Basketball Glossary

alive:
a ball is alive when it is released by a shooter or thrower, or legally tapped by a jumper during a jump ball; the game clock starts only when the ball becomes alive; compare with live.

alternating-possession rule:
in college, the possession arrow changes direction after each subsequent jump ball situation, alternating which team gets possession for the throw-in.

assist:
the last pass to a teammate that leads directly to a field goal; the scorer must move immediately toward the basket for the passer to be credited with an assist; only 1 assist can be credited per field goal.

backboard:
the rectangular structure, 6' x 3 1/2', to which the basket is attached.

backcourt:
the area from the midcourt line to the end line furthest from the offense's basket.

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

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:
see end line.

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.

blind pass:
a pass from a ball handler who does not see his receiver, but is estimating where he should be.

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.

boosters:
alumni supporters of college teams.

boxing out:
a player's attempt to position his body between his opponents and the basket to get rebounds and prevent the opponents from doing so.

break:
see fast break.

center circle:
the circular area at midcourt from which jump balls are taken.

charging:
an offensive foul which occurs when an offensive player runs into a defender who has established position.

clear out:
see one-on-one showdown.

Commissioner:
the president of the NBA.

court:
the 94' x 50' area bounded by 2 sidelines and 2 end lines containing a basket at each end, on which a basketball game is played.

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 point guards possess this.

crossover dribble:
when a ball handler dribbles the ball across his body from one hand to the other.

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

dead ball:
any ball that is not live; occurs after each successful field goal or free-throw attempt, after any official's whistle or if the ball leaves the court; it stops play which is then resumed by a jump ball, throw-in or free-throw.

defense:
the act of preventing the offense from scoring; the team without the ball.

defensive rebound:
a rebound of an opponent's missed shot.

double team:
when two teammates join efforts in guarding a single opponent.

downcourt or down the court:
the direction a team on offense moves, from its backcourt into its frontcourt and towards its own basket.

draft:
the method by which NBA teams annually select college or foreign players to their teams, designed to promote balanced competition in the NBA.

Dream Team:
the name given by the media to the U.S. basketball team that won the gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics; it was the first time non-amateurs were permitted to represent the country; the members of this team were Charles Barkley, Larry Bird, Clyde Drexler, Patrick Ewing, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Christian Laettner, Karl Malone, Chris Mullin, Scottie Pippen, David Robinson and John Stockton. In the 1996 Olympics, the U.S. team was called Dream Team II and in 2000, Dream Team III.

dribble or dribbling:
when a player repeatedly pushes, pats, taps or bats the ball toward the floor with one hand to cause the ball to bounce back up to either of his hands; used to advance the ball or keep control of it.

dribble series:
a number of consecutive dribbles which end when a player allows the ball to rest in one or both hands; a player is only permitted one dribble series before he must pass or shoot.

drive to the basket:
to move rapidly toward the basket with the ball.

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.

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, and an automatic ejection if that contact is above shoulder level.

end line:
the boundary line behind each basket; also called the 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.

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.

fast break:
also called the run-and-shoot offense, it begins with a defensive rebound by a player who immediately sends an outlet pass toward midcourt to his waiting teammates; these teammates can sprint to their basket and quickly shoot before enough opponents catch up to stop them.

field goal:
when the ball enters the basket from above during play; worth 2 points, or 3 points if the shooter was standing behind the 3-point line.

Finals, NBA:
the annual championship series of the NBA's post-season.

Final Four:
the 4 regional champions (West, East, Midwest and Southeast) remaining from the 64 college teams that compete in the annual NCAA Tournament; they play one another to determine the national champion.

flagrant foul:
unnecessary or excessive contact against an opponent.

floor:
the area of the court within the end lines and sidelines.

floor violation:
a player's action that violates the rules but does not prevent an opponent's movement or cause him harm; penalized by a change in possession.

forwards:
the 2 players on the court for a team who are usually smaller than the center and bigger than the guards; often a team's highest scorers.

foul:
actions by players which break the rules but are not floor violations; penalized by a change in possession or free-throw opportunities; see personal foul or technical foul.

foul lane:
the painted area 19' x 16' (12' in college) bordered by the end line and the foul line, outside which players must stand during a free-throw; also the area an offensive player cannot spend more than 3-seconds at a time in.

foul line:
the line 15' from the backboard and parallel to the end line from which players shoot free-throws.

foul shot:
see free-throw.

4-point play:
a 3-point shot followed by a successful free-throw.

franchise:
a professional team.

franchise player:
a star player around which a franchise is built.

free agent, restricted:
an NBA player whose contract has expired and who has received a "qualifying offer" from his current club which provides a salary level predetermined by the collective bargaining agreement. While this player is free to negotiate an offer from a new team, his current team has a right of first refusal to match that offer, thereby obligating him to remain with his current team.

free agent, unrestricted:
a player who has completed his 3rd NBA season (or 4th season, if his current team exercised its "option" to have him play for a 4th year) and is free to negotiate a contract with other NBA teams without his current team having a right of first refusal.

free-throw:
an unguarded shot taken from the foul line by a player whose opponent committed a personal or technical foul; it is worth 1 point.

free-throw line:
see foul line.

free-throw line extended:
an imaginary line drawn from the free-throw line to the sideline to determine the location for certain throw-ins.

frontcourt:
the area between the midcourt line and the end line closest to the offense's basket.

full-court press:
when defenders start guarding the offense in the backcourt.

game clock:
shows how much time remains in each of the four 12-minute quarters of an NBA game or two 20-minute halves of a college game.

guards:
the 2 players on each team who are the smallest on the court; they usually handle setting up plays and passing to teammates closer to 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.

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 free-throw line extended.

in the paint:
being in the foul lane area which is painted a different color.

inbounds:
the area within the end lines 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.

jump ball:
2 opposing players jump for a ball an official tosses above and between them, to tap it to their teammates and gain possession; used to start the game (tip-off) and all overtime periods, and sometimes to restart play.

keepaway game:
a tactic used by the team that is leading near the end of the game to keep the ball from its opponents to prevent them from scoring while using up time off the game clock; also called freezing.

key or keyhole:
the area at each end of the court consisting of the foul circle, foul lane and free-throw line; named for the shape it had years ago.

layup or layin:
a shot taken after driving to the basket by leaping up under the basket and using one hand to drop the ball directly into the basket (layin) or to bank the ball off the backboard into it (layup).

leading the receiver:
when a passer throws the ball where he thinks a receiver is headed.

live ball:
as soon as a ball is given to a free-throw shooter or a thrower on a throw-in, it is live, but the game clock does not restart until the ball is alive.

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:
the defensive style where each defensive player is responsible for guarding one opponent.

March Madness:
see NCAA Tournament.

match-ups:
any pairing of players on opposing teams who guard each other.

MVP (Most Valuable Player):
an award recognizing the NBA player who contributed most to the regular season or to the Finals.

NBA (National Basketball Association):
a professional league created in 1949 that now has 27 teams in the U.S. and is adding 2 Canadian teams in 1995.

NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association):
a voluntary association of over 1,200 colleges and universities in the U.S. whose role is to establish standards and protect the integrity of amateurism for student-athletes.

NCAA Tournament:
an annual competition between 64 college teams to crown a national champion; also called March Madness because the three-week-long event is held during March; see also Final Four.

NIT (National Invitational Tournament):
the oldest college tournament, in which 32 teams not selected to the NCAA Tournament compete each year.

off the dribble:
a shot taken while driving to the basket.

offense:
the team with possession of the ball.

offensive rebound:
a rebound of a team's own missed shot.

officials:
the crew chief, referee and umpire who control the game, stop and start play, and impose penalties for violations and fouls.

1-and-1 or 1-plus-1:
in college, a free-throw attempt awarded for certain violations that earns the shooter a 2nd attempt only if the first is successful.

open:
when a player is unguarded by a defender.

out of bounds:
the area outside of and including the end lines and sidelines.

outside shooting:
shots taken from the perimeter.

over the limit:
when a team commits 5 or more team fouls per NBA period (4 in each overtime); 8 or more per WNBA half; 7 or more per half in college; this team is also said to be in the penalty.

overtime or OT:
the extra period(s) played after a regulation game ends tied.

pass:
when a passer throws the ball to a teammate; used to start plays, move the ball downcourt, keep it away from defenders and get it to a shooter.

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.

picked off:
refers to a defender who has been successfully prevented from reaching the ball handler by an offensive screen.

pick-up games:
impromptu games played among players who just met.

pivot:
a center; also the foot that must remain touching the floor until a ball handler who has stopped dribbling is ready to pass or shoot.

playmaker:
the point guard who generally sets up plays for his teammates.

point-shaving:
an illegal practice where players intentionally win a game, but by fewer points than the point spread; led to 2 major college scandals (involved 32 of the biggest stars in the 1950s, then 22 colleges in 1961).

point spread:
a device established by bookmakers to equalize 2 teams for betting purposes; e.g., if a team is considered to be 4 points better than another, the spread is 4 points; to win a bet on the favorite, that team would need to win by more than the spread (in this case, by more than 4 points); the margin of victory can be more important than whether a team wins or loses.

possession:
to be holding or in control of the ball.

possession arrow:
in college, used to determine which team's turn it is to inbounds the ball to begin a period or in a jump ball situation.

post position:
the position of a player standing in the low post or high post.

quadruple double:
a triple double with double-digits scored in 4 categories.

rebound:
when a player grabs a ball that is coming off the rim or backboard after a shot attempt; see offensive rebound and defensive rebound.

receiver:
the player who receives a pass from the ball handler.

regulation game:
four 12-minute quarters in the NBA or two 20-minute halves in college; a game that ends without overtime periods.

release:
the moment that the ball leaves a shooter's hands.

rookie:
a player in his first NBA season.

roster:
the list of players on a team.

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

salary cap:
an annual dollar limit that a single team may pay all its players.

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.

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:
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.

starting lineup:
the 5 starters who begin a game; usually a team's best players.

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.

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 fouls or Ts:
procedural violations and misconduct that officials believe are detrimental to the game; penalized by a single free-throw opportunity to the non-offending team (2 free-throws and possession in college).

3-on-3:
a game played with only 3 players on the court for each team.

3-point play:
a 2-point field goal followed by a successful free-throw.

3-point shot:
a field goal worth 3 points because the shooter had both feet on the floor behind the 3-point line when he released the ball; also counts if one foot is behind the line while the other is in the air.

throw-in:
the method by which a team with possession inbounds the ball.

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; there are full timeouts (100 or 60 seconds in NBA, 120 seconds in WNBA, 75 or 60 seconds in college) and 20-second timeouts (30 seconds in college).

tip-off:
the initial jump ball that starts the game.

transition:
the shift from offense to defense.

traveling:
a floor violation when the ball handler takes too many steps without dribbling; also called walking.

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.

turnover:
when the offense loses possession through its own fault by passing the ball out of bounds or committing a floor violation.

upset:
when a higher-seeded (better) team loses to a lower-seeded (inferior) one.

violation:
see floor violation.

weakside:
the side of the court away from the ball.

zone defense:
a defense where each defender is responsible for an area of the court and must guard any player who enters that area; compare with man-to-man defense.
http://www.firstbasesports.com/basketball_glossary.html

Football Glossary

Astroturf:
an artificial surface used instead of grass on many football fields.

audible:
verbal commands shouted by the quarterback to his teammates at the line of scrimmage to change a play on short notice.

backfield:
the area behind the line of scrimmage.

backs:
the running backs; the halfback and the fullback.

ball carrier:
any player who has possession of the ball.

beat:
when a player gets past an opponent trying to block or tackle him.

blackout:
when a regional network TV affiliate is forbidden from showing a local game because it is not sold out.

blitz:
a play where the defensive team sends players rushing towards the line of scrimmage as soon as the ball is snapped to try to sack the quarterback.

blocking:
the act of preventing a defensive player from getting to the ball carrier; blockers use their arms and bodies but may not hold an opponent.

bomb:
a long pass thrown to a receiver sprinting down the field.

bowl game:
a college football game played in late-December or early-January, after the regular season, between two successful teams.

bump-and-run:
a technique used by pass defenders, where they hit a receiver once within 5 yards (1 yard in college) of the line of scrimmage to slow him down, and then follow him to prevent him from catching a pass.

call a play:
instruct players to execute a pre-planned play.

clipping:
blocking an opponent below the waist from behind; this illegal block is a personal foul, punishable by a 15-yard penalty.

complete pass:
a forward pass to a teammate who catches it in the air.

conferences:
groups into which teams are divided in professional and college football; the NFL is divided into National and American Conferences.

controlling the game clock:
the use of tactics by an offensive team to either save or use up time on the game clock, which often dictates its choice of plays.

cover or coverage:
preventing a player from gaining yards; in pass coverage, a defender follows a receiver to prevent him from catching a pass; in kick coverage, members of the kicking team try to prevent a long kick return.

cut back:
a sudden change in direction taken by a to make it more difficult for defenders to follow and tackle him.

dead ball:
a ball becomes dead when a play is over and becomes live as soon as it is snapped for the next play.

division:
in the NFL, sub-groups within conferences, such as the Eastern, Northern, Southern and Western Divisions; also, a grouping of teams in college football, where Division I contains the most competitive teams and Division III the least.

double coverage:
when 2 defensive players cover one receiver.

down:
one of 4 chances a team on offense has to gain 10 yards; also, the state of a player who has just been tackled; also, a ball that a player touches to the ground in the end zone to get a touchback.

down the field:
in the direction of the opponent’s goal line.

draft choice:
a player chosen by a professional sports team from a pool of college players in an annual draft.

drive:
the series of plays a team puts together in an attempt to score.

drop back:
when a quarterback, after taking the snap, takes a few steps backward into an area called the pocket to get ready to pass.

drop kick:
a type of free kick where a player drops the ball and kicks it right after it hits the ground; rarely used today.

eligible receiver:
a player allowed by the rules to catch a forward pass; all offensive players are eligible except linemen and the quarterback, who must notify the referee if they wish to become eligible and stand at least one yard behind the line of scrimmage before the snap.

encroachment:
if a player (besides the center) is in the neutral zone and contact occurs prior to the snap; a foul punishable by a 5-yard penalty.

end line:
the boundary line that runs the width of the field along each end.

end zone:
the area between the end line and goal line bounded by the sidelines, which a team on offense tries to enter to score a touchdown.

extra point(s):
additional point(s) scored by a team after it has scored a touchdown, either by a point-after-touchdown (1 point) or a 2-point conversion (2 points).

fair catch:
when a kick returner decides only to catch a punt or kickoff and not advance it, protecting himself from being hit by an opponent; he signals for a fair catch by raising one hand in the air and waving it.

field goal:
a place kick that passes above the crossbar and between the uprights of the goalpost, earning the team that kicked it 3 points.

field position:
the location of a team on the field relative to the two goal lines; good field position for a team is near its opponent’s goal line, while bad field position is close to its own goal line.

first down:
the first chance out of 4 that a team on offense has to advance 10 yards down the field; as soon as it gains those yards, it earns a new first down.

forward pass:
a pass thrown by a team closer to the opponent’s goal line; a team is allowed to throw only one forward pass per play, and it must be thrown from behind the team’s line of scrimmage.

forward progress:
the location to which a ball carrier has advanced the ball, even if he was pushed backwards after getting there.

foul:
a violation of football’s rules by a team or player, punishable by a penalty.

franchise:
a team; the legal arrangement that establishes ownership of a team.

free agent:
a player whose contract with his most recent team has expired, allowing him to sign a new contract with any team that makes him an offer.

free kick:
a type of kick taken to start or restart play after a team has scored, with no defenders nearer than 10 yards away; includes a kickoff and a kick after a safety.

fumble:
when a ball carrier loses possession by dropping the ball or having it knocked away before a play ends; the first player to regain possession of the loose ball is said to make the recovery, and his team becomes the offense.

goal line:
a line drawn across the width of the field, 10 yards inside each end line, which a team must cross with the ball to score a touchdown.

goalpost:
a tall metallic structure that stands at the back of each end zone; consists of a crossbar and two uprights that extend upward from it, supported directly above the end line by a base; teams try to kick the ball above the crossbar and between the uprights to score a field goal or extra point.

going for it:
when a team facing a fourth down decides to try for a new first down instead of punting; if it fails, it loses possession of the ball.

hand-off:
a running play where the quarterback hands the ball to a back.

hang time:
the length of time a punt is in the air.

Heisman Trophy:
an award presented annually by the Downtown Athletic Club of New York to the best college football player in the country.

holding:
a foul where a player impedes the movement of an opponent by grasping or hooking any part of his body or uniform; punishable by a penalty — 10 yards if against the offense, 5 yards (10 yards in college) plus a first down if against the defense.

home field advantage:
the benefit a team gets by playing games in the area where it is based, due to fan support, familiarity with its surroundings and the lack of required travel.

home game:
a game played in a team’s own stadium.

in bounds:
the region of the field inside the sidelines and end lines.

incomplete pass:
a forward pass that touches the ground before being caught.

intentional grounding:
a foul called against a quarterback who purposely throws an incomplete forward pass solely to avoid a sack; cannot be called if the pass lands at or beyond the line of scrimmage.

interception:
a pass caught in the air (picked off) by a defender whose team immediately gains possession of the ball and becomes the offense.

kickoff:
when a player kicks a ball from a tee at his own 30-yard line (35 in college) to the opposing team, whose player tries to advance it the other way; used to start the game, the second half and overtime, and to restart play after each score.

lateral:
a pass thrown to a teammate backwards from the team’s line of scrimmage or parallel to it; unlike a forward pass (which can be thrown only once per play), players may lateral the ball as often as they want.

line of scrimmage:
an imaginary line which no player may cross before the snap; each team has its own line of scrimmage, separated by the neutral zone.

lineman:
a player who starts each play within 1 yard of his line of scrimmage.

live ball:
a ball becomes live as soon as it is snapped or free kicked (as in a kickoff); opposite of a dead ball.

loose ball:
a ball that is not in possession of either team, such as after a fumble or a kickoff; it can be recovered by either team.

man-in-motion:
a single player on the offense who is permitted to move prior to the snap; he may only run parallel to the line of scrimmage or away from it.

midfield:
the 50-yard line, which divides the length of the field in half.

necessary line:
the imaginary line the offense must cross to achieve a new first down.

neutral zone:
the region that contains the ball as it sits on the ground before each play; the area between the two lines of scrimmage.

NFL (National Football League):
the major professional football league in the U.S. with 32 teams; its headquarters are in New York.

NFL Championship:
the game held from 1933 through 1965 to decide the champion of professional football; renamed the Super Bowl in 1966.

nickel defense:
when a defense brings in a 5th defensive back to replace a linebacker on the field, increasing its pass coverage.

offending team:
the team that committed a foul.

offside:
when any part of a player’s body is beyond his line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped; a foul punishable by a 5-yard penalty.

on downs:
the term used to describe a team’s loss of possession if it fails to reach the necessary line on a fourth down play.

open receiver:
a player who has no defender closely covering him.

out of bounds:
the region of the field touching or outside the sidelines and end lines; as soon as a ball carrier or the ball itself touches out of bounds, the play is over.

pass defender:
a defensive player who covers an opposing receiver.

pass patterns or pass routes:
pre-determined paths receivers follow to help the passer quickly locate them so he can more easily get them the ball.

pass protection:
blocking by offensive players to keep defenders away from the quarterback on passing plays.

pass rush:
a surge by defenders to get past blockers and sack the quarterback.

personal foul:
a foul that might cause injury; punishable by a 15-yard penalty.

picked off:
intercepted.

pitch-out:
a lateral tossed from a quarterback to a running back.

place kick:
a kick towards the goalpost for a field goal or extra point; held between the ground and another player’s finger.

play:
a spurt of action that begins with a snap and ends with a dead ball.

play clock:
a clock displayed above each end zone that limits the time teams may take between plays to 40 seconds (30 in college); the ball must be snapped before the clock runs down to 0.

play-action pass:
a passing play after the quarterback has faked a hand-off.

playoffs:
the post-season tournament that determines the NFL champion.

pocket:
the area behind the offensive line, where the quarterback is protected by his blockers.

point-after-touchdown (PAT):
a place kick taken from the opponent’s 2-yard line (3-yard line in college); awarded to a team that has scored a touchdown, it is worth 1 point if it goes through the goalpost.

possession:
to be holding or in control of the football.

previous spot:
where the ball was snapped to begin the last play.

punt:
when a player 10 yards behind the center catches a snap, drops it and kicks it before it hits the ground; an opponent tries to catch and advance it the other way.

pylon:
a short orange marker at each of the end zone’s 4 corners.

quarterback:
the leader of a team’s offense, he takes the snap from the center and either hands the ball to a running back to run with, passes it to a receiver or runs with it himself; he also communicates each play to his teammates.

reading the defense:
recognition by the quarterback of the defensive formation; he may then call an audible to adjust the offense.

receiver:
an offensive player who catches or attempts to catch a forward pass.

recovery:
to gain or regain possession of a fumble.
red shirt:
a designation given to a college player who did not play in any games during a particular year due to injury or coach's choice; such a player is permitted to practice with the team during that season and is granted an additional year of eligibility; most often used to describe college freshmen who are held out of games their first year to mature, becoming "red shirt freshmen" in their second or sophomore year of college.
red zone:
the imaginary area between the defense's 20-yard line and its goal line from which the offense is most likely to score points.

return:
an attempt by a player who has just caught an interception, punt, or kickoff to advance the ball the other way.

roll out:
when a quarterback runs parallel to the line, looking for a receiver.

rookie:
a first-year player in the NFL.

rush:
a running play; also, a pass rush.

sack:
a tackle of the quarterback behind his line of scrimmage.

safety:
when a ball carrier is tackled in his own end zone after bringing the ball there under his own power; the defense earns 2 points and receives a free kick from the offense’s own 20-yard line.

scrambling:
evasive movements by a quarterback to avoid being sacked.

series:
the group of 4 downs a team has to advance 10 yards.

sideline:
the boundary line that runs the length of the field along each side; a ball carrier or ball that touches or crosses the sideline is out of bounds.

single-elimination:
a tournament where a team is eliminated after one loss.

snap:
when the center while facing forward quickly hands the ball between his legs to a player standing behind him (usually the quarterback) to start each play.

special teams:
the group of players who participate in kicking plays.

spike:
when a player throws the ball at the ground to celebrate a touchdown.

spiral:
a ball passed or kicked with a spin which propels it further with more accuracy; the ball points the same direction throughout its flight.

spot:
a location on the field, determined by an official, to mark forward progress or the place of a foul.

stiff arm (or straight arm):
a push by a ball carrier to ward off a tackler.

succeeding spot:
where the next play would start if no penalty was called.

Super Bowl:
the championship game of the NFL, played between the champions of the AFC and NFC at a neutral site each January; it is the culmination of the NFL playoffs.

tackle:
a player position on both the offensive and defensive lines; there is usually a left and right offensive tackle, and a left and right defensive tackle; See also tackling.

tackling:
contacting a ball carrier to cause him to touch the ground with any part of his body except his hands, thereby ending the play.

territory:
the half of the field a team protects against its opponents.

third-and-long:
when the offense faces a third down and is more than a short running play away from a first down; usually third-and-5 or greater.

touchback:
when a player who gains possession of a ball in his own end zone kneels to the ground and automatically starts the next play at his own 20-yard line; also awarded if his opponent kicks the ball across the end line.

touchdown (TD):
when a team crosses the opponent’s goal line with the ball, catches a pass in the opponent’s end zone, or recovers a loose ball in the opponent’s end zone; earns a team 6 points.

turnover:
the involuntary loss of possession of the ball during a play, either by a fumble or by throwing an interception.

2-point conversion:
when a team that just scored a touchdown starts a play at the opponent’s 2-yard line (3-yard line in college) and crosses the goal line to earn 2 points; when successful, it looks just like a touchdown; introduced to the NFL in 1994.

Wild Card:
a team that makes the NFL playoffs by having one of the 2 best records among non-division winners in its conference.

winning percentage:
the percentage of its games a team has won during a period of time, given by the following formula
http://www.firstbasesports.com/football_glossary.html

Kamus olahraga Indonesia - Inggris

Bahasa Indonesia
Bahasa Inggris

Olahraga Sports
american football american football
bola ball
anak panah darts
papan sasaran
dart board
lari
flight
papan skor
score board
atletik
athletics
lempar cakram
discus
lontar martil
hammer
lempar lembing
javelin
lompat tinggi
high jump
lari gawang
hurdles
lompat jauh
long jump
loncat galah
pole vault
lari
running
tolak peluru
shot put
kuda rintang
steeplechase
triple jump
balap kuda
horse racing
baseball
baseball
bola
ball
tongkat pemukul
bat
lapangan
diamond
sarung tangan
glove
lemparan
pitch
boling
ten pin bowling
bola boling
bowling ball
sepatu boling
bowling shoes
babak
frame
spare
strike
strike
bola basket
basketball
bulutangkis
badminton
raket
raquet
kok
shuttlecock
net
net
lapangan
court
golf
golf
bola golf
golf ball
klub golf
golf club
tas golf
golf bag
tempat permulaan permainan golf
tee
hoki
hockey
gawang
goal
tongkat hoki
hockey stick
pelindung kaki
shin pads
hoki es
ice hockey
gawang
goal
tongkat hoki
hockey stick
pelindung kepala
hockey mask
puck
jogging
jogging
sepatu lari
running shoes
panahan
archery
busur
bow
panah
arrow
sasaran
target
memanah
to shoot and arrow
polo
polo
kuda
horse
tongkat polo
polo stick
renang
swimming
pergi berenang
go for a swim
berenang
to swim (doing)
menyeberangi, melintasi, mengarungi
to swim (cross)
perenang
swimmer
topi renang
swimming cap
kostum renang
swimming costume
kolam renang
swimming pool
baju renang
swimming trunks
baju renang
swimsuit
ski
skiing
turun bukit
downhill
ski
ski
pemain ski
skier
sepatu boots
skiing boots
kursi pengangkut pemain ski
ski lift
ski pole
slalom
sepakbola
football
bola
ball
penyerang tengah
centre forward
pemain bertahan
defender
sepatu sepakbola
football shoes
foul, pelanggaran
foul
kiper, penjaga gawang
goal keeper
hakim garis
linesman
offside
offside
lemparan
pitch
wasit
referee
penyerang
striker
peluit
whistle
pemain sayap
winger
tenis
tennis
net
net
bola tenis
tennis ball
lapangan tenis
tennis court
pemain tenis
tennis player
raket tenis
tennis racket
sepatu tenis
tennis shoes
peralatan
equipment
bola
ball
tongkat pemukul
bat
gawang
goal
raket
racket
sasaran
target
http://www.jonsay.co.uk/dictionary.php?langa=Indonesian&langb=Eng&category=sports

Kamus Olahraga

A.
1.Aba-aba : kata perintah dalam berbaris; gerak badan
2.Aerobatik : Permainan ketangkasan (kecakapan) jungkir balik di udara (lompat indah)3.Aerobic : Bersifat memerlukan oksigen untuk melangsungkan kehidupanya
4.Aerobika : Melakukan senam secara teratur di udara terbuka untuk menjaga kesehatan
5.Akrobat : Olahraga ketangkasan dan keseimbangan tubuh
6.Akrobika : Yang berkaitan dengan ketangkasan yang hebat dan mengagumkan
7.American style : Memegang lembing cara biasa (lempar lembing)
8.Archery : Olahraga memanah, Panahan
9.Arena : Gelanggang Olahraga
10.Artistic gymnastic : senam artistik
11.Asosiasi : Gabungan, kumpulan
12.Atlet : Olahragawan, orang yang gemar berolahraga
13.Atletik : Olahraga yang memerlukan ketangkasan dismaping kekuatan fisik, cabang olahraga (spt. Lempar lebing, berlari, berenang, melompat)
14.Attacking lob service : Pukulan servis serang ( Bola voli )

B.
1.Back craw : Renang gaya punggung
2.Back hand : Pukulan dengan tangan
3.Back hand drive : Pukulan yang cukup sulit dikuasai bagi pemula karena memerlukan timing cukup cepat
4.Back lash : Serangan, Balasan, Tendangan.
5.Back spin : Putaran ke belakang ( Bola voli )
6.Back Streath : Daerah sebelum garis finish
7.Back Swing : (Ayunan kebelakang), yang membawa raket ke belakang pemain itu sendiri, pada permulaan pukulan.
8.Balanspas : Langkah keseimbangan (Akrobat)
9.Base : Tempat hinggap pemain (rounders)10.Batter : Penangkap bola, Pemukul yang memulai permainan (soft ball)
11.Bek : Pemain belakang, pemain bertahan
12.Bijnekpas : Langkah rapat (Atletik)
13.Bijtrek sprong : Loncat rapat (Atletik)
14.Bilyard : (olahraga) Bola sodok
15.Binaraga : Olahraga untuk membangun otot-otot agar kuat

C.
1.Catcher : Penangkap bola (Softball, baseball, rounders)
2.Catch flyball : Menangkap bola lambung (soft ball)
3.Catch ground ball : menagkap bola gulir ( soft ball )
4.Catch strike : Menangkap bola lurus ( soft ball )
5.Challange : Sistem pertandingan tantangan
6.Change position : pindah posisi (Bola voli)
7.Champion : Juara, Pemenang, Pemimpin pertandingan
8.Chop : Pukulan
9.Chop shot : Suatu pukulan yang dilakukan dari atas kebawah sehingga mengakibatkan bola berputar – putar ke belakang
10.Circuti : sirkuit, arena tempat pertandingan balap
11.Coach : Pelatih, Pembimbing
12.Conditioning gymnastic : Senam kondisi
13.Corner kick : Tendangan sudut atau penjuru (sepak bola )
14.Cross shot : suatu pukulan yang dilakukan dari atas kebawah sehingga mengakibatkan bola berputar-putar.
15.Crouching start : start jongkok

D.
1.Deep playmaker : Seorang pemain yang posisinya berada di depan pemain belakang
2.Defender : Pemain belakang
3.Defense : Permainan yang cenderung mengamankan wilayahnya
4.Degradasi : klub yang turun ke divisi di bawah
5.Derby : Pertandingan 2 klub yang berbeda dalam 1 kota (sepakbola)
6.Diving : (olahraga) menyelam7.Draipas : Putar silang
8.Draisprong : loncat putar
9.Dream team : tim impian
10.Drible : Gerakan memantulkan bola ke tanah / bawah (bola basket)
11.Dribling : Memantulkan bola keatas sambilmenggirng (bola basket)
12.Drive servis : Servis mendatar
13.Dropshot : sejenis pukulan meluncur yang jatuh dekat net dibidang lawan (Bulu tangkis)

E.
1.Eating : Memukul bola (Soft ball)
2.Eksaminator : Penguji yang menguji calon pemain
3.Elimination : Sistem gugur
4.Endrance : Daya tahan tubuh
5.Estafet : Perlombaan lari / renang secara beranting (bersambung)
6.Extra time : Perpanjangan waktu dalam suatu pertandingan

F.
1.Fair play : Bermain dengan jujur dalam permainan olahraga
2.Fairtlex : Mengatur daya tahan tubuh
3.Federasi : Gabungan beberapa persatuan yang merupakan persatuan baru
4.Final : Babak terakhir (untuk menentukan juara)
5.Flick service : servis dengan hambatan
6.Floor exeraise : Senam lantai
7.Flyball : bola lambung
8.Flying shoot : menembak sambil melayang
9.Follow thourgh : Memindahkan kaki belakang ke depan sebagai keseimbangan dan posisi siap menjaga dengan gerak lengan seolah –olah mengikuti gerak jalannya bola (soft ball)
10.Foot work : teknik tangan kanan
11.Formasi : Susunan
12.Forward swing : Ayunan maju
13.Free kick : tendangan gawang
14.Front service : service dengan arah depan

G.
1.Galoppass : langkah depan
2.Galopsprong : loncat depan
3.Game : Pertandingan, Permainan
4.Gawang : Dua tiang yang dipasang dengan kayu palang dibagian atas (sepak bola sebagai tempat memasukkan bola)
5.Gelandang : Pemain tengah
6.Gimnastik : Gerak badan dengan gerakan tertentu, senam
7.Giring : Menghalau / mengarahkan pelan-pelan ke tempat tertentu
8.Golf : Olahraga dengan mempergunakan bola kecil serta tongkat panjang sebagai pemukulnya
9.Gol in : Bola masuk kedalam gawang
10.Gol keeper : Penjaga gawang
11.Gol kick : Tendangan yang melenceng dari gawang / dapat dihalau
12.Grip : Teknik memegang raket dalam tennis
13.Ground ball : Bola gulir
14.Grup : Kelompok, rombongan, golongan
15.Gugur : Kalah, tereliminasi
http://miyahara81.blogspot.com/2008/05/susunan-kamus-kecil-bag1-g.html

BASKETBALL GLOSSARY

ARENA
A place where thousands of viewers can attend a live game.
ASSIST
Is a pass by an offensive player that leads directly to a basket.
BACKBOARD
The fan or rectangle-shaped piece of metal or fiberglass into which a basket is mounted.
BACKCOURT
Is the defensive team's half of the court.
BLOCKED SHOT
Occurs when defensive player legally hits a shot with the arm or hand before the ball reaches the basket.
COURT
The playing area for a basketball game.
DUNK Is a field goal made by slamming the ball thruogh the basket from above the rim.
GOALTENDING
Is illegally interfering with the flight of a field goal attempt when the ball is above the basket. If goaltending is called on the defense, the shot is scored as a field goal. If goaltending is called on offense, the defensive team is awarded possession of the ball and no points are scored.
HELD BALL
Is a ball in the possession of a player from each team at the same time. In the High school and College games, one team gains possession of the ball after a held ball is called. In the NBA, possession is determined by a jump ball between two players.
LAY-UP
Is a shot taken close to the basket.
OFFICIAL
Any one of several people who manage the time and activity of a regulation basketball court.
REBOUND
Is a ball that bounces back off the backboard or rim after a shot has been missed.
REGULATION
Refers to a contest or equipment that is set up or made according to the exact rules of the game.
STEAL
Occurs when a defensive player legally takes possession of the ball from the offense, such as by intercepting a pass.
SYNTHETIC
A material that is made by people rather than by nature and the basketball is made of synthetic material.
TIP-IN
Is a field goal made by tipping a rebound into the basket, usually with the fingers of one hand.
TURN-OVER
Occurs when the offensive team loses possession of the ball without taking a shot.
http://library.thinkquest.org/5028/basketballglossery.html
And oneSlang term used when a player scores a basket and is fouled on the play, earning two points "and one" free throw attempt.
AssistA pass that leads directly to a basket by a teammate.
Backcourt violationOnce a team has possession on its offensive end of the court, it cannot touch the ball on the other half of the court unless the opposing team touches the ball first.
Bank shotA shot aimed at the backboard so that it caroms, or "banks," into the basket.

Getty Images
Brazil's bench during the 2004 Olympics.
BenchSlang for a team's reserve players.
Blocked shotWhen a defensive player legally deflects an opponent's field goal attempt.
BrickSlang for a hard, errant shot that bounces wildly off the basket or backboard.
CenterUsually the tallest player on a team, the center plays near the basket and is primarily responsible for rebounding, scoring and blocking shots.
ChargingWhen an offensive player runs into an opponent who has established a stationary defensive position. The offending player is charged with a personal foul.
CutA quick move by an offensive player, used to create separation from the nearest defender.
CylinderThe rim and the area directly above it.
Double dribbleA violation that occurs when a player discontinues his or her dribble and then begins it again. The result is loss of possession.
Double-teamA defensive tactic in which two players guard one.
Fast breakAn offensive tactic in which the team that gains possession of the ball pushes it quickly into the opponent's end of the court, hoping to get a good shot off before the other team has a chance to set up on defense.
FIBAFederation Internationale De Basketball (FIBA) is international basketball's governing body.
Field goalA basket scored on a shot taken during the normal course of play.
Free throwAn uncontested shot from a designated mark on the floor (the free-throw line) 15 feet from the basket. A free-throw attempt is awarded after certain personal fouls and all technical fouls; when made it is worth one point. Also known as a "foul shot."
Fouling outAccording to FIBA rules, a player who accumulates five personal fouls is disqualified from the remainder of the game.
Full-court pressA tactic in which a team defends the entire length of the court. A full-court press is intended to pressure an opponent into turnovers.

Jamie Squire/Getty Images
The easiest shot in basketball, free throws can also be the most daunting.
Give-and-goAn offensive tactic in which a player passes to a teammate, then makes an abrupt cut to receive a return pass.
GoaltendingDefensive goaltending occurs when a player blocks an opposing player's shot as it descends toward the basket; in this case, the shot is considered good. An offensive goaltending violation occurs when an offensive player touches the ball while it is on the rim of his team's basket or above the cylinder; there is no offensive goaltending in international play.
High postGenerally considered the upper third of the key. A player stationed in this area offensively is said to operate "in the high post."
Hook shotA one-handed shot taken with a high, sweeping motion. Hook shots are especially difficult to block because the shooter's body shields the defender.
Jump ballWhen players from opposing teams gain possession of the ball at the same time, also described as a tie-up. Because the Olympics now uses alternating possession to determine who gets the ball after a tie-up, there will only be jump balls to start each half.
LaneThe outlined or painted area near the basket. During play, offensive players are not allowed to remain in this area for more than three seconds at one time.
LayupA shot taken very close to the basket.
Low postGenerally considered the bottom third of the key. Players closest to the basket are said to be stationed "in the low post."
Man-to-man defenseA tactic in which each player is solely responsible for guarding one player from the opposing team.
PaintSlang for the area also described as the lane. A player stationed in this area is said to be "in the paint."
PickAlso known as a "screen," a pick is an offensive tactic in which one player becomes a stationary obstacle for a teammate to use to create space between himself or herself and a defender.
Pick-and-rollAn offensive tactic that involves one player picking the defender who is guarding the player with the ball. The player that sets the pick will then "roll" to the basket, sealing off the man he picked in hopes of receiving a pass.
Point guardThe point guard is primarily responsible for bringing the ball up the floor on offense and distributing it to teammates. Typically, point guards are among the smallest and fastest players on the team and adept at ball handling and passing.
Power forwardLike a center, a power forward typically is one of the tallest -- and often strongest -- players on the team.
ReboundTo gain control of a missed shot.
Shot clockIn international basketball, each team has 24 seconds to attempt a field goal. The shot clock displays the time remaining, and failure to shoot within 24 seconds results in loss of possession.

DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images
Stealing is not illegal in the game of basketball.
Shooting guardAlso known as an off-guard or two guard, the shooting guard typically is a skilled offensive player.
Sixth manThe first substitute to enter the game is referred to as the sixth man, typically a team's best player who is not among the five starters.
Small forwardOften the most versatile player on the court, a good small forward is able to shoot, pass, defend and rebound.
StealTo take the ball away from the offensive team, either off the dribble or by intercepting a pass.
Technical foulThe penalty for a violation of conduct such as fighting, abusive language or excessive delay of game. Technical fouls result in free throws for the other team and possession changes.
Three-point playWhen a player converts the free throw awarded after being fouled on a play in which he or she still scored a basket.
Three-point shot A field goal attempt from behind a designated line that forms a semicircle 20 feet, 6 inches from the basket in international play. When made, it counts for three points.
TransitionWhen a team segues from defense to offense or vice versa.
TravelingA violation that occurs when a player moves with the basketball without dribbling. The result is loss of possession.
TurnoverAny play or violation that results in loss of possession.
Zone defenseA tactic in which players are responsible for defending areas of the floor instead of individuals. Zones are allowed in Olympic basketball.
http://www.nbcolympics.com/basketball/insidethissport/glossary/newsid=104500.html
Backboard: the rectangular structure to which the basket is attached. Backcourt: the area from the midcourt line to the end line furthest from the offense´s basket. Bank shot: a shot where the ball is bounced (or banked) off the backboard and then drops into the basket Basket: consists of a metal rim with a corded net hanging off of it; attached to the backboardBlocked shot: deflection of a shot by touching part of the ball on its way to the basketBlocking: the use of a defender´s body position to prevent an opponent´s advanceBoxing out: a player´s attempt to position his body between his opponents and the basket to get rebounds and prevent the opponents from doing so. Charging: when an offensive player runs into a defender who has established position; this is an offensive foul Court: the area in on which a basketball game is played; bounded by 2 sidelines and 2 end lines, containing a basket at each endCrossover dribble: dribbling the ball across the body from one hand to the other. Cylinder: the imaginary area directly above the basket where goaltending or basket interference can occur Dead ball: any ball that is not live; occurs after: each successful field goal or free-throw attempt, after the whistle is blown, or if the ball leaves the courtDefense: preventing the offense from scoring; " The Defense" is considered the team without the ball Defensive rebound: a rebound by a player on defense Double team: two teammates guarding a single opponent Dribble or dribbling: repeatedly batting or bouncing the ball toward the floor with one hand; used to advance the ball Drive to the basket: to move rapidly toward the basket with the ball Dunk: when a player close to the basket jumps and slams throws the ball down into itElbowing: throwing your elbow(s) during play in order to hit another player or push him away; it is a foul if contact is madeEnd line: the line behind each basket; also called the baseline. Fast break: it begins with a defensive rebound by a player who immediately sends a pass toward midcourt to his waiting teammates; these teammates can sprint to their basket and quickly shoot before enough opponents catch up to stop them Flagrant foul: unnecessary or excessive contact against an opponent Floor: the area of the court within the end lines and sidelines Foul: actions by players which break the rules but are not floor violationsFoul line: the line 15´ from the backboard and parallel to the end line from which players shoot free-throws Free-throw: an unguarded shot taken from the foul line by a player whose opponent committed a foul; worth 1 point Free-throw line: see foul lineFull-court press: when defenders guard the offense in the backcourt Guarding: following an opponent around the court to prevent him from getting the ball, taking a shot or making a pass Jump ball: where 2 opposing players jump for a ball the official tosses above and between them. The players then try to tap the ball to their teammates to gain possessionLive ball: as soon as a ball is given to a free-throw shooter or a thrower on a throw-in, it is
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art1370.asp
alive:
a ball is alive when it is released by a shooter or thrower, or legally tapped by a jumper during a jump ball; the game clock starts only when the ball becomes alive; compare with live.

alternating-possession rule:
in college, the possession arrow changes direction after each subsequent jump ball situation, alternating which team gets possession for the throw-in.

assist:
the last pass to a teammate that leads directly to a field goal; the scorer must move immediately toward the basket for the passer to be credited with an assist; only 1 assist can be credited per field goal.

backboard:
the rectangular structure, 6' x 3 1/2', to which the basket is attached.

backcourt:
the area from the midcourt line to the end line furthest from the offense's basket.

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

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:
see end line.

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.

blind pass:
a pass from a ball handler who does not see his receiver, but is estimating where he should be.

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.

boosters:
alumni supporters of college teams.

boxing out:
a player's attempt to position his body between his opponents and the basket to get rebounds and prevent the opponents from doing so.

break:
see fast break.

center circle:
the circular area at midcourt from which jump balls are taken.

charging:
an offensive foul which occurs when an offensive player runs into a defender who has established position.

clear out:
see one-on-one showdown.

Commissioner:
the president of the NBA.

court:
the 94' x 50' area bounded by 2 sidelines and 2 end lines containing a basket at each end, on which a basketball game is played.

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 point guards possess this.

crossover dribble:
when a ball handler dribbles the ball across his body from one hand to the other.

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

dead ball:
any ball that is not live; occurs after each successful field goal or free-throw attempt, after any official's whistle or if the ball leaves the court; it stops play which is then resumed by a jump ball, throw-in or free-throw.

defense:
the act of preventing the offense from scoring; the team without the ball.

defensive rebound:
a rebound of an opponent's missed shot.

double team:
when two teammates join efforts in guarding a single opponent.

downcourt or down the court:
the direction a team on offense moves, from its backcourt into its frontcourt and towards its own basket.

draft:
the method by which NBA teams annually select college or foreign players to their teams, designed to promote balanced competition in the NBA.

Dream Team:
the name given by the media to the U.S. basketball team that won the gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics; it was the first time non-amateurs were permitted to represent the country; the members of this team were Charles Barkley, Larry Bird, Clyde Drexler, Patrick Ewing, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Christian Laettner, Karl Malone, Chris Mullin, Scottie Pippen, David Robinson and John Stockton. In the 1996 Olympics, the U.S. team was called Dream Team II and in 2000, Dream Team III.

dribble or dribbling:
when a player repeatedly pushes, pats, taps or bats the ball toward the floor with one hand to cause the ball to bounce back up to either of his hands; used to advance the ball or keep control of it.

dribble series:
a number of consecutive dribbles which end when a player allows the ball to rest in one or both hands; a player is only permitted one dribble series before he must pass or shoot.

drive to the basket:
to move rapidly toward the basket with the ball.

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.

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, and an automatic ejection if that contact is above shoulder level.

end line:
the boundary line behind each basket; also called the 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.

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.

fast break:
also called the run-and-shoot offense, it begins with a defensive rebound by a player who immediately sends an outlet pass toward midcourt to his waiting teammates; these teammates can sprint to their basket and quickly shoot before enough opponents catch up to stop them.

field goal:
when the ball enters the basket from above during play; worth 2 points, or 3 points if the shooter was standing behind the 3-point line.

Finals, NBA:
the annual championship series of the NBA's post-season.

Final Four:
the 4 regional champions (West, East, Midwest and Southeast) remaining from the 64 college teams that compete in the annual NCAA Tournament; they play one another to determine the national champion.

flagrant foul:
unnecessary or excessive contact against an opponent.

floor:
the area of the court within the end lines and sidelines.

floor violation:
a player's action that violates the rules but does not prevent an opponent's movement or cause him harm; penalized by a change in possession.

forwards:
the 2 players on the court for a team who are usually smaller than the center and bigger than the guards; often a team's highest scorers.

foul:
actions by players which break the rules but are not floor violations; penalized by a change in possession or free-throw opportunities; see personal foul or technical foul.

foul lane:
the painted area 19' x 16' (12' in college) bordered by the end line and the foul line, outside which players must stand during a free-throw; also the area an offensive player cannot spend more than 3-seconds at a time in.

foul line:
the line 15' from the backboard and parallel to the end line from which players shoot free-throws.

foul shot:
see free-throw.

4-point play:
a 3-point shot followed by a successful free-throw.

franchise:
a professional team.

franchise player:
a star player around which a franchise is built.

free agent, restricted:
an NBA player whose contract has expired and who has received a "qualifying offer" from his current club which provides a salary level predetermined by the collective bargaining agreement. While this player is free to negotiate an offer from a new team, his current team has a right of first refusal to match that offer, thereby obligating him to remain with his current team.

free agent, unrestricted:
a player who has completed his 3rd NBA season (or 4th season, if his current team exercised its "option" to have him play for a 4th year) and is free to negotiate a contract with other NBA teams without his current team having a right of first refusal.

free-throw:
an unguarded shot taken from the foul line by a player whose opponent committed a personal or technical foul; it is worth 1 point.

free-throw line:
see foul line.

free-throw line extended:
an imaginary line drawn from the free-throw line to the sideline to determine the location for certain throw-ins.

frontcourt:
the area between the midcourt line and the end line closest to the offense's basket.

full-court press:
when defenders start guarding the offense in the backcourt.

game clock:
shows how much time remains in each of the four 12-minute quarters of an NBA game or two 20-minute halves of a college game.

guards:
the 2 players on each team who are the smallest on the court; they usually handle setting up plays and passing to teammates closer to 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.

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 free-throw line extended.

in the paint:
being in the foul lane area which is painted a different color.

inbounds:
the area within the end lines 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.

jump ball:
2 opposing players jump for a ball an official tosses above and between them, to tap it to their teammates and gain possession; used to start the game (tip-off) and all overtime periods, and sometimes to restart play.

keepaway game:
a tactic used by the team that is leading near the end of the game to keep the ball from its opponents to prevent them from scoring while using up time off the game clock; also called freezing.

key or keyhole:
the area at each end of the court consisting of the foul circle, foul lane and free-throw line; named for the shape it had years ago.

layup or layin:
a shot taken after driving to the basket by leaping up under the basket and using one hand to drop the ball directly into the basket (layin) or to bank the ball off the backboard into it (layup).

leading the receiver:
when a passer throws the ball where he thinks a receiver is headed.

live ball:
as soon as a ball is given to a free-throw shooter or a thrower on a throw-in, it is live, but the game clock does not restart until the ball is alive.

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:
the defensive style where each defensive player is responsible for guarding one opponent.

March Madness:
see NCAA Tournament.

match-ups:
any pairing of players on opposing teams who guard each other.

MVP (Most Valuable Player):
an award recognizing the NBA player who contributed most to the regular season or to the Finals.

NBA (National Basketball Association):
a professional league created in 1949 that now has 27 teams in the U.S. and is adding 2 Canadian teams in 1995.

NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association):
a voluntary association of over 1,200 colleges and universities in the U.S. whose role is to establish standards and protect the integrity of amateurism for student-athletes.

NCAA Tournament:
an annual competition between 64 college teams to crown a national champion; also called March Madness because the three-week-long event is held during March; see also Final Four.

NIT (National Invitational Tournament):
the oldest college tournament, in which 32 teams not selected to the NCAA Tournament compete each year.

off the dribble:
a shot taken while driving to the basket.

offense:
the team with possession of the ball.

offensive rebound:
a rebound of a team's own missed shot.

officials:
the crew chief, referee and umpire who control the game, stop and start play, and impose penalties for violations and fouls.

1-and-1 or 1-plus-1:
in college, a free-throw attempt awarded for certain violations that earns the shooter a 2nd attempt only if the first is successful.

open:
when a player is unguarded by a defender.

out of bounds:
the area outside of and including the end lines and sidelines.

outside shooting:
shots taken from the perimeter.

over the limit:
when a team commits 5 or more team fouls per NBA period (4 in each overtime); 8 or more per WNBA half; 7 or more per half in college; this team is also said to be in the penalty.

overtime or OT:
the extra period(s) played after a regulation game ends tied.

pass:
when a passer throws the ball to a teammate; used to start plays, move the ball downcourt, keep it away from defenders and get it to a shooter.

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.

picked off:
refers to a defender who has been successfully prevented from reaching the ball handler by an offensive screen.

pick-up games:
impromptu games played among players who just met.

pivot:
a center; also the foot that must remain touching the floor until a ball handler who has stopped dribbling is ready to pass or shoot.

playmaker:
the point guard who generally sets up plays for his teammates.

point-shaving:
an illegal practice where players intentionally win a game, but by fewer points than the point spread; led to 2 major college scandals (involved 32 of the biggest stars in the 1950s, then 22 colleges in 1961).

point spread:
a device established by bookmakers to equalize 2 teams for betting purposes; e.g., if a team is considered to be 4 points better than another, the spread is 4 points; to win a bet on the favorite, that team would need to win by more than the spread (in this case, by more than 4 points); the margin of victory can be more important than whether a team wins or loses.

possession:
to be holding or in control of the ball.

possession arrow:
in college, used to determine which team's turn it is to inbounds the ball to begin a period or in a jump ball situation.

post position:
the position of a player standing in the low post or high post.

quadruple double:
a triple double with double-digits scored in 4 categories.

rebound:
when a player grabs a ball that is coming off the rim or backboard after a shot attempt; see offensive rebound and defensive rebound.

receiver:
the player who receives a pass from the ball handler.

regulation game:
four 12-minute quarters in the NBA or two 20-minute halves in college; a game that ends without overtime periods.

release:
the moment that the ball leaves a shooter's hands.

rookie:
a player in his first NBA season.

roster:
the list of players on a team.

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

salary cap:
an annual dollar limit that a single team may pay all its players.

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.

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:
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.

starting lineup:
the 5 starters who begin a game; usually a team's best players.

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.

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 fouls or Ts:
procedural violations and misconduct that officials believe are detrimental to the game; penalized by a single free-throw opportunity to the non-offending team (2 free-throws and possession in college).

3-on-3:
a game played with only 3 players on the court for each team.

3-point play:
a 2-point field goal followed by a successful free-throw.

3-point shot:
a field goal worth 3 points because the shooter had both feet on the floor behind the 3-point line when he released the ball; also counts if one foot is behind the line while the other is in the air.

throw-in:
the method by which a team with possession inbounds the ball.

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; there are full timeouts (100 or 60 seconds in NBA, 120 seconds in WNBA, 75 or 60 seconds in college) and 20-second timeouts (30 seconds in college).

tip-off:
the initial jump ball that starts the game.

transition:
the shift from offense to defense.

traveling:
a floor violation when the ball handler takes too many steps without dribbling; also called walking.

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.

turnover:
when the offense loses possession through its own fault by passing the ball out of bounds or committing a floor violation.

upset:
when a higher-seeded (better) team loses to a lower-seeded (inferior) one.

violation:
see floor violation.

weakside:
the side of the court away from the ball.

zone defense:
a defense where each defender is responsible for an area of the court and must guard any player who enters that area; compare with man-to-man defense.
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