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 things
2. 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

word

example sentence

meaning

doubledribbling

Young players still learning the game

often get fouled for double-dribbling.

violation of dribbling the ball with

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

a scoreboard clock that shows the

word

example sentence

meaning

game clock stopped while he talked to

his players.

time remaining in each period of a

game

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

a pass thrown from over the head,

to clear a defender or for added

word

example sentence

meaning

opponents.

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
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

word

example sentence

meaning

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

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

word

example sentence

meaning

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

violation

Two of the most common

violations in junior
basketball are doubledribbling and travelling.

Basketball Terms and Phrases to Know

By 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 teams 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 defenders body position to illegally prevent an opponents 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 players 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 passers 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 players 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 opponents 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. Its 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 players
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 freethrow 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 teams basket; the
offensive half of the court.

Fullcourt 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 teams 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 teams 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.

Shooters roll or shooters 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 players 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 thats 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 points
Check 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 round
With 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 21 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