0-9 | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
0-9
2 for 1 - A strategy employed within the last minute of a period, wherein the team with possession times their shot to make sure that it will get back possession with enough time to shoot again before time runs out.
3 and D - This term describes a player, usually not a celebrity, who specializes generally in three-point shooting ("3") and defense ("D"). It is referred to as the most valuable commodities in the NBA. In the modern NBA any player who can stretch the defense by creating three-pointers and protect multiple positions on the other end become necessary for any competing team.
3x3 - A formalized edition of the half- court three-on-three game, formally authorized by FIBA. Its primary contest is an annual FIBA 3X3 World Tour, which includes a series of Masters and one Final tournament. The winners get six-figure US dollars prize money. 3x3 basketball format will make debut at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
A
A Secondary Break - This is an offensive phase after a fast break is primarily stopped, but before the opponent can go into its set defense.
ACB - Acronym for Association of Basketball Clubs or Asociación de Clubes de Baloncesto, the top professional Spanish basketball league; often considered as the second-strongest domestic league in the world, after the NBA.
Advance Step - A step wherein the defender's lead foot steps toward their man and the back foot slide forward.
Airball - When a player shoots the ball while attempting to score but it does not make contact with either the rim or the backboard.
Alley - Refers to two offensive positions on the floor in a 4 out the offense. It is usually beyond the three-point line and just above the free-throw line.
Alley oop - An offensive play wherein a player throws the ball up close to the basket to a team member, who jumps, catches the ball in mid-air and instantly scores a basket, generally with a slam dunk.
Alternating possession - A rule implied for settling most or all jump ball situations after the opening tipoff in FIBA, NCAA, and NFHS (U.S. high school) games or at the beginning of a new period of play, possession is given to the team whose offense is going in the direction of the possession arrow.
And 1 - When a player gets fouled while shooting but makes the shot anyway, the basket gets a count and the player shoots one free throw.
Assist - A pass towards a team member who scores a basket directly or after one dribble.
B
Back Court - A part of basketball equipment. It is an elevated vertical board with an attached basket including a net suspended from a hoop. It is of rectangular shape as used in NBA, NCAA, and international basketball.
Back Cut - When a player cuts behind their defender near the basket. It is mainly used when the defensive player is playing hard-line defense and denying the offensive player from getting the ball.
Back Screen - An offensive basketball play that involves two players, called a cutter and a screener. The screener stands stationary on the court while the cutter moves in the direction of the basket and try to use the screener to separate himself from his defender.
Backcourt - Generally, half of a basketball court, which a team defends. Divided by the half-court line, the backcourt has their opponent’s basket. Especially after a change of possession, the ball is often inbounded into the backcourt, following a scored basket or dead ball. Also, it is used as a team’s collection of guards that means overall scoring or performance by players in this category.
Backcourt Violation - This term refers in two ways: 1. When an offensive player touches, the ball in the backcourt after it has entered the frontcourt before touched by the other team. 2. If the offense fails to bring the ball from the backcourt into the frontcourt within 8 seconds in the NBA or FIBA game. In a men’s college basketball game, they have 10 seconds to bring the ball past half court line whereas in a women's college basketball game there is no time limit.
Backdoor (cut) - An offensive maneuver wherein a player on the edge steps away from the basket, drawing the defender along, then unexpectedly cuts to the basket behind the defender for a pass. It is generally used when the defender is over-playing in the passing lane refusing the pass.
Backdoor Cut - A key offensive motion concept where a player sets their defender up by trying to get open for a pass and then making a sharp cut to the basket. This is an extremely good option to take advantage of a team that is overplaying the passing lane and denying hard to interrupt ball movement. Many times, the player without the ball will go towards the ball-handler, fake as if they are going to accept a pass, only to cut towards the basket to get a pass and hopefully an easy layup.
Ball - The tool used to play the basketball game or used about team offense such as player holding the ball. ball fake Also called a pass fake in which the player with the possession of the ball misleads the defensive player into thinking he/she is going to attempt a shot or a pass. This is done because the player with the ball hopes that the defensive player will jump and leave their feet, so they can dribble away and have a much more wide-open shot. The player with the ball will fake a pass one way, expecting the defensive player will jump for the steal, so permitting the cutting player to move in another direction to get the pass safely, or the player with the ball can attempt a jump shot.
Ball Hog - Refers to a player who often chooses not to pass the ball and tries difficult shots. Though "ball-hogging" not comes under a violation of basketball rule, however, it is generally considered objectionable playing behavior at all levels of basketball competition.
Ball Reversal - Refers to pass the ball from one side of the court to the other.
Ball Screen - This term is used to illustrate a situation in which an offensive player sets a screen on the player who is defending the player having the possession of the ball. The aim of setting a ball screen is to give the player having the possession of the ball enough time to be ready for a jump shot, or help to get an open-lane to the basket for a possible layup.
Ball Side - This term refers to the side of the court where the ball is currently located, also called a strong side.
Ball Swing - When the ball gets passes or moves from one side of the floor to the other also known as a reversal.
Banana Cut - A variant of the regular cut, but instead of the player cutting in a straight line, they run around the court in a slower, curved, or arched cut. It is highly used against zone defenses, where the cutting player attempts to move and fulfill the gaps in the defense. Due to the resemblance with the shape of a banana, it is called a banana cut.
Bank Shot - When a basketball player hits a jump shot and it goes off the backboard first, without hitting the rim, before it goes into the basket.
Baseball Pass - Passing the ball using an overhand throw with one hand alike to a baseball pitch.
Baseline - The line, which marks the playing boundary at both ends of the court. It is also known as the end line.
Baseline Drift - A pass executed by a player attacking the baseline and then passing beside the baseline to a player on the opposite side of the court.
Baseline Out Of Bounds Play - The plays intended to be used when the offense is passing the basketball into play from the offensive baseline.
Basket Cut - An offensive act in which a player makes an explosive cut directly towards the hoop.
Bench - Refers to the group of players on a basketball team who do not begin the game but may come into it at any time as a substitution. The primary role of bench players is to offer starting players with rest and to keep the momentum of the game consistent as they come in new and ready to play.
Benchwarmer - Refers to a player who spends most of their time sitting on the bench during games. He/she never or rarely sees any playing time. The term denotes the fact that their body temperature heats up the bench as compared to their more active teammates.
Bid Thief - This term particularly entitled to U.S. college basketball, especially NCAA Division, refers to a team which is a conference member with at least one team, almost sure to receive a bid to the men's or women's tournament, in spite of performance in the conference tournament.
Big (or Big Man, Big Woman) - Refers to a taller player of the team who generally plays either the power forward or center position. These players generally play on the post, near the paint, and have the responsibility to score close to the basket, blocking shots, and getting rebounds.
Bigs - A term, which describes tall, post players.
Blindside Screen - A screen placed straight at the back of a defender where the player cannot see it.
BLOB - Stand for a BaseLine Out of Bounds play which is executed when the player is passing the basketball into play from the offensive baseline.
Block - A statistic granted to a defensive player who repels an offensive player's field goal attempt, preventing it from going in the basket. The defensive player should touch the ball while it is moving upwards or at its top and before the ball touches the backboard or the rim. Or else, the defensive player commits a goaltending breach and the offensive is granted the points. It may also be called a "blocked shot".
Block Out - This term is used to describe a condition in which a basketball player tries to gain a good and better rebounding position than their opponent. It is also called as “boxing out”, the player will broaden their stance and arms and use their body to set up a barrier between the basket and their opponent.
Boards - Refer to rebounds or a synonym used to refer the backboard.
Bounce - Refers to a player capability to jump well. It can also be referred to a player who is dribbling.
Bounce Pass - A type of pass in which the ball must bounce at least once before it reaches to the receiver. It is considered as the most effective techniques for moving the ball around. Though it may look simple, the bounce pass is very tough to defend against if executed properly. Different from a pass thrown in the air, it’s not as simple to project the path of a bounce pass. A player can bounce the ball either with two-hands or with one, but may also include some spin to the ball when bouncing it to get the ball to curve around defenders.
Box And One - Refers to a combination defense wherein four defenders play zone in a box formation and the fifth defender watches one player man-to-man. Generally, in a box-and-one defense, four players play zone defense, and line up themselves in a box guarding the basket, with usually the two frontcourt players playing straight under the basket, and the two backcourt players playing towards the foul line. The fifth player plays man-to-man defense, usually marking the best offensive player of the opponent team.
Box Out - When a player tries to set up a better rebounding position than their opponent does. Boxing out involves widening stance and arms and using the body to form a hurdle between the opponent and the basket.
Box Set - An alignment in which four players' line up themselves as the four corners of a box. Often used for baseline out-of-bounds plays.
Break The Press - When the opposing team is trying to prevent you from progressing to the ball to your offensive end after they scored. They will “press” or “full-court press” which is guarding each player on your team to stop your team from getting crossways the half-court line in the 10 seconds allotted to your team.
Breaking At The Elbow - When a player is shooting with the arm, which bends closer than the 90 degrees (between their high arm or bicep, and their forearm).
Brick - A slang uses to describe a bad shot where a player shoots the ball and it goes off the rim or the backboard but does not go into the basket.
Bricklayer - Refers to a player who repeatedly throws up bricks, or missed shots in one game.
Bump - When a defensive player is trapped in a defensive rotation guarding a player they are not allocated to. This is like switching on defense but the conditions and guiding philosophy are different.
Bump The Cutter - Stepping in the path of a player who is trying to cut to the ball for a pass.
Bunnies - Refers to a player who jumps exceptionally well.
Buzzer Beater - A shot attempted in the final seconds of a game that helps the team to win. This shot is executed before the game clock of a quarter, a half, or an overtime period expires but doesn't go in the basket until after the buzzer sounds. If the buzzer expires and the ball goes inside the basket, it won't count.
C
Carry - Refers to the violation of the rule in basketball when the player who is dribbling the ball, for the moment rests the ball in one or both hands then continue dribbling again. Also called palming.
Center - One of the three standard player positions. Centers are generally the tallest players on the floor, who has the responsibility to score, rebound, and defense near the basket.
Center Circle - Refers to the circle marked at the middle of a basketball court where a center jump takes place.
Charge - An offensive foul, which takes place when a player with the ball runs into a non-moving defender. According to the rules ", When defensive player established a legal position, but an offensive player makes an illegal contact with him/her, an offensive foul shall be called without any score. A defensive player might turn a little to protect himself, but is never permitted to bend over and submarine an opponent." In short, a defender must be in a certain position before contact to draw a charge.
Charity Stripe - Usually refers to the free-throw line. It is known as the charity stripe because player usually shoots free throws from defensive coverage, hence the phrase charity is used by the free aspect of the shot attempt.
Chest Pass - A type of pass in which where the player having the possession of the ball throws a two-handed pass from their chest, and in a straight line, to the chest of the player who is receiving the ball. The ball never touches the ground in the chest pass, unlike a bounce pass.
Chin The Ball - Holding the ball with both hands under the chin, elbows out, for protecting it.
Chucker - Refers to a player taking frequent, and often reckless, shot attempts. This term was famous by the television series. In other words, it is referred to a player who is unconscious on the basketball court, however, still, score three-point shots without pause.
Clear Out Play - A set play intended to clear an area of the court of all offensive players without the ball so the player with the ball can play one-on-one.
Clear Path Foul - When a defender fouls the opposing player who has the possession of the ball and they don't have a defender between themselves and the basket. This foul is generally take place when the team in possession of the ball starts a fast break and their opponent fouls them intending to prevent an easy basket.
Close Out - When a defender closes the distance between themselves and the ball handler, meeting the player at the boundary to challenge a shot or stop a drive to the basket. Its main aim is to prevent a shooter from getting a wide-open shot attempt.
Closing Out - An attempt to counteract the offense's triple threat. This simply means reducing its capability to shoot, passing effectiveness, and dribble penetration. To take away their capability to shoot, the player must be close enough and have the ball-side hand ready to challenge. It is important to keep a balance between closing out quickly and closing out under control.
Coffin Corners - A term used to refer to any corner of the playing area (for example in the corner between the baseline and sideline), however, mostly refers to the corners of the halfcourt line and the center-line. They are called coffin corners because if a team can trap an offensive player there, they do not have other choices for what to do with the basketball.
Combination Defense - When a defensive technique combines two different parts into one system. Combining zone and man coverage in a specific defensive set is the example of combination defense. Contain Refer to a player who keeps an offensive player in front of him or her, so that he/she can't penetrate the defense.
Continuity Offense - A ball movement pattern, cuts, screens, and passes that ultimately leads back to the initial formation. At this point the ball movement is repeated, hence the name continuity offense.
Control Dribble - A dribble tactic wherein the player keeps their body between the defender’s body and the ball.
Cookies - Slang used to describe steal. It is used when a player steals the ball from other players who are dribbling, usually in the frontcourt.
Cornerman - Refers to a player who has the skills to play both the small forward and power forward basketball positions. Also called as "forward".
Court - The playing area where the game of basketball is played on.
Crash (or Crash The Boards) - The act of going after a rebound (not necessarily receiving the rebound).
Cross Court Pass - A pass, which initiated on one side of the key and ends up on the other side of the key.
Cross screen - A screen placed when one player is on one side of the floor and they screen for a player on the opposite side of the floor at a similar height. Screens, where a post player on one block placed a screen for another post player on the opposite block, are generally referred to as cross screens.
Crossover - A dribbling move executed by an offensive player when he or she moves the ball from one side of their body to the other with a single dribble. The crossover move intends to counterfeit the defensive player into thinking the offensive player is going to drive in one direction, then when the defensive player entrusts, the offensive player drives in the opposite direction.
Crossover Dribble - A dribble tactic wherein a player dribbles the ball in front of their body to change the ball from one hand to the other.
Curl - The term is used to describe a player making an intensive effort to move quickly across the court to get open to receive a pass or draw the defense away from a team member.
Curl Cut - A cut, which takes the player around a screen toward the basket.
Curl Pass - Also called a "hook pass" described as a low, one-handed pass carried out by stepping around the defender’s leg and expanding the throwing arm.
Cut - A movement executed by a player to get open for a pass. Examples of cuts are L-Cuts and V-Cuts.
Cut The Floor InHalf - Refers to a defensive player who is directly at some distance in front of the rim and not guarding the ball.
D
Dead - When a player who is dribbling the ball, stops dribbling. That player is simply stuck in that spot until a teammate comes to get back the ball. A player can only be "dead" for 5 seconds with a defender on them.
Dead Ball Rebound - A rebound discredited towards either team's total rebounds, such as the rebound which (technically) takes place after a miss on the first free throw of a two-shot foul. It makes sure that every missed shot has an equivalent rebound, and was initiated for the idea of box score statistical error detection.
Deadball - In basketball, when any time the play is stopped the ball is considered dead. It is because of a foul called by a referee or the ball has gone out of bounds. Then the substitution of players takes place. The NBA rulebook Section IV defines the official definition of a dead ball.
Defensive Rebound - When a defensive player gets the possession of the ball after an offensive player fails to hit a field goal or free throw attempt. Simply called as a rebound. When allocating a defensive rebound to a player, the game authoritative will give it to whoever controlled the ball after the missed shot.
Defensive Slide - The rapid "step-slide" movement a defender makes when strictly protecting the dribbler. Generally, the act a defender makes to go crossways by widening the foot out on the side of their body that they are moving in and later drag their opposite foot back into position. This is carried out repeatedly in any given direction. The shoulders of defenders must stay level while performing the slide.
Defensive Stance - How player stands, moves in any direction, challenge shots, and have active hands, ready to steal the ball or make it difficult for the offense to do what they planned to do. It is also referred to as the position a defender used to most effectively guard his player.
Defensive Stop - When the defending team gets the possession of the ball before the offensive team scores. It usually takes place when a player or team defense gets the possession of the ball without allowing the opponent a scoring possession.
Defensive Transition - When the offensive team suddenly gives up possession of the ball and changes from offense to defense. It is the process wherein a team changes quickly from being on offense and dropping back on defense. This is the small period after an offensive possession, whether they scored or not when one player or more push back on defense before the team is position in their defensive sets or assignments.
Delay Offense - An offense employed to take more time with each possession. After achieving the lead, a player sometimes delays the game, slow things down and simply run the clock out at the end of a half or the end of the game.
Denial Defense - A defense wherein a defender attempt to prevent their man from receiving a pass.
Denial Stance - The stance employed to play denial defense-body low, knees bent, hand and foot in the passing lane. In this stance, a player must be about an arm's length away from the player they are guarding. When the defense is too far away, it becomes quite simple to lose track of the person being guarded and the passer will not have a challenge getting the player in open space.
Deny The Ball - The act of a defender being in between the basketball and the player he/she is defending to prevent or put off a pass to the player they are guarding. It's a crucial concept as a team that is denying well can put off an offense from being able to lithely move the ball and ideally puts pressure on the ball handler to make a tough decision on where to go with the pass.
Diamond And One - A combination defense wherein four defenders set up like a diamond formation and the fifth defender guards a specific offensive player man-to-man.
Diamond Press - Refers to a full-court press with a formation of 1-2-1-1. In this formation, the initial four players are set up alike to a diamond shape while the fifth player is positioned at the back playing safety.
Dig - A brief attack by a perimeter defender toward a posting up offensive player projected to bring secondary ball pressure without double-teaming.
Dimes - Another slang phrase used for describing an assist in basketball, which is a pass that immediately leads to a basket. A quick pass straight on the mark to a team member assists the team in scoring.
Dish - Another name used to call an “assist” in basketball. A dish, or assist, is attributed to a player when they pass the ball to a team member who then quickly makes a field goal after receiving the pass.
Dishing - A slang phrase for passing the ball to a player open for a shot, generally after dribble penetration. disqualifying foul An especially flagrant foul, usually involving violence or other excessive physical contacts, which is punished by instant ejection. It is equal to the NBA's flagrant-2.
Dive - A half-court set wherein one big fake a drag and cuts down the middle while the other big lifts to set a ball-screen on the other side of the player having the possession of the ball.
DNP CD - Acronym for "did not play - coach's decision" that describes a situation in which a player did not play, but was available for several games throughout a whole season.
Double Bonus - In NCAA men's or NFHS play, if any team collect 10 or more fouls, then the opposing team remain "in the double bonus", that means they earn two free throws on each subsequent non-shooting foul by the defense.
Double Double - When ten or more (a double-digit total) in two or three of five numerical categories—points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocked shots—in one game is attained by a player. Simply refers to the double-digit score (example 12 points).
Double Down - A strategy in which two defensive players defend against a single offensive player. When an offensive player receives the ball in the low post, a guard might 'double down' by leaving their player and double-teaming the post player.
Double Dribble - An illegal act in which a player dribbles the ball with two hands simultaneously or continues to dribble after permitting the ball to come to rest in one or both hands.
Double Low Stack - Refers to a simple zone play planned to get a jump shot from the weak side. double nickel Refers to an accumulation of 55 points. With the worth of nickel being 5 cents, it’s a reference to two nickels side-by-side.
Double Screen - When basketball coaches believe one screen just is not good enough, they go to the double screen that involves two players setting a screen side-by-side. It's a good way to get your top-notch player an open look at the basket.
Double Teaming - A defensive grouping wherein two defensive players are assigned to guard a single offensive player.
Down Screen - Screen set in the direction of the baseline generally uses to create scoring opportunities for players. Proper implementation of screening act can lead to more open, easier shots.
Draw AFoul - A way to get an advantage that can tip the game in a team's favor. Drawing fowl is a simple and effective way to get the edge any team needs in a game. Aggressive offensive moves are mainly liable to draw fouls.
Dribble - Refers to the act of bouncing the ball on the floor repetitively to move it on the basketball court. When a player dribbles the ball, he/she might only use one hand at a time and must keep it on top of the ball.
Dribble Penetration - One of the useful method to beat a good zone defense. If you can get by a defender and drive towards the lane, the defense will be forced to move and this typically leaves somebody wide open. If you can shoot good and be well-groomed with your dribble penetration you'll always find a place in the rotation against teams that play a zone defense.
Drift - Player shuffling or moving towards the baseline as an offensive teammate on the other side of the basketball court attacks. Drifting aims to provide the attacking player an outlet so that he/she can make a pass after gets caught on the baseline.
Drive - Refers to get the ball from outside the three-point line to the basket for a layup. It is often done by dribble penetration by the offensive team.
Drop Pass - Types of passing technique wherein the player with the ball make a high arc slow-motion pass to the teammate when the opponent is near. Also known as dump pass.
Drop Step - One of the moves executed by the ball handler to maneuver around a defender to get into a better position for a shot. For completing a drop step, the player stops dribbling, sets a foot out to the side of the defender, and pivots their body toward the basket.
Dump Pass - A type of passing technique in which the ball-handler make a high arc slow-motion pass to other players when an opponent is near. Mostly performed by small forward to power forward pass.
Dunk - When a player near to the basket jumps and powerfully throws the ball down into it. In other words, a shot played by leaping high into the air and smashing the ball down through the hoop from above with one or both hands. It adds up as a normal two-point field goal. The dunk is considered as the most crowd-pleasing plays in basketball. It's so amusing that most leagues organize slam dunk competition, where players are judged based on the difficulty level or the entertainment value of the shot.
E
Either Side Of The Ball - Refers to playing offense and defense both.
Elam Ending - A way to end basketball games by reaching a specified target score, set up by Ball State University professor Nick Elam and now used in The Basketball Tournament. In the TBT implementation, if the first dead ball is on or after the 4:00 mark in the final quarter, 8 points are included to the leading team score that becomes the target score. After that, the game continues with the shot clock (not with the game clock), and the first team achieving or exceeding the target score wins.
Elbow - The free-throw line intersection with the line on the side of the key is referred to as elbow. On each side of the basketball court, there are two elbows. Also, this term is used to describe a particular personal foul during a basketball game. Sometimes player swings their elbow forcefully and excessively that's called an elbowing foul, even if a connection is not made with an opponent.
End Line - Also known as the baseline, which is the boundary line behind each basket.
End Of Quarter - When a quarter ends, e.g., If any team having the lead before 20 seconds of match left in the quarter, they may wish to hold the ball for the last shot, so that either lead gets increase or remain untouched till the last moment.
Endline - Refers to the boundary line running along the edges of the basketball court where the hoops are placed. It is also called as a baseline.
Entry - An action by the guards to begin the offense.
EuroBasket - International basketball contest held quadrennial, by the men's senior national teams governed by FIBA Europe (the European region within the International Basketball Federation). The first EuroBasket tournament wherein an official NBA regular-season game players were allowed to participate was EuroBasket 1991. This competition is based on different formats starting from the simple round-robin to a three-stage tournament, and nowadays a two-stage tournament.
EuroCup - An annual professional basketball club competition, also called as 7DAYS EuroCup today. Played since 2002, this is the second tier level of cross-border European competition whose winner qualifies for the next season of EuroLeague. 11 clubs have won the EuroCup title in which three clubs won more than once. Valencia Basket is the most successful club that won four titles and now become the 2019 champions by defeating Alba Berlin in the Finals.
EuroLeague - The top-level European professional basketball club contest also called as the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague due to the sponsorship. Introduced in 2000, by Euroleague Basketball, to replace the FIBA EuroLeague (formerly known as FIBA European Champions Cup, or the European Cup), running since 1958. 21 different clubs have won the Euroleague title; however, the most successful club in the contest is Real Madrid, with ten titles. CSKA Moscow defeated Anadolu Efes in 2019 final and become the current Euroleague champion with 8 titles in their bag.
F
Face Up - Simply known as a “ready position". In this position, player keep their knees well bent, bump down, mass on balls of feet, back flat at a 45-degree angle, and head and eyes up looking to shoot the ball.
Fade Cut - A cut, which takes a player away from the ball.
Fadeaway - Refers to a jump shot played while jumping backward, away from the basket. Its main aim is to make space between the shooter and the defender that makes the shot much harder to block. The player must use good tactic and more power when taking a jump shot in a comparatively short amount of time. As the movement is away from the basket, the player might have less opportunity to grab his rebound. Fan the ball When the defense takes the ball toward the sideline.
Fast Break - An offensive approach wherein the team tries to move the ball into scoring position as quickly as possible (either bypassing or by dribbling) to get a man advantage on offense.
FIBA 33 - 3x3 was originally known as FIBA 33, a one-hoop-only basketball game played by three players on both team.
FIBA - Derived from French name Fédération Internationale de Basketball, this term referred to as the International Basketball Federation, which is an alliance of national organizations governing international competitions.
Field Goal - A basket achieved on any shot or tap except a free throw, worth two or three points based on the distance of the attempt from the basket. Unusually, this can be score other values such as one point in FIBA 3x3 basketball competitions or four points in the BIG3 basketball league. It is the authorized terminology used by the NBA (National Basketball Association).
Filling The Lanes - A fast break wherein the offensive team players run up the court in the right lane, the middle lane, and the left lane.
Finger Roll - A specialized kind of layup shot in which the ball is rolled off the tips of the player's fingers using the jump's momentum. The benefit of this shot is that the ball can move in a higher arc over a defender that might otherwise block the shot.
Flagrant Foul - An unsportsmanlike foul takes place when the contact is supposed to be excessive, whether it is intentional or unintentional. The team committed the flagrant foul charges penalty and the opposite team gets the reward of two free throws and possession of the ball. E.g. David is charged with a flagrant foul after he hits Collin in the throat while went up for a layup and due to the excessive contact, Collin landed ineptly on his back.
Flare Cut - Refers to a cut, which is away from the ball. Usually, it is made over a "flare-screen". The curl cut and flare cut go together. When the defender deceives on a curl and attempts to cut it off, players must flare out to the corner.
Flare Screen - A screen placed away from the basketball where the player being screened for rather than cutting to the basket fades out to open space on the outskirts.
Flash - When your team member denied the pass and you are the next player away, you should automatically flash to an open space between the passer and the overplayed team member. A flash can stop a possible turnover, and when performed with a well-timed backdoor cut it can also create a scoring opportunity.
Flash Cut - A cut, which takes the player from the low-post to the high-post or in the center from behind the defense (mostly used to depict a cut against a zone).
Flex Cut - A cut made from the weak side corner to the ball side low post, which uses a screen at the weak-side low post.
Floater - Generally, a shot execute by the smaller guards who drive into the lane and put up a high arcing and soft shot for keeping the taller defenders from blocking it.
Floor Balance - In a basketball game, when a team is on offense and has an equivalent number of players on both side of the floor, reflecting each other.
Flop - When a player falls intentionally after little or no physical contact from an opponent, to draw a personal foul call against the opponent.
Floppy Play - A play where the ball is at the top, a shooter gets underneath the basket, and two screens are set at both side of the lane. The shooter has the choice to use the screen on the left or right.
Flush - When a player dunks the ball through the hoop with both hands but makes negligible contact with the rim and does not force it to shift.
Force - This term refers to both the ways (offense and defense).(For Offence): When a player taking an unnecessary shot too soon in the clock that means they usually “forced” the shot.(For Defense): Making the offensive player compelled to go in a particular direction. For example, a defender might force the offensive player to dribble wide rather than directly to the basket.
Forward - Refers to one of the three common positions of a player. Usually, tallest plays in the forward position and are responsible for scoring and rebounding.
Foul - Rule violations except for floor violations; generally try to gain an advantage by physical contact; penalized by a change in possession or getting free-throw opportunities.
Foul In - Similar as "and-one" that denotes the free throw given to a shooter who is fouled while scoring. Foul line Either of two lines on a basketball court equivalent to and 15 feet from the backboards after which a player must stand while taking a free throw.
Foul Shot - Also called free throws, an unopposed shot taken from behind the free three lines. Every successful foul shot scores one point. Free throws or foul shots are awarded when a player makes a foul while in the act of shooting. If the shot is missed during the foul, the player gets either two or three free throws based on whether the shot was taken before or behind the three-point line.
Foul Trouble - Refers to the condition of having committed numerous fouls or the condition of being close to fouling out.
Four Point Play - A rare play wherein a player is fouled while attempting a three-point shot and then makes the resulting free throw.
Free Throw Line - The line from which a player executes their free throw attempts.
Free Throw Line Extended - An imaginary line, which extends from one end of the free-throw line to the sidelines.
Free Throw - An unobstructed shot shoot by a player at the free-throw line. The most general way to be granted a free throw is after an offensive player has been fouled while in the attempt of shooting.
Front - Guarding a player by standing straight in front of him/her and therefore between him/her and the ball.
Front Court - Refers to the offensive end of the court from the midcourt line to the baseline. The player who engages the low post and lower half of the court are called as frontcourt players due to their position.
Front Pivot - A forward turn, which puts a player's shoulders square to the rim. Player uses the front pivot on the basketball court to stay square to the basket and under control to avoid traveling.
Fronting - When a defensive player stands in between the ball and the post players, they are guarding. It is done to obstruct a pass to the post player.
Full Court Press - A defensive play wherein the defense applies pressure to the offensive team the whole part of the basketball court before and after the inbound pass. Pressure perhaps applied man-to-man, or via a zone press with a zone defense. Some presses try to deny the primary inbounds pass and trap ball handlers either in the backcourt or at midcourt.
Funnel The Ball - When the defensive team forces the ball toward the middle.
G
Gap (or The Gap) - The space between a between a player with the ball and other players right next to the ball.
Get Back - Retreating across the half-court line after attempting a shot (whether it is missed or hit). Usually called out by players or coaches to aware the team to push back and set up on defense.
Give And Go - A term used when a player passes the basketball to a team member, then instantly cuts to the basket or another open area on the court and receives the ball back from the same player. To “give” the ball defines giving pass, and to “go” defines cutting or get open to receive the ball.
Glass - This term is used to describe a backboard (the flat surface directly behind the basket), which is usually made of glass.
Goaltending - This term refers to a violation when a player hinders with the ball when it’s above the rim, is in its downward flight to the basket and has the probability of going into the basket. In an NBA and NCAA game, it is described as a player interfering with the ball after it has previously touched the backboard, is in a downward flight to the basket and can go into the basket.
Granny Shot - Refers to an underhand way of shooting a basketball. The player usually holds the basketball with both the hands in front of their body, with the extended arms. Player then lift the ball, ensures their arms are extended, and release the ball before it comes up to the chest level.
Grinnell System - A combination of offensive and defensive strategy created by David Arseneault, head coach at Grinnell College. It is a variation of the run-and-gun style, whose most strange feature is that the whole five-player units are typically substituted every 45 to 90 seconds, as in an ice hockey shift.
Guard - Refers to the position of a player which is classified in two broad categories. First, point guards who have powerful ball-handling and passing skills generally used to run the offense. Second, shooting guards who are the best shooters, and the leading scorers of the team. Players having skills of both the guard categories are often referred to as combo guards.
Guide Hand - Refers to the non-shooting hand of the shooter.
Gunner - Refers to the player who can shoot the ball too many times.
H
Half - Slang used for the half-court line. Coaches will usually say to “pick them up at half” that means for the defensive team to start playing defense at the half-court line.
Half Court Defense - A defensive strategy followed by a team to defend against an opponent. It is a combination of Man-to-Man Defense, Zone Defense, and Junk Defense.
Half Court Line - The line at the mid of the basketball court parallels to the sidelines, which divides the court in half. Also known as the "midcourt line."
Half Court Offense - Refers to the phase for offensive teams to create the best possible scoring opportunity. Teams, which are using a thirty-five-second shot clock, this phase remain twenty-six seconds in length. Most teams not at all reach this level of efficiency to be capable to spend this time in the half-court because of slower times in the lead-up phases (e.g. transition).
Halfcourt - Refers to the middle of the basketball court.
Halftime - Refers either the end of the first half of play or the interval between the two halves. Hand check Making hand contact with a dribbler while guarding them.
Hand Check Foul - Type of foul in which players used their hands illegally to obstruct or slow the movement of their opponent.
Handle - The dribbling skill of a player. E.g.: Chris Paul has a great handle.
Hang Time - Refers to the time duration that a player spends in the air from the lift-off of a jump to the landing.
Hash Mark - Refers to the mid-court mark in the playing region of the basketball game.
Heating Up - The situation in a game where a player begins to make the majority of the shots and takes over the game.
Hedge - In a pick-and-roll when the screener's defender steps into the way of the dribbler, therefore, the dribbler has to be uncertain, giving their defender time to get around the screen.
Hedge and Recover - Another common coverage, which defenses employ to guard the pick and roll. It is used by the screener’s defender - - he jumps out at the player with the ball as he is using the screen to lessen his speed. Since this takes place, the defender guarding the ball can go above or under the screen and return to his defending the player with the ball before he can turn the corner off the screen. Since the defender gets back to the player with the ball-handler, the defensive player, which hedged out will recover back to his man.
Held Ball - This term is used to describe a situation in which both the team player claim possession of the ball at the same time without a foul from either team. Based on the league and the game situation, it might result in a jump ball, a change in possession, or an out-of-bounds play by the team that had possession earlier.
Help And Recover - A defensive play wherein a defender leaves her assigned player to guard a team member's assigned player and then goes back to guard their player.
Help Side - One of the main aspects of Team Man to Man Defense. It is the use and alternation of weak-side defenders helping the players on the strong side who are defending the ball.
Help Side Stance - The stance used for guarding a help-side offensive player.
Hesitation Dribble - A dribble play wherein the dribbler hesitates, pretending to pick up their dribble, but all of a sudden continues to the basket. Also known as "stop-and-go dribble."
High Low - Refers to the action where a high post player (anywhere in the region of the free-throw line) and a low post player (anywhere in the region of the low block) are working off each other.
High Post - The area at the top of the key is known as High Post. The key is an area under the basket, which is widened to the free-throw line and is often a unique shade of color than the other part of the basketball court with a half-circle on top of it.
High Side - Refers to the position of a player, which is closer to half court.
Hook Shot - A one-handed shot made with a sweeping, windmill movement. In this shot, the player is positioned pretty close to the basket and then gently tosses the ball over their shoulder in an upward arc toward the goal. This shot is only executed with one hand, if made properly, the ball will move over the outreached hand of their defender.
Hoop - Refers to the rim or cylinder, which is fixed to the backboard.
Hustle Plays - Refers to plays, which do not need any skill, but only attempts. The most frequent hustle plays held after loose balls and getting rebounds.
I
I cut - An offensive plays wherein a player on the perimeter steps toward the basket, depicting the defender with them, and unexpectedly cuts to the perimeter for a pass.
I Got Back - Refers to be in the back of the court all set to block or shoot.
In - This term used in the phrase, like “get in it” which refers to the system a coach is addressing their players to (including both offense and defense).
In and Out Dribble - A dribble move in which the ball stays in one hand. Since the ball bounces up into the hand of a dribbler, he/she moves the ball from one side of their body to the middle of their torso, and then back to the same side of their body, earlier than the ball is free from the hand and bounces on the floor again.
In NOut - This term describes in two ways. Firstly, ashot, which looks to be going in, but instead, goes back out and secondly adribble move in which the offensive player dribbles in an inner motion then backs out to forged a defender.
Inbound - This term refers to passing the ball to a team member on the basketball court from out-of-bounds.
Inbounder - Refers to the player who inbounds the ball.
Index Rating - Rating of a player initially used by Liga ACB to find out weekly and season MVPs; later accepted by Euroleague Basketball to find out the same awards in the EuroLeague and EuroCup.
Inside (As In Inside Hand) - Refers to the position of a player relative to the hoop.
Inside Out Dribble - Refers to a complex dribbling move, a false crossover dribble.
Intentional Foul - A foul, which take place when a player makes illegal contact with an opposing player without intending to get the ball.
Isolation Play - An offensive play created to have an explicit player attack the basket 1-on-1. Also known as "iso play."
Isolation Or"Iso" - An offensive strategy where the player with the ball moves to one side of the court while all the other offensive players move to the far side. The offense look for creating a favorable one-on-one matchup for the isolated player with the ball, or else drawing a double-team that may make an open shot for a team member.
J
Jab And Cross - A play wherein the offensive player makes a jab step in one direction and then go after it by driving by the defender in that direction.
Jab Step - A move when a player with ball fakes to one direction as if to drive, only to go in the opposite direction. A player with the ball will then either drive the ball or pull up for a shot.
Jam - Another slang used for describing a dunk shot.
Jam The Cutter - When a defender steps in the path of a cutter to stop them from cutting to the ball.
Jamming the Rebounder - When the defensive team obtains a rebound, the offensive team player (now on defense after a missed shot) stresses the rebounder before he/she can make an outlet pass or set up the floor. This is performed with the intention that the team that just rebounded the ball cannot get out on a fast break.
Jump Ball - A process used to start a game. The referee throws up the ball in the center circle between two opposing players, who jump up and try to tip it to a team member. Also known as the "opening tip."
Jump Hook - A variation of the conventional hook shot wherein the shooter takes the shot with both feet in the air.
Jump Shot - An overhead shot made while jumping sometimes called as J.
Jump Stop - The act of coming to a full stop, legs apart and knees bent when dribbling or running; can be a one-foot or two-foot jump stop.
Jump To The Ball - The term describes a player following the direction of the ball. This movement keeps the player into a position to give help on the ball and defend a cut from an opponent.
Jumper - Refers to a player who tries to score a basket by jumping straight into the air, the elbow of the shooting hand cocked, ball in hand over the head, and cutting the ball in a high arc in the direction of the basket for a jump shot.
Junk Defense - Called as combination defense or match-up zone defense as it is a combination of certain aspects of man- to-man defense and zone defense.
K
Keeping Your Dribble (or Keeping Your Dribble Alive) - Refers to continuous dribbling. Your dribble is called “dead” when it has been picked up, so keeping it alive means not to stop dribbling.
Key - The basketball court area where all the action takes place during a game. It includes the free-throw lane and free throw circle, usually painted with a different color than the rest of court.
Kick or Kickout - When the ball moves near the basket due to the pass or penetration and then passed back out towards the perimeter. This takes place when the player with the ball moves to the basket then passes, or “kicks”, the ball out to an open perimeter shooter.
Kicking - Breach of a rule when a player purposely uses his or her foot or leg to contact the ball. Play is stopped and the ball is awarded to the non-violating team to inbound.
L
L Cuts - Refers to a type of cut where an offensive player forms an L-shape on the basketball court.
Lane (or Driving Lanes) - The basketball court area which is under the backboard and extends from the end line to the free- throw line, often painted with unique color than other parts of the court to make it stand out for referees.
Lane Lines - The lines over the low blocks on the outside of the key that runs up near the free-throw line. Laneline extended Refers to an imaginary line from the intersection baseline and lane line to the same intersection on the other half of the court.
Lay In - A type of shot in which the player shoots the ball with one-hand, while near the basket, and puts the ball into the cylinder without ever touching the backboard.
Lay Up - One-handed shot executed near the basket. This shot is generally banked off the backboard before it goes in and scores only two-points.
Lead Pass (or Lead The Receiver) - When a player passes the ball before another player making it easier for them to receive the ball while staying "balanced" and keeping their "momentum".
Live - The real action in a game until the game clock is running.
Live Ball - Refers to any time the ball is put into play, allowing the game to continue. An umpire usually signals or yell “play ball” to call for the game to proceed further. Once there is a live ball, many actions can begin to take place. For example, if there is a runner on base and the pitcher stands on the mound, the runner can then try to take a base if they so decide. However, all players should be alert and attentive, even after an out, as the ball is yet considered live and in-play until an umpire signals the ball dead or there is a discontinue in gameplay.
Lob Pass (or Simply Lob) - A pass, which is thrown in the air, often to get the ball over a defender, which arches while in the air, sometimes seems like it hangs in the air.
Loose Ball - A live ball, not in possession of players of any team.
Loose Ball Foul - A foul occurs when two or more players try to rebound the basketball. Often this causes an "over the top" foul since the player going for the rebound has been boxed out and makes unlawful contact with the player facing them in the process.
Low Post - At the bottom of the key, there is an area on a basketball court, usually on either side of the basket. The main offensive player on the basketball court will usually position himself in the low post, facing away from the basket, to remain near to the basket. In case the player gets the ball in the low post, teams will be able to move apart the floor and give the player a one-on-one opportunity to score.
M
Man - The term is used about the player who is guarding, for example, “Whose man is that?” or “The man he/she is guarding is in the corner”.
Man Offense - Man to man offense generally called as man offense, wherein the player matched up with their checks (defender).
Man To Man Defense - A defense wherein each player guards a single opposing player.
Man To Man Offense - When the player is matched up with their defender. Motion, flex, ball screen continuity are the basic types of man to man offenses.
Memphis Attack - One more phrase used for dribble-drive motion; an offensive strategy where the offense extends their team out over half court. John Calipari makes this strategy popular in 2005-2006 when he was the head coach at the University of Memphis, therefore called as Memphis Attack.
Mid Range - This term is used to refer a shot taken by a player from outside the paint but inside the three-point line.
Midcourt Line - Also known as the half- court line or timeline, located in the center which divides the basketball court equally.
Mirror The Ball - Following the movement of the ball with hands when closely guarding a player who is pivoting.
Misdirect - Distracting the other team in your negotiations. When one team is ‘in the zone’, the opposing team calls a timeout for changing the pace of the game. It is done usually to misdirect the opponent's attention to something else.
Most Popular Alignments - 1-3-1 1-2-2 1-2- 1-1 (diamond) 2-2-1 are considered as the most popular alignments, mostly used to trap the ball.
Most Popular Zone Alignments - 2-3, 3-2, 1 -3-1, 1-1-3, 2-1-2 are considered the most popular zone alignments used to guard specific areas of the court, rather than layers.
Motion Offense - A kind of offense, which is made when the all offensive players move at the same time, using cuts and screens, to gain the best possible shot. In this offense, the offensive players must have a good ability to read the defense.
Moving Pick - A key basketball tactic also called as the well-set pick or a screen. Within restrictions, offensive players can use their bodies to hinder defensive players, however, referees will call "moving pick" or "illegal screen" fouls for a range of misbehaviors.
Moving Violation - Also called a traveling violation in which a player moves one or both of their feet unlawfully without dribbling the ball. It results in a turnover and the other team gains possession of the ball.
N
NBA - Acronym for the National Basketball Association, which is the top-tier men’s professional basketball league in the United States. The league includes 30 teams (29 from the United States and 1 from Canada). Founded in New York City on June 6, 1946, with the name BAA (Basketball Association of America) later on August 3, 1949, called the National Basketball Association, after inclusion with the rival National Basketball League (NBL). The league season runs from October to April, with each team playing 82 games.
NCAA - Acronym for the National Collegiate Athletic Association, which is the main governing body for intercollegiate sports in the United States. This body conducts national tournaments, especially the Division I men's and women's tournaments.
Nellie Ball - An exceptional offensive strategy introduced by NBA head coach Don Nelson. Generally an offense, which relies on two things, first, smaller, more athletic players who can make mismatches by outrunning their opponents, Second, a strong prominence on the three-point shooting that is usually a staple of the offense.
NFHS - Stands for The National Federation of State High School Associations, which is the governing body responsible to sets rules for high school sports in the U.S., including basketball.
NIT - A postseason tournament (called The National Invitation Tournament), which is organized for NCAA Division I men's basketball teams who are not able to qualify for the NCAA Tournament.
Nonshooting Foul - Refers to all the other defensive fouls, which are not shooting ones.
Nose - When a player has a capability for something extraordinary.
O
Off Ball - Any player who doesn't possess or guarding the ball.
Off Ball Screen - An offensive tool used for making enough space for an offensive player to get an open shot or layup. Players must use misdirection and some physical contacts with a defender to set up an off-ball screen.
Off The Bounce - Simply means with the dribble. For example, a play possibly called for a player to attack the defense “off the bounce” which simply means attacking the defense by penetrating it with the dribble.
Offensive Foul - Refers to the foul committed by an offensive player. When an offensive foul takes place the defensive team gets the possession of the ball. Generally, any illegal contact, (such as elbowing, pushing or punching) by a player is considered as a foul. Only the player who committed the act will get the foul, the entire team won't be charged with a team foul. Also, if the offensive foul was done before a field goal, then this goal will not count. However, if the offensive foul was committed after the field goal, then this goal will be granted to the team.
Offensive Rebound - A term used to describe a rebound secured by an offensive player after his/her team member fails to place a shot. When this happens, the team has the opportunity to secure "second-chance points", which are extremely valuable. Offensive rebounds make the shot clock longer. Coaches are fond of offensive rebounds as they keep their players in "attacking" mode, all time. Players having a good box-out technique can easily secure the offensive rebound.
Offensive Transition - When any basketball team is shifting from their defensive third of the floor to the offensive end. It is intended and deliberate structure with all players to know their roles.
On Ball Defense - Putting pressure on the player with the possession of the ball makes passing and dribbling more complex, and raising the chances of an offensive mistake.
On Ball Screen - A drag screen set by a straggling offensive player in transition. This screen is useful as the screener’s defender won’t be in a good position and won't be able to provide help on the ball-handler.
One And Done - The term refers to the rule in college basketball in which a player supposed to declare himself eligible for the NBA draft after a single season in college.
One And One - In a game of basketball, this term refers to a free throw situation that takes place sometime when a player is fouled. The fouled player has to take a shot from the free-throw line, and if he nailed the first shot then he gets a chance to play a second shot. In case, if he misses the first shot, then it is the end and no points are scored. Each basket score 1 point. So when it's all over, the player will have scored 0, 1, or 2 points.
One Guard Offense - Refers to an offense conducted by a team against zones with two-guard fronts (2-3 and 2-1-2 zones).
One On One - When one offensive player taking on one defender during play. To succeed, a player should confuse the defense; keep the defender confused about what you are likely to do next.
One Trillion - A box score or a statistical line which shows a player who had played for one minute and earned nothing for all other statistics, may it be a shot, point, foul, assist or rebound. Officials score it as one subsequently twelve zeros, that conventionally means, “one trillion”.
Open Stance - The stance used for playing help-side defense-feet apart, body balanced, knees bent, arms out.
Outlet - This term refers either passing the ball after a defensive rebound to begin the fast break or the player staying in the backcourt to receive an outlet pass.
Outlet Pass - Refers to a pass thrown by a rebounder to start the fast break.
Outside (As In Outside Hand) - Refers to the player or part of the player, which is far away from the hoop and closer to the sideline.
Over And Back - An offensive player having the possession of the ball crosses over the half-court line into the court of an opposing team, then steps back over the half-court line back into their half of the court which is considered as a violation in basketball and results in a turnover.
Over The Back - Consider as a foul in basketball when a player tries to rebound the ball by moving or jumping over the back of an opponent who is already in a position to make the rebound.
Overhead Pass - A two-handed pass made from above the player's head.
Overtime - Refers to the extra session of the game. When the score is tied at the end of regulation play, the teams play multiple five-minute overtime periods until the winner of the match is decided. The rules regarding overtime vary by level of play whether it is the professional, college, international, or high school game. Because of the extra minutes, individual player scores and statistics likely to be inflated, occasionally resulting in career highs.
P
Pack Line Defense - A man-to-man defensive strategy wherein one player pressures the ball and the other four "pack" down within a pretended "line" extending to about 2 feet (60 cm) inside the three-point arc, to stop dribble penetration. It is derived from several other man-to-man strategies, developed by Dick Bennett. The strategy gets popularity in the 21st century by coaches that include his son Tony, Chris Mack, and Sean Miller.
Paint - Refers to the rectangular area on the court enclosed within the key. The key is the region that encompasses the middle of the floor beneath the basket. It is usually shaded, which explains the source of the word and always has a semi-circle joined on the short side opposite the basket. The paint refers to the region only within the rectangle, not including the semi-circle. The high post (two top corners) and low post (bottom two corners, closer to the basket) are known as the four corners of the paint.
Palming - Refers to a violation in which the player who is dribbling the ball permits the ball to come to rest in their hand, or palm. Besides allowing the ball to rest in their hand, the player can also “palm” the ball when it achieves the peak of its bounce and this too is also a violation.
Pass - Throwing the ball towards a teammate is Pass. Basketball is a team game in which all players should function as one. One of the main skills to win the game is good passing. There are two types of Pass: 1. Air Pass - When the ball passes without hitting the floor. 2. Bounce Passes - When the ball is thrown on the floor so that it bounces to the deliberate receiver.
Pass Fake - This term is similar to ball fake when the player with the possession of the ball misleads the defensive player by making him believe he is going to attempt a shot or a pass.
Passing Lane - An imaginary line from the player having the possession of the ball to a teammate. If a defender is in the path, the passing lane is closed.
Penalty - A situation wherein a team committed more than four fouls within a single regulation period (quarter) or more than three within an overtime period. The penalty on any team becomes the advantage of opposing team as they are rewarded with two free throws for every consequent foul committed.
Penetration - When an offensive player is capable to dribble near the basket through the defense.
Performance Index Rating - A metric mostly used in European Basketball leagues that give a perspective on a player's total performance. It is just an addition and subtraction of positive and negative game factors.
Perimeter - Another name for the three- point line. The perimeter is the area on a basketball court, which is outside the free throw lane, but inside the three-point line. The shots played from this area are called perimeter shots or mid-range shots.
Perimeter Play - Refers to the action a team does around the three-point line.
Personal Foul - A penalty charged on a player who commits an illegal action. Players routinely start illegal contact to deliberately affect the play, hoping it is seen as negligible to be ruled a foul. The threshold is subjective and differs among administrators and from game to game. Most contact fouls are not considered as unsportsmanlike, however, extreme or inexcusable contact is penalized more severely. The NBA called these as flagrant fouls; other rulebooks refer them unsportsmanlike or disqualifying fouls.
Philippine Basketball Association - Colloquially called PBA, a basketball league played in the Philippines. After NBA, this league count as second oldest professional basketball league in the world.
Pick - This term refers to a screen which is a blocking move made by an offensive player wherein he/she stand beside or behind a defender to open a teammate to either shoot a pass or drive in to score.
Pick And Roll - An offensive play wherein a player placed a screen (pick) for a teammate handling the ball and then slips behind the defender (rolls) to get a pass. In the 1990s, this play comes into the trend in the NBA and become the most common offensive action in the league. Opponents sometimes oppose with a switch of defensive coursework during the play. Successfully applying this technique might result in the screener being in a position to get a pass with a clear path for an easy shot, with the opportunity of drawing a foul as other defenders move toward the play to try to stop penetration.
Pin Down Screen - A screen which set close to the hoop for the aim of releasing up to a player cutting towards the perimeter.
Pistol Stance - A help-side defender when guarding their man pointed one hand at their man and one hand at the ball like they are holding a pistol, therefore termed as pistol stance.
Pivot - This term is used to describe both the act of keeping one foot in rest while moving the other and the actual foot, which remains on the ground. Keeping one foot in rest is essential when a player stops dribbling the ball but wanted to relocate himself for a pass or shot. A player could rotate and move around as long as one foot remains in rest, on the floor. The foot chosen is called as the "pivot", or "pivot foot", and if it comes off the ground, or else moves position away from its original part on the floor, a traveling breach will be called.
Pivot Foot - When a player has the basketball he/she must bounce, or dribble, the ball with one hand while moving both feet. If at some time, both hands tap the ball or the player stops dribbling, the player should only move one foot. The stationary foot is called the pivot foot. Keeping one foot in position is required when a player ends dribbling the ball but wanted to re-position for a pass or shot. A player might rotate and move around only if one foot remains in position, on the floor. The foot selected is called as the "pivot", or "pivot foot".
Pivoting - An act the ball-handler can take by rotating around a pivot-foot. It helps a player to avoid defense and get an open space to take a shot.
Planting - When a player holds one position i.e. usually a position of advantage. For e.g, A player plants themselves on the block position to get a post up pass.
Planting Your Foot - When a player gets pivot foot down, most frequently before catching the ball to avoid travel, or to set up shooting footwork is termed as planting your foot.
Player Control Foul - Also called as a "charge," takes place when the offensive player initiates major contact with the defensive player once the defender has established legal protecting position.
Player Screen - When an offensive player sets a screen on the player who is defending the player having the possession the ball.
Player To Player Defense - A team defense wherein each defender guards a particular player or man. Also called "man-to-man defense."
Pocket Pass - A skillful pass generally is thrown with one hand through a narrow gap between a defensive player, especially to complete a pick and roll play.
Point Forward - This term describes a forward who has good ball-handling and dribbling skills and is capable enough to be the first ball-handler for a team. A point forward can create match-up problems for the defense. With forwards seems to be slower and less alert on defense than guards, a point forward can some time have success driving the lane when they are handling the ball. Because of their size, they can try to muscle their way to the hole or kick it out to the good shooting guards on the edge if the layup is tough to achieve.
Point Guard - This term refers to a position of main ball handler of the team who brings the ball up the court and start the offense. Also known as the one or point. Point guards have the ability to run the team's offense by controlling the ball and giving it to the right player at the right time. The point guard should understand and accept thegame plan decided by coach, they must adapt what the defense is allowing, and must control the pace of the game.
Points In The Paint - The number of points achieved by a player in the painted region and free throw lane on a basketball court. These points are scored from inside the key, an area on the court close to the basket, which generally painted a unique color than the rest of the court. The key is 16 feet wide in the NBA, but those changes with different levels of play. Layups, dunks, and post-ups are best shot to score inside the paint and outscoring the opposing team here is generally an indicator of team success.
Pop - Slang used to describe the act of cutting. E.g.: On the out of bounds play, the shooting guard pops to the corner.
Popout Cut - Refers to a cut taken around a screen directly to the ball.
Possession Arrow - The arrow used for determining which team will gain possession in conditions where definitive control of the ball is not clear. Generally, used as an option to jump balls by alternating the possession arrow to point to the other team each time it is used. When the primary jump ball takes place, the team, which is attacking the basket recently, will be awarded the ball. The next time it takes place, the opponent will have possession.
Post - A player playing in and around the lane area i.e. a center or forward or in an area of the basketball court, the low post or the high post.
Post Moves - When players made back-to- the-basket scoring moves near the basket.
Post Up (or Post HimUp) - When an offensive player moves down close to the basket or into the lower area of the key, puts their back to the basket, and sets up position to get a pass from a team member. When they rotate their back to the basket, they will face in the direction of the team member who possesses the ball.
Power Forward - Refers to the position of a player, where there are two forwards on the floor at a given time, with the other being the small forward. The power forward is generally superior among two forwards, in terms of weight and height. Because of their size, this player plays a similar role as the center and will hang down in the low post.
Power Layup - A two-footed layup used by players who have good shooting control. It is very efficient and a powerful move when players are nears the basket. To perform it, a player must jump straight up off both feet with the outside hand (from the basket) should shoot the ball straight up and inside hand protect the ball.
Prayer - A shot, which has very little possibility of being made.
Press Break - Also called "press offense" which is a team offense used in contrast to a press defense.
Press Offense - Also called "press break" which is a team offense used against a press defense.
Pressure - An attacking defense used in the backcourt to force a turnover. The tactic of the pressure is to force the ball handler to choose before he wants to. It is helpful for the team to gain both an offensive and defensive advantage.
Pressure Man To Man Defense - An aggressive defense in which the defenders stay between their man and the ball.
Primary Ballhandling Move - A dribbling move used by a player to beat his/her defender where the ball stays in the same hand. Stutter steps, in and out dribbles and shoulder fakes are the examples of Primary ballhandling move.
Primary Break - A fast break, which engages only a few players from each team.
Primary Help - The first player to help the defender who is guarding the ball.
Princeton Offense - An offensive strategy highlights constant motion, back-door cuts, picks on and off the ball, and disciplined teamwork. Pete Carril used this strategy at Princeton University, therefore termed as Princeton offense.
Production - Slang used to refer the value one of the bench players gives to their team by scoring.
Pump Fake - Another name used for describing a shot fake. The player with ball raise will it quickly to show as if they’re going to attempt a field goal, only to bring the ball back down and not try a shot. The ball handler does this act to fake out the defender, giving the ball handler either the choice to attemp
t an open shot attempt, drive to the hole or pass the ball.
Push Pass - Refers to one-handed air pass which is the most functional passing techniques in basketball. Extremely helpful in the half-court, its strength is the ability to keep the ball away from the defender when passing.
Q
Quadruple Double - When a player achieves double-digit figures in at least four statistical groups, such as points and rebounds, assists and blocks.
R
Rainbow Shot - A type of shot having a high arc. It is generally used for field goal attempts that are of big distance, or if the shooting player required shooting the ball over a defender.
Ready stance - The balanced position that shows a player is ready to run, jump, slide, or pivot. In this position, the player's knees are bent, hands are up and out, back is straight, and the head is up.
Rebound - When a player gets the possession of the ball after a missed field goal, three-point field goal or free throw attempt. The basketball often hits off the rim or the backboard earlier than the player gains possession of the ball and is credited with the rebound. Rebounds are of two types such as offensive rebounds and defensive rebounds.
Rejected - Another phrase used for describing a blocked shot in all sports.
Rejection - Slang used for a blocked shot. Generally, it means a defender blocking the shot of an offensive player.Rejection is the most exciting play, as it requires ideal timing and position on the part of the defender.
Retreat Dribble - Dribbling technique used to create gap against an overly aggressive defender who is putting tremendous pressure on the ball handler.
Retreat Step - A step wherein the defender's back footsteps near the baseline, and the lead foot slides in place.
Reversal - Refers to change in direction that means getting the ball from the left side of the floor to the right side or vice versa.
Reversal Man - Refers to the player at the top of the key whose responsibility is to get the ball from one side of the floor to the other side quickly. When players want to reverse the ball from the right side of the floor to the left side, they put the reversal man on the ball side of the basket.
Reverse Pivot - When both the feet of player are parallel i.e. facing the same direction then he/she pivots by taking one foot off the ground and moving it behind them, basically reversing their position.
Rim Protection - A player is responsible to protect the rim, whether it’s stepping up to the face of the basket as the last line of defense or coming off the weak-side in help-defense.
Rimshot - When a player throws the ball towards the cylinder, but it hits the rim, which either result in a made basket or a missed field goal. In case the basketball hits the backboard first, and then goes off the rim, it is not considered a rimshot.
Rip a C - A motion employed while chinning the ball to make space during a pivot between an offensive player and a defensive player. Pivot towards the defender and rips the ball in a C-shape away from the force to make a passing lane.
Rock - Slang used to describe ball, as in “shoot the rock” or “pass the rock.”
Roll - Refers to a player who sets a screen and makes a cut toward the basket to score.
Run and Gun - A joint offensive and defensive system dedicated to raising the pace of the game. On offense, the ball is moved up court extremely fast, to take the initial shot available (often a three- pointer). The defense uses full-court force to cause turnovers.
Run - An interval wherein one team heavily outscores the other.
Runner - A shot made by the player while running. He/she doesn't take the time to set up the shot. Also known as a "floater."
Running Clock - Starting in the second half, if the difference of point is 40 or more, the game clock shall run constantly for the remainder of the game except for an official’s time-out, a charged time- out, the time between quarters, or the direction of free throws.
Russian Corner - A spot beside the baseline, about 12-15 feet from the hoop.
S
Safety - This term refers to the offensive player at the top of the circle.
Sag - A tactic wherein a defender leaves their man or zone and drops into the lane to defend the basket. Sagging man to man defense A conservative defense wherein the defenders stay between their man and the basket.
Screen - A blocking move made by an offensive player wherein they stand near or behind a defender to free a team member to either shoot a pass or drive in to score. It is also called as a pick. Screens can be on-ball when setting for the player with possession of the ball, or off-ball when setting for a team member moving without the ball to get space for a pass.
Screen away - When the first player passes to the second player and sets a screen away from the ball for the third player.
Screen/ Set A Screen - Making an effort to prevent a defender from guarding a team member by standing in the way of a defender.
Screener - Refers to a player who sets a screen and generally blocks the defender.
Sealing The Defender - When the screener does a reverse pivot to "seal" the defender-put him/her on their back, after setting a screen.
Secondary Ballhandling Move - Move used later than a primary ballhandling move in which the player changes the direction with the ball switching in hands. Crossovers, through the legs dribbles and behind the back dribbles are the examples of Secondary Ballhandling Move. Secondary break An offensive time after a fast break is primarily stopped, but before the opponent can go into its set defense.
Secondary Help Defender - A defender who turn to help a team member who is helping the defender on the ball. It's like helping the helper. The secondary help defender provides support and “stunts up to hold the offensive player of the main help defender until he can recover back.
Set Play - A strategically designed sequence of movements to get open shots and score points. Set plays are rapid hitters to score points at any stage during the game.
Set Shot - When a player takes a shot without leaving the floor. The player remains stationary, or set holds the ball with two hands and hit it towards the basket. It is attempted when there are no defenders within near distance to avoid being blocked.
Setting Feet - An attempt to stop defenders to move their feet.
Shagger - A player in a drill collects loose balls and returns them to the passer.
Shallow Cut - Refers to a perimeter cut or a cut from the peak of the key to the ball side corner. It is used when players are exchanging positions or when replacing a player, who has left his position by dribbling or passing and cutting.
Shell Drills - Defensive drills planned to work on all aspects of defense.
Shooter's Roll - When a shot does not pass the basket modestly but bounces around quietly before dropping through.
Shooting Foul - A type of four occurs when a defender makes illicit contact with the ball handler while they are about to shoot. It results in two free throw attempts to the opponent.
Shooting Guard - One of the five main positions in a ruling game of basketball. Also called as the two, the main responsibility of shooting guard is to score points. Players in this position are usually taller and must have a good free throw and long-range shooting skills.
Shooting Hand - Refers to the hand used by a player to shoot the ball.
Shot Clock - This term refers to the timer for boosting the pace of the game. To attempt a shot in NBA, WNBA and FIBA basketball games a team has only 24 seconds. Whereas men’s college basketball games have 35 seconds, while women’s college basketball games have 30 seconds to attempt a shot. Before the shot clock expires, the offensive team must attempt a shot and at least hit the rim or else they will be charged as a shot clock violation rule.
Shot Clock Violation - A violation, which takes place when the team with the ball does not get a shot off during the fixed time. It causes a change of possession.
Shot Fake - A movement wherein the player with the ball acts as if they are about to shoot. It is planned to trick the defender into straightening up, letting the player with the ball to dribble past them. Also known as " pump fake ".
Shot Screen - A screen set for the player to shoot the ball, generally on the weak side.
Shuffle Cut - A cut, which takes a player around a screen on the high-post to the basket.
Sideline - Refers to the line present at each side of the court, which marks the boundary of the playing area.
Sideline Play - A play executed by the offensive team to put the ball back in play from the sideline.
Sixth Man(or Sixth Woman) - The term has two definations. Firstly, aplayer who is the first person off the bench, but does not start. He/she often has figures similar to those of starters. And secondly, asuperfan who thinks that his keen support for his/her favorite team will have a direct influence on the result of a game.
Skip Pass (or Simply ASkip) - An overhead pass from one side to the other of the basketball court over the defense.
Slide (or Defensive Slide Shuffle) - When the defender acts to move laterally. The defender extends the foot out on the side of their body that they are moving in and after that, they drag their opposite foot back into position. This is frequently repeated in any given direction.
Slip (or Slipping AScreen) - An act by the screener in a pick-and-roll wherein he/she darts away from the ball-screen before actually making contact.
SLOB - Stands for "SideLines Out of Bounds play". E.g. David called a great sideline out of bounds play during the timeout.
Slot - The place where the three-point line and the line marking the outer edge of the paint would supposedly intersect.
Small Forward - Refers to a player's position, also known as the three, which is generally shorter and faster when compared to the power forward and center, but on in some instance, they may be just as tall. This is a flexible position that requires good ball handling, defense, shooting, and rebounding skills.
Snapping At The Wrist - When a player shoots the ball, they flex their wrist down rapidly while releasing it. Special plays A play for an explicit situation and/or an explicit player.
Speed Dribble - A dribble plays wherein the player pushes the ball ahead of him and bounces it at chest height.
Spin Dribble - A dribble plays wherein the player does a reverse pivot while bringing the ball around them so it ends up in their other hand.
Splash - When someone creates a Nothing- but-net due to which the net hangs over the rim.
Split Line - An imaginary line, which runs down the mid of the court – from basket to basket. Also known as the “helpline”.
Splitting The Screen - When the screener, sees that the defender is hedging, getting out of the screening stance and cutting to the basket for a pass.
Splitting The Trap - When a player with the ball is trapped, he/she can stick their head and shoulder in the space between the defenders and break through the trap.
Spot Up - A catch and shoot wherein the player don't remain in motion. When a player is spotting up but does not shoot a catch and shoot jumper, it still counts as a spot-up play.
Square Up - To pivot in a manner so that the shoulders and feet must face the basket. Also known as "face up."
Stack - Refers to an out of bounds play which usually runs from either the baseline and sideline out-of-bounds spots. From the baseline, the stack is useful for creating a jump shot, layup or getting the ball into a ball handler.
Staggered Screen - When two players not after each other set immediate screens for the same cutter.
Steal - When a defensive player legally made a turnover by deflecting and controlling, or by catching the pass or dribble of an opponent team player. Steals are awarded to the defensive player who first makes the turnover, even if he/she does not finishes up with possession of the live ball. To gain a steal, the defensive player should be the originator of the action, not just the supporter. Whenever a defensive player records a steal, an offensive player must be awarded as giving a turnover.
Stop - A term used to describes a condition in which the defendant does not allow the offense to score on a possession.
Stop And Go Dribble - A variation of the speed dribble that involve advancing the ball at rapid speed and then with no early warning rapidly coming to a full "stop." The moment player come to a full stop, they "go."
Stop And Pop - An offensive moves wherein a player comes to an unexpected stop, picks up his/her dribble, and shoots the ball.
Stretch Five - In a regular basketball game position, the center (C), also known as the five or the big man is proficient of "stretching" a defense with his or her outside shooting ability.
Stretch Four - Refers to a player playing in the power forward position, sometimes referred to as combo forward or stretch big.
Stretch The Defense - When offense spread out to cover more of the basketball court with the intention that the defense has to guard more space and can’t get away with having a defender in one positionable to guard more than one player on offense at the same time.
Stripe - Refers to Free Throw Line. A line from where a player has to shoot their free throw attempts. It is usually 19 feet away from the baseline and 15 feet away from under the basket.
Strong Side - Refers to the side of the floor the ball is now on. For example, if a player dribbling down into the right-most corner of the floor, then it will be considered the strong side.
Substitute - Also known as a "sub", a player coming in the game to replace another player. The substitutes usually sat on the bench and watched as their team members on the basketball court kept playing.
Swim Move - One of the moves used to try and get the offensive rebound. As players are making a downward swimming motion with their arm to get past the person boxing out, therefore it is called Swim Move.
Swing / Swinging - When the ball moves from one side of the floor to the other on offense or a player holding the ball with two hands, swinging their elbows about, this is considered as a foul. Swing step A defensive step wherein the defender does a reverse pivot with one foot and lives in her on-ball stance.
Swingman - Refers to a player who can play as a shooting guard or a small forward. This position is also called as "guard/forward". Shooting guards and small forwards usually have similar roles in a basketball court in any case, especially when they are around the 6'6" to 6'8" height range. Thus, the players included in these positions are also called as swingmen. Some of the best Basketball players who have been called as swingmen include Jimmy Butler, Luka Doncic, Klay Thompson, etc.
Swish - Refers to a score or basket in which player hit a shot that goes through the net without hitting the rim or backboard. A training concept by basketball coach Tom Nordland is called the "swish method". Jordan pulls up for a quick 15- footer and swish, nothing but net. With that basket, Jordan has 32 points.
Switch - A defensive style wherein matchups change often rather than being set for an entire quarter or game. In its severe form, this can represent that the offensive player than a defensive player is protecting changes multiple times within one possession. The switch is occasionally used against a Pick and roll offense.
T
T Screen - When two players set a screen for a player without the ball. Usually, one player setting a screen has his/her feet perpendicular to the other player feet, which looks like a T shape.
Technical Foul - Any violation of the basketball rules penalized as a foul except the physical contact during play between opposing players on the court, or a foul by a non-player. The most regular technical foul is for unsportsmanlike conduct. Technical fouls can be charged against players, bench personnel, the whole team, or even the crowd. Penalties for technical fouls are more severe than a personal foul, but not inevitably as serious as a flagrant foul (an ejectable fault in leagues below the National Basketball Association (NBA), and possibly so in the NBA).
The Basketball Tournament, TBT - An open-application, single-elimination basketball tournament held each summer in the USA. Founded in 2014 by Jonathan Mugar, this tournament now included 64 teams and the winner is awarded $2 million prize money.
The Elbows - An area on the basketball court where the free-throw line and the paint corners meet up. three point field goal A shot, score three points, attempted with both feet following the three-point line.
Three Point Play - A play wherein a shooter is fouled while attempting a two-point shot and then makes the resulting free throw or when a player is fouled while missing a three-point shot and then makes all three free throws.
Three Pointer - A shot or field goal is taken from beyond the three-point line also called three-point field goal. A successful effort is value three points, contrary to the two points given for field goals made within the three-point line and the one point for each made free throw. A three-point line comprises an arc at a set radius calculated from the point on the floor straight below the center of the basket, and two parallel lines halfway from each sideline extending from the closest end line to the point at which they cross the arc.
Three Seconds Rule - This is a rule in which a player should not remain in the competitor's restricted area for more than three consecutive seconds.
Tip Off - Refers to the opening jump ball at the center circle, which starts a basketball game. The game starts with two opposing players at the center circle, jumping to tip the ball, which the referee tosses up. The team, which does not get the tip-off earns the possession arrow and will be credited the basketball the next time it is tied up between opposing players.
Toilet Bowl - When the shot hits the rim on a definite angle and then circles around it, can go in or out. This term is taken from water swirling around a toilet bowl as it is flushed.
Tomahawk Dunk - A powerful dunk used on put-packs, alley-ops or to pressurize a defender. To perform Tomahawk Dunk, a player must rapidly dribble to the hoop; take a pace inside the dotted line circle, jump off approx two and have the ball behind their head and throw it down with great power.
Top Of The Key (or Top) - The gap within the width of the free-throw line, past the free-throw line and usually limited in distance from the hoop to be at or ahead of the three-point line.
Trail Pass - A pass made to a trailer, which is usually a backward pass made to a player near to half court than the ball is.
Trailer - Refers to a center or power forward, an offensive player, who trails the initial wave of players on the fast break.
Transition - A movement, which takes place when a team changes from offense to defense (defensive transition) or from defense to offense (offensive transition).
Transition Defense - The part of defensive play by a team which usually take place when the opponent team has first gained possession and is moving up the court. A team commonly can transition from offense to defense. Whether possession transition as the result of a score or a turnover, the primary defensive actions were taken by a team as they are moving from the frontcourt to the defensive backcourt are labeled as transition defense. Most strategies connecting transition defense involve preventing the opposing team from making a fast break.
Transition Offense - In basketball, offensive acts primarily taken by a team when it changes from defense to offense as it moves the ball up the court. This is usually represented by the fast break. Transition offenses generally powered by fast break plays. Transition offense may be a slow, walk-it-up-floor transition, a forceful fast-break transition, or something in between. Generally, teams with quicker, smaller players or multiple guards are more skilled at transition offense as they can move the ball up the court more quickly.
Trap - A defensive move wherein two defenders guard the player having the possession of the ball by forming a shape V with their bodies.
Travel - Moving one pivot foot illegally or falling to the floor without maintaining a pivot foot or taking three steps without dribbling the ball. A player is permitted two steps after picking up the dribble, and after two steps, the player has to keep an established pivot foot to the floor. Also, while diving for a loose ball on the floor to gain possession, a player cannot roll over or try to stand. The player committing the violation is charged with a turnover.
Traveling - A violation, which takes place when the player with the ball takes more than two steps without dribbling. This violation can also occur via carrying or an un-established pivot foot. If the player's pivot foot alters or moves, it is considered travel that causes a penalty to the ball handler. Traveling is only accepted in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, which isn’t a game, or if the defender fouls the ball carrier.
Trees - Slang used to describe tall, post players.
Trey - Refers to a three-point field goal which is a shot executed from beyond the three-point line or arc. It is different from regular field goal which usually worth two points, three-point field goal score three points. Triangle and two A combination defense wherein three defenders play zone in a triangle pattern and two defenders guard particular players man-to-man.
Triangle Offense - An offensive technique to exchange three (sometimes all five) positions, create spacing among players and permitting each one to pass to four team members. Its most crucial feature is the sideline triangle created by the center, standing in the low post, the forward at the wing, and the guard at the corner. In the meantime, the other protector stands at the top of the key and the weak-side forward is on the weak-side high post that together forms the "two-man game."
Triple Double - Refers to the double-digit figures in three positive numerical categories e.g. 10 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists.
Triple Threat - Refers to the position of a player in which he/she has the options of shooting, dribbling, or passing. To be in a good triple threat position, players should spread their feet shoulder-width apart, knees bend slightly, and be prepared to shoot at any time.
Triple Threat Position - Refers to the bent knees stance, which permits the player three options: dribble, pass or shoot.
True Road Game - This term is generally used in U.S. college basketball for referring games played by a particular team on a competitor's home court, or sometimes a bigger venue in that competitor's home area wherein the competitor controls ticket sales.
Turnaround Jump Shot - A shot made by a player in the low post wherein they catch the ball with their back to the basket makes a forward pivot thus they look the basket, and shoots a jump shot.
Turnover - When a team loses possession of the ball to the opponent before a player taking a shot. It occurs either as the ball being stolen due to the player mistakes like stepping out of bounds, illegal screen, a double dribble, having a pass intercepted, throwing the ball out of bounds, three-second violation, a five-second violation. Also, a shot clock violation, palming, a backcourt violation, or committing an offensive foul is a blatant example of a turnover. It causes a penalty to the team and opponent gets a free throw in addition to possession of the ball.
Two Guard Offense - A team offense frequently used beside zones with one-guard fronts (1-2-2 and 1-3-1).
Two shot foul - A violation, which takes place when a defender fouls the shooter, and the shot misses. The shooter has credited two free throws.
U
UCLA High Post Offense - An offensive technique used by John Wooden, the legendary head coach at UCLA. Because of the school's huge success under Wooden's guidance, this offense turns out to be the most popular offensive tactics in basketball. Its elements are usually used on all levels of the game, including the NBA.
UCLA Screen - Refers to the screen set from the low-post to the top of the key. Also called as an up screen, made when a screener (usually a post player) sets a back screen located at a high post elbow.
ULEB - The organization, which run the Euroleague and Eurocup before handing liability to the Euroleague Basketball Company. ULEB stands for "Union of European Leagues of Basketball", which is a cooperative association of European professional basketball leagues.
Unsportsmanlike Foul - An egregious foul that involves excessive physical contact, fouling deliberately, or fouling an opponent on a breakaway from behind. The player who committed this act will be charged with a personal foul, while the opposing team player will shoot two free throws, and their team will then keep possession and inbound the ball from the middle line extended. Usually, this takes place in case of a hard foul that could cause an injury or if the defensive player contacts the opposing player from behind or crossways to end the fast break and there is no defensive player between the offensive player and the basket of an opponent.
Up And Down - One of the rule violations called as a traveling violation in which a player jumps with the ball but do not release it and come down with it.
Up And Under Move - An advanced post move made by a player, which begin like a turnaround jump shot, but in place of shooting, the post player "pump fakes," causing the defender to rise out of their defensive stance. The post player steps by the defender and ends with a layup.
Up Screen - Screen sets from the low-post to the top of the key also called "UCLA Screen".
V
V cut (or L Cut when 90° angle) - Type of cut in which the player begins at the low post and cuts to the high post, start contact with the defender and then cuts to the wing. It works good as the reaction time of defense won’t be quick enough to stop the player from receiving the pass.
Vertical Jump - The act of lifting one's center of gravity upper in the vertical plane only with the use of one's muscles; it is a measure of how high an individual or athlete can raise off the ground from a standstill.
Violation - Infringement of basketball rule. A common violation is a mostly small class of illegal action e.g. when a player misses the ball or makes an illegal move due to which the team has to suffer a penalty.
W
Walking - This term refers to two possible acts. Firstly, the initial is literal that means a player is walking while the ball is in play. Secondly, it refers to the action of traveling. When a player travels, they can be referred to as walking with the ball.
Weak Side - Refers to the opposite side away from the ball. Usually, a back screen set on the weak side of the basketball court that helps a team member to cut to the corner for an open shot.
Window - Refers to the backboard as most they remain rectangular and see-through. E.g., a coach can tell a player to use the window when shooting that means shooting the ball off of the backboard to score.
Wing - This term either refers to the region on the basketball court where the 3- point arc meets the free throw line extended or the offensive player playing in that area.
X
X Cuts - Refer to two players making cuts across the key, passing each other earlier than they finish their cut.
Z
Zebras - Slang used for referees or field officials in basketball game due to their white and black striped uniforms.
Zipper Cut - Most common cutting action made by a player from a low block area straight up towards the three-point line. Usually, this cut is used with a down screen being set on the defender of the player cutting.
Zone Defense - A type of defense in which a defensive player is allocated a particular area on the court, field or ice to cover any player that comes into that designated area. The defensive player is expected to stay in his allocated area at all times.
Zone Offense - This term is used to describe a team's offensive strategy used to defeat a zone defense. Zone defenses make special problems for the offense. Plays and sets set up to be thriving against man-to-man coverage often run into problems against zones. You must need a "zone offense(s)" in your offensive arsenal to equalize zone defenses.
Zone Press Defense - Refers to a full-court zone defense, most often used to trap the ball. Zone presses have the defenders begin in a particular alignment, such as a 1-2-1-1, 1-2-2, 2-2-1, etc. and feature pressuring the ball and trapping. One way to plan your zone press defense is to recognize what the offense wants to do to beat you.
