooter’s touch:

The ability to get even an inaccurate shot to bounce lightly off the rim and into the basket.

Shooting range:

The distance from which a player is likely to make his shots.

Sidelines:

2 boundary lines that run the length of the court.

Sixth man:

The best substitute on a team; usually the first player to come off the bench to replace a starter.

Slam dunk:

See “dunk.”

Squaring up:

When a player’s shoulders are facing the basket as he releases the ball for a shot; considered good shooting position.

Substitute:

A player who comes into the game to replace a player on the court.

Swing man:

A player who can play both the guard and forward positions.

3-point play:

A made 2-point field goal in which the shooter was fouled, followed by a successful free-throw.

3 seconds:

A violation in which an offensive player remains within the key for more than three seconds at a time.

Team fouls:

Each personal foul committed by a player is also counted against his team; when a team goes over the limit, its opponent is awarded free-throw opportunities.

Technical foul:

A foul that does not involve contact with an opponent; a foul that involves unsportsmanlike conduct by a player, coach or non-player; or a contact foul committed by a player while the ball is dead.

Ten-second line:

The mid-court line over which the offensive team must advance the ball from the backcourt within 10 seconds to avoid a violation.

Three-point field goal:

A made basket from a distance greater than 19 feet and nine inches during a high school or college game.

Three-on-two:

A common fastbreak situation in which three offensive players attempt to score on two defenders.

Timeout:

When play is temporarily suspended by an official or at the request of a team to respond to an injured player or discuss strategy.

Transition:

The shift from offense to defense, and vice versa.

Traveling:

A violation occurring when a player with the ball takes a step without dribbling (moving the established pivot foot).

Triple double:

When a player scores double-digits in 3 categories during one game (points, assists and rebounds are most common, but it can also be blocks or steals); a sign of great versatility.

Triple Threat Position:

Triple threat is an offensive position a player can use who has not dribbled yet. The offensive player stands with knees flexed, feet slightly wider than shoulder width, and both hands on the basketball. From this position, the offensive player can either shoot, dribble, or pass to a teammate … thereby being a ‘triple threat’ with the basketball.

Turnover:

A loss of possession of the ball by means of an error or violation.

Upset:

When a higher-seeded (better) team loses to a lower-seeded (inferior) one.

Violation:

An infringement of the rules that’s not a foul. The penalty for a violation is the awarding of the ball to the opponent.

Weakside:

The side of the court away from the ball.

Zone defense:

A team defense in which each player is responsible for defending an area of the court and the opponents within that area.

Zone offense:

An offensive pattern of play designed to attack (score against) a particular zone defense.

Gilas Pilipinas pummels Kuwait by 46 pointsCheck out photos from the Philippines' lopsided win over Kuwait in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship

Rappler.com

Published 9:10 PM, September 25, 2015

Updated 9:11 PM, September 25, 2015

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MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas cruised to its second straight victory in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship with a 110-64 defeat of Kuwait to finish the first round with a 2-1 record in Group B on Friday, September 25.

(WATCH: Terrence Romeo's killer crossover, Calvin Abueva's throwdown vs Kuwait)

The Philippine national men's basketball team held the Kuwaitis scoreless for a 10-minute stretch bridging the first and second periods with a 26-0 blast as they ran away with the victory.

The Filipinos will advance to the second round in Group E where they will face reigning champion Iran, India, and Japan with their carryover record of 1-1.

(WATCH: Gilas blows out Kuwait to reach second round)

Gilas' win versus Kuwait will not be included as Kuwait is already eliminated. Palestine and Hong Kong will also advance to Group E and will face the 3 new teams from Group A.

The top 4 teams from each of the two groups in the second round will advance to the knockout quarterfinals.

The second group phase starts on Sunday, September 27, after a one-day break.

Gilas breezes past Kuwait, advances to FIBA Asia second roundWith the win, Gilas Pilipinas safely moves on to the second group phase in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship

Jane Bracher

@janebracher

Published 6:30 PM, September 25, 2015

Updated 7:59 PM, September 25, 2015

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SECOND ROUND. Gilas Pilipinas is bound for the second round after dispatching Kuwait to end the first round with a 2-1 record. Terrence Romeo leads all Gilas players in scoring. Photo from FIBA Photo from FIBA

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – On to the second round.

Gilas Pilipinas continued its rampage after its 51-point drubbing of Hong Kong as they bulldozed past Kuwait, 110-64, in Group B on Friday, September 25 at the Changsha Social Work College Gymnasium in Changsha, Hunan, China.

(HIGHLIGHTS: Gilas vs Kuwait – 2015 FIBA Asia Championship)

The Philippine national men's basketball team finished the first round with a 2-1 record and is safely through to the second group phase of the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship.

Terrence Romeo topscored for the Philippines with 19 points including a perfect 3-of-3 clip from long range. He also had two assists and two steals.

Jayson Castro, or Jayson William internationally, finished with 16 points, two rebounds and an assist in just over 19 minutes of action. Calvin Abueva was likewise effective with 10 points, 8 rebounds, two assists and 1 steal in close to 14 minutes on the floor.

Ranidel De Ocampo had 9 points, 5 rebounds and two assists while Asi Taulava registered 9 markers and 10 boards.

It was an up and down affair during the first 4 minutes of the ballgame as Kuwait knocked down some outside shots. But Gilas held them scoreless for 10 minutes bridging the first and second periods and mounted their own 26-0 blast to take a 44-11 lead.

Kuwait, however, managed a spurt and scored 14 points in the final half of the second quarter. Though that was all she wrote for the 70th ranked Kuwait, who is now eliminated from the tournament with a winless card in Group B.

The Philippines outplayed Kuwait on every front – lighting it up from downtown, dominating the paint, and running and gunning at will.

Gilas out-rebounded their foes by 52-26. Though they once again struggled from the free throw line going 19-of-31 collectively.

Abdulrahman Alshammari led Kuwait with 15 points while Abdullah Alsaeid added 13 points.

The game was marred by scuffle between Kuwait's Abdulaziz Alhamidi and the referees as he vehemently complained when he busted his lip during a play following his low blow to De Ocampo with 46.6 ticks left in the game. A water bottle was thrown on the court and he was escorted out of the playing area.

Kuwait's fouls on Gilas amounted to 26 and one Kuwaiti fouled out as early as the third quarter.

The tournament takes a break on Saturday, September 26 before resuming action in the second round on Sunday, September 27.

Gilas will have carryover 1-1 win-loss record to the second group phase with Kuwait eliminated. They will move on to Group E and will face reigning FIBA Asia champion Iran, India and Japan. – Rappler.com