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.
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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.

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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.
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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
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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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