Most important terms related to the basketball court
Thisglossary of basketball terms is a list of definitions of terms used in the game ofbasketball. Like any other major sport, basketball features its own extensive vocabulary of unique words and phrases used by players, coaches, sports journalists, commentators, and fans.[1][2]
A strategy used within the last minute of a period or quarter, in which the team with possession times its shot to ensure that it will regain possession with enough time to shoot again before time runs out. Applicable in competitions that use ashot clock (all exceptNFHS in most US states).[3]
3-and-D
Any player, typically not a star, who specializes mainly inthree-point shooting ("3") and defense ("D"). The term is most often used in theNBA, where this specific skill set has been increasingly valued in the 21st century.[4][5]
A formalized version of a half-court basketball game with three players on each team, officially sanctioned byFIBA. This variant made its Olympic debut in 2021 (delayed from 2020).
A rule which requires that a player shall not remain in the opponent'srestricted area for more than three consecutive seconds while the player's team is in control of a live ball in thefrontcourt and the game clock is running.[6]
n-possession game
A way of expressing the number of times a team that is trailing its opponent late in the game must secure possession of the ball and score without allowing the opponent to do the same in order to tie or overtake the opponent. Normally,three points are the most possible in any given possession; therefore, the number of possessions (n) necessary is equal to the point margin, divided by three, rounded up to the nearest integer. For instance, a team down by 7 points would be in a three-possession game.
An offensive play in which a player throws the ball up near the basket to a teammate (or, more rarely, to themself) who then jumps, catches the ball in mid-air, and immediately scores a basket, often with aslam dunk.
alternating possession
In many rulesets, most notablyFIBA,NCAA, andNFHS (U.S. high school), a rule used to settle most or all jump ball situations after the opening tipoff. In jump ball situations, or at the start of a new period of play, possession is awarded to the team whose offense is moving in the direction of thepossession arrow.
A pass to a teammate who scores a basket immediately or after one dribble. Compare withsecondary assist, also known ashockey assist, and contrast withscreen assist.
An offensive play in which a player on theperimeter steps away from the basket, drawing the defender along, then suddenly cuts to the basket behind the defender for a pass.
A flat, rigid, vertical board situated behind therim of thebasket and to which the basket is attached. Regulation backboards are made ofplexiglass ortempered glass and are rectangular in shape, 6 feet (180 cm) wide by 3.5 feet (110 cm) tall, with a 24-by-18-inch (61 by 46 cm) rectangle marked on the glass immediately above the basket.
backcourt
1. The half of the court a particular team is defending. Contrastfrontcourt.
2. A team'sguards, i.e. players who typically play some distance away from the basket.
backcourt violation
1. Touching the ball in thebackcourt after it has entered thefrontcourt and was not last touched by the other team.
2. Failure to bring the ball from the backcourt into the frontcourt within the allotted time of 8 seconds in the NBA or FIBA (previously 10) and 10 seconds in NCAA play for both men and women.
back screen
An offensive play in which a player comes from thelow post to set ascreen for a player on the perimeter.
ball fake
Also called apass fake.
A sudden movement by the player with the ball intended to cause the defender to move in one direction, allowing the passer to pass in another direction.
A player who frequently chooses not to pass the ball to their teammates, especially one who eschews sharing the ball in order to attempt difficult shots.
ball reversal
The passing of the ball from one side of the court to the other.
ball screen
An offensive play in which a player sets ascreen on the defender guarding the player with the ball.
ball side
Also called thestrong side.
The half of the court (divided lengthwise) that the ball is currently on. Contrasthelp side.
banana cut
Also called a"C" cut.
A wide, curving cut, as opposed to a cut that is a straight line.
bank shot
A shot that hits thebackboard before hitting therim or going through the net.
baseball pass
Passing the basketball using an overhand throw with one hand similar to a baseball pitch.
baseline
Also called theend line.
The line that marks the playing boundary at either end of the court.
baseline out-of-bounds play
The play used to return the ball to the court from outside the baseline along the opponent's basket.
The goal in the game of basketball, consisting of a net suspended from a hoop 18 inches (46 cm) in diameter and 10 ft (305 cm) above the ground. In regulation contexts it is attached to abackboard.
the violation of touching the ball or the basket while the ball is on the rim; touching the ball when it is within the cylinder extending upwards from the rim; reaching up through the basket from below and touching the ball; or pulling down on the rim of the basket so that it contacts the ball before returning to its original position, or during a shot attempt.[7][8]
BEEF (Balance, Eyes, Elbow, Follow Through)
A mnemonic used to teach proper shooting form.
bench
1. Substitute players sitting on the sideline.
The actual bench or chairs these players sit on.
benchwarmer
A player who does not play and instead sits on the bench for most if not all of a game or season.
bid thief
In U.S. college basketball, especiallyNCAA Division I, a team that (1) is a member of a conference with at least one team that is virtually certain to receive a bid to themen's orwomen's championship tournament, as applicable, regardless of performance in the conference tournament; (2) is not viewed as a viable candidate for an at-large tournament bid; but (3) nevertheless wins its conference tournament, forcing the more powerful conference member(s) into the at-large pool and thus "stealing" a bid from a team (not necessarily in that conference) that otherwise would be a credible candidate for an at-large bid.[9]
big man/woman
Often shortened tobig.
Anylow-post player who is physically large relative to other players, especially one who plays the position ofcenter orpower forward.[10]
blindside screen
A screen set directly behind a defender where the player cannot see it.
Under NCAA men's rules, a team is "in the bonus" when the opposing team has accumulated seven, eight, or nine teamfouls in a half, and therefore gains aone and one opportunity on each non-shooting foul. The opposing team is described as "over the limit". Under FIBA, NCAA women's, and (from 2023–24) NFHS rules, the bonus takes effect on the fifth team foul in a quarter and the "one and one" no longer exists; all subsequent non-shooting fouls result in twofree throws. In the NCAA rule book, free throws in this situation are officially calledbonus free throws. See alsodouble bonus andpenalty.
bounce pass
A pass that bounces once before reaching the receiver.
box-and-one
A combination defense in which four defenders play zone in a box formation and the fifth defender guards one player man-to-man.
arim that contains a hinge and a spring so it can bend downward when a player dunks a basketball, and then snaps back into a horizontal position when the player releases it.
brick
A shot attempt that hits therim and bounces off without hitting the backboard or going in the basket.
An imaginary boundary separating teams expected to receive berths in a postseason tournament from those left out of said event. Though applicable in any competition in which the number of teams playing in the postseason is less than the total number of teams competing, it is most commonly used in reference to the NCAA Division I men's and women's championship tournaments.[9]
bump the cutter
To step in the way of a player who is trying to cut to the ball for a pass.
A basket that is scored with zero seconds on the game clock (released right before the buzzer sounds), especially one which results in a win or a tie that leads to overtime play.
A violation in formal play which occurs when an offensive player holds the ball excessively at the ball's apex whiledribbling. In formal play, this penalty is considered either a "carry" or adouble dribble.
One of three standard player positions or five total positions in the game of basketball. Centers are generally the tallest players on the floor, responsible mainly for scoring, rebounding, and defense near thebasket.
charge
Anoffensive foul which occurs when a player with the ball rushes into a non-moving defender.
A strategy whereby one player (thecherry picker) decides not to play defense and instead stays near their opponent's goal, with the primary objective being to receive the ball from their teammates for easier points.
chest pass
Apass that is made from one player to another player's chest, especially by forcefully pushing the ball away from the chest with both hands.
chucker
A player who takes frequent, and often imprudent, shot attempts.[11] The term was popularized by the television seriesSeinfeld.[12] See alsogunner.
circus shot
A low-percentage shot, generally from close range, taken while the shooter is off balance, falling, facing away from the basket or otherwise out of control. Successful circus shots require exceptional luck.[13]
clear-path foul
Afoul which occurs when a defender fouls an opponent when the opponent has nobody in front of them. The foul results in twofree throws and possession. Contrast withEuro foul.
A made shot, sometimes athree-pointer, in a pivotal part of the game; e.g. a shot that silences a rowdy crowd, puts the team ahead in the closing moments of a game, discourages the opposing team, or kills their confidence.
dead-ball rebound
Arebound that is not credited to either team, such as a rebound that (technically) occurs after a miss on the firstfree throw of a two-shot foul. It ensures that every missed shot has a corresponding rebound, and was introduced for the purposes ofbox score statisticalerror detection.[16]
In FIBA and NCAA women's rules, an especially egregiousfoul, almost always involving violence or other excessive physical contact, that is punished by immediate ejection; equivalent to the NBA'sflagrant-2.
DNP-CD
Stands for "did not play - coach's decision". It refers to cases where a player was available to play in a game but did not play. It does not refer to cases where a player missed the game due to injury or suspension.[17] Additionally, it does not always mean a player is being punished by the coach. Some end of the bench players may be a DNP-CD for many games during the season. It could also be that an injured player is made active for the game but only comes in in the event of an emergency.
donut
A zero point performance by a player with considerable time on the court.[18]
In NCAA men's rules, a team is "in the double bonus" when the opposing team has accumulated 10 or more teamfouls in a half, and therefore earns twofree throws on each subsequent non-shooting foul committed by the defense. It had previously been part of the NCAA women's and NFHS rule sets, but the NCAA eliminated it from women's play in 2015–16 and NFHS followed suit for 2023–24. The term "double bonus" is widely used by the media and fans, but does not appear in any official rule book. See alsobonus andpenalty.
Double-digit figures in two positive statistical categories, especially when achieved by an individual player (e.g. 12 points and 14 rebounds).
double dribble
Todribble the ball with two hands at the same time, or to dribble, stop, and then begin to dribble again. Either act is a violation of the rules and results in a loss of possession.
double nickel
To accumulate 55 points.
down screen
When an offensive player runs to thebaseline closest to their goal to set ascreen.
Describes a player from a professional league outside of North America drafted by anNBA orWNBA team with the intent of having said player continue to play overseas, with the possibility of being brought over by the drafting team.
To bounce the ball continuously with one hand. Dribbling is required in order to take steps while in possession of the ball; failing to do so properly is a violation of the rules in all rulesets used in the game.
Apost-up move where the ballhandler picks up theirdribble and at the same time extends a leg back on one side of their defender, and then turns toward the basket, using that leg as leverage to get between their defender and the basket.
A method of ending basketball games by reaching a specified target score, devised by Ball State University professor Nick Elam and currently used inThe Basketball Tournament, theNBA All-Star Game, theCanadian Elite Basketball League, and theNBA G League. In the TBT implementation, upon the first dead ball on or after the 4:00 mark in the final quarter, 8 points (originally 7, but changed for the2019 edition) are added to the score of the leading team, which becomes the target score. The game then continues without a game clock but with the shot clock, and the first team to reach or exceed the target score wins.[19] In the NBA ASG implementation, the first three quarters proceed normally. Then, the target score is set by adding 24 points to the score of the leading team, and the game continues as in the TBT implementation. The CEBL implements the Elam Ending at the same point as in TBT, but adds 9 points to set the target score; additionally, if the dead-ball situation that triggers the Elam Ending results in free throws for either team, the free throws are taken under dead-ball conditions before the target score is set.[20] Starting with the 2022–23 season, the G League uses the Elam Ending in two situations. First, in all regular-season games, overtime is played under Elam Ending conditions, with the target score set by adding 7 points to the tied teams' score at the end of regulation. Second, games in the G League Showcase, a special event held in December, operate identically to the NBA ASG, except that the target score is set by adding 25 points instead of 24.[21] TheUnrivaled women's league uses the Elam Ending, calling it "winning score"; it adds 11 points to the score of the leading team (or tied teams) at the end of the third quarter to determine the target score.
elbow
1. An actual or attempted strike of another player with one's elbow. Especially violent examples are typically called asflagrant fouls.
Sidespin applied to the basketball by a player shooting alayup. Analogy taken from thecue sports term.
Euro foul
A foul committed by a defender who is between the opponent and the defending team's basket in the early phase of a fast break, with the intent of stopping play.[22][23] Contrast withclear-path foul.
A fadeaway or fall-away in basketball is a jump shot taken while jumping backwards, away from the basket but still facing it. The goal is to create space between the shooter and the defender, making the shot much harder to block.
An offensive tactic in which a team attempts to advance the ball and score as quickly as possible, giving the other team no time to defend effectively. Often the result of a steal or blocked shot. See alsosecondary break.
TheInternational Basketball Federation, known as FIBA from its French nameFédérationInternationale deBasketball. An association of national organizations which governs international competitions.
A specialized type oflayup shot where the ball is rolled off the tips of the player's fingers using the momentum of the jump. The advantage of the finger roll is that the ball can travel in a higher arc over a defender that might otherwiseblock the shot.
An unsportsmanlikefoul in which there is no serious attempt to play the ball. The NBA classifies these types of fouls asflagrant-1 andflagrant-2; NFHS (high school) usesflagrant personal foul andflagrant technical foul; NCAA men's basketball uses both sets of terms interchangeably; and FIBA and NCAA women's basketball instead useunsportsmanlike foul anddisqualifying foul (which roughly correspond to the two North American subcategories). At all North American levels, the latter type of foul results in the immediate ejection of the offender.
floater
A shot in which the ball is released with an extremely high arc in order to prevent taller defenders fromblocking the shot. It is typically utilized by smallerguards.
A deliberate or exaggerated fall by a player after little or no physical contact from an opponent, with the goal of drawing apersonal foul call against the opponent.
One of three standard player positions or five total positions in the game of basketball. Forwards are primarily responsible for scoring and rebounding. Seesmall forward andpower forward. An individual capable of playing both types of forward is often called astretch four.
A violation of the rules other than afloor violation, generally one which attempts to gain advantage by physical contact. Such violations are penalized by a change in possession or the awarding offree-throw opportunities. There are many different types of fouls; seepersonal foul,technical foul,flagrant foul,unsportsmanlike foul, anddisqualifying foul.
A rare play in which a player is fouled while making athree-point field goal and then makes the resultingfree throw, thereby scoring a total of four points.
An unopposed attempt to score a basket, worth one point, from thefree-throw line. Generally, two attempts are awarded when the player isfouled in the act of shooting (three attempts are awarded in the case of athree-point shot), fouledflagrantly, or when the opposing team fouls whileover the foul limit. Fortechnical fouls, FIBA rules award one free throw; NBA and NFHS rules award two free throws; and NCAA rules award either one or two free throws, depending on the specific type of technical foul. In3x3 rules, where regular baskets are worth 1 point and shots from behind the arc are worth 2 points, one attempt is normally awarded; two attempts are awarded when a player is fouled on a missed shot from behind the arc, the opposing team has committed more than six fouls in a game, and on any technical foul.
To retreat back across the half-court line after either a made or missed shot attempt. Usually called out by players or coaches to let the team know to hustle back and set up on defense.
The violation of interfering with the ball while it is on its way to the basket and it is in a downward flight, above the basket ring and within the imaginary cylinder, and/or not touching the rim.
granny shot
An underhand shot. Can describe a shot taken using only one hand, usually thrown by older women, or one using both hands, most notably used byRick Barry for free throws.
Description of situations in which players off the ball draw defenders to them, based on their established shooting ability. Such a player is said to have gravity on offense.
A combined offensive and defensive system created byDavid Arseneault, head coach atGrinnell College. A variation of the run-and-gun style, its most unusual feature is that entire five-player units are usually substituted every 45 to 90 seconds, as in anice hockey shift.
One of three standard player positions or five total positions in the game of basketball. Guards are typically classified in two broad categories:point guards have strong ballhandling and passing skills and are typically used to run the offense, whileshooting guards, as the name implies, are generally the team's best shooters and are very often the leading scorers on their teams. Some players, often referred to ascombo guards, combine features of both types.
gunner
Someone who shoots the ball too many times. See alsochucker.
A kind of foul wherein a player used their hands illegally to impede or slow the movement of the opponent.
hang time
The time a player spends in the air from the liftoff of a jump to the landing of the jump.
heating up
When a player starts to make the majority of their shots and takes over the game.
held ball
A situation when players from both teams claim possession of the basketball at the same time without a foul from either team. Depending on the league and the game situation, may result in a jump ball, a change in possession, or an out-of-bounds play by the team that previously had possession.
high post
The area of the court at the top of the key on either end of the free throw line.
A shot attempt made with a single hand swinging in an arc over the head or shoulders while in motion. Contrast with a regular shot normally taken facing the basket
To deliberately foul an opposing player to either stop the clock and/or to get possession of the ball after free throw attempts. A common strategy toward the end of the first half or the end of the game.
An offensive tactic where the ballhandler moves to one side of the court while all the other offensive players move to the far side. The offense seeks to create a favorable one-on-one matchup for the isolated ballhandler, or else to draw a double-team that may create an open shot for a teammate.
Aviolation called when a playerintentionally uses theirfoot or leg to contact the ball. Play is stopped and the ball is given to the non-violating team to inbound.
kickout
A pass from thepaint area to a shooter outside the three-point arc.
A close-range shot using one hand to tip the ball over the rim of the basket.
layup
A close-range shot using one hand to bank the ball off thebackboard and into thebasket.
ledgie
When a ball gets stuck on the ledge at the back of the rim of the basket.
logo three
Athree-point field goal attempted from or near the mid-court center circle, on which the logo of the home team, venue, league, or event is usually placed. Also referred to as "from the logo."[26][27]
loose ball foul
To foul an opposing player when neither team has control of the ball. As an example, fouling an opposing player when both players are chasing a loose ball
low post
The area of the court around thebasket on either side of the bottom of thekey.
The primary governing body for intercollegiate sports in theUnited States. The NCAA organizes annual national championship tournaments for all three of its competitive divisions in college basketball, with theDivision Imen's andwomen's tournaments being by far the most followed.
An annual postseason tournament for NCAA Division I men's basketball teams that do not qualify for theNCAA championship tournament. Founded in 1938, a year before the NCAA tournament, it is closely identified withNew York City; all games were originally held atthe third Madison Square Garden, and the semifinals and final were held attoday's Madison Square Garden through 2022. In its early years, it was considered more prestigious than the NCAA tournament, but this changed starting in the 1950s. The tournament has been directly operated by the NCAA since2006.
An unconventional offensive strategy developed by NBA head coachDon Nelson. It is an offense that relies on two things: (1) smaller, more athletic players who can create mismatches by outrunning their opponents, and (2) a strong emphasis onthree-point shooting, which is generally a staple of the offense. A truecenter is not needed to run Nellie Ball, although this strategy is most effective against teams that do not have the athleticism or shooting ability to keep up with the fast pace of the offense.
no shot during the violation
A player accidentally shoots the ball and into the net when a violation is triggered.
The team that last shot the ball regains control of the ball on a rebound
one-and-done
A player expected to declare themselves eligible for the NBA draft after a single season in college.
one-and-one
In NCAA men's rules, afree-throw attempt which, if made, allows the player a second free-throw attempt. This rule previously existed in NCAA women's and NFHS play, respectively being eliminated in 2015 and 2023. See alsobonus.
one trillion
Abox score showing one minute played and zero for all other statistics, resulting in a one followed by twelve zeros – the conventionalAmerican rendering of the numberone trillion.
outlet pass
A pass thrown by a rebounder to start afast break.
Afoul committed by a player who tries torebound the ball by pushing, moving, or climbing on the back of a player who is already in position to rebound the ball.
To roughly hit down a ball that an opposing player has just released for a shot. See alsoswat.
pack-line defense
A man-to-man defensive system in which one player pressures the ball and the other four "pack" down within an imaginary "line" extending to about 2 feet (60 cm) inside the three-point arc, with the intent of preventing dribble penetration. The system, derived from a number of other man-to-man systems, was developed byDick Bennett, and has been popularized in the 21st century by coaches including his sonTony,Chris Mack, andSean Miller.[30]
paint
Another name for thekey, often referring only to the painted area below thefree-throw line.
palming
Specifically referring to the habit of an offensive player to hold the ball at the apex of its bounce while dribbling, usually by gripping the ball firmly in the dribbling hand. In organized play this is always considered a dribbling penalty, often called acarry ordouble dribble. In non-organized play this is typically considered rude and is generally discouraged by the defensive players.
pass
1. To throw or bounce the ball to a teammate.
2. The act of passing to a teammate.
pass and chase
1. Topass the ball to another teammate and immediately follow the pass to eitherpick and roll, slip by, accept a handoff back, or otherbasketball moves.[31]
A player rating originally used by Liga ACB to determine weekly and season MVPs and later adopted by Euroleague Basketball to determine the same awards in the EuroLeague and EuroCup. No longer used to determine season MVPs in the EuroLeague and EuroCup, but still used for weekly awards, and also used by many other European domestic leagues. It is calculated from statistics available in standard European box scores by adding the numerical values for a player's recorded points,assists,rebounds,blocks,steals,fouls drawn,free throws made, 2-pointfield goals made, and3-point field goals made, and subtractingturnovers, own shots blocked, fouls committed, free throw attempts, 2-point field goal attempts, and 3-point field goal attempts.
A move in which an offensive player dribbles towards the basket, does apump fake, then proceeds to make an actual shot after the last remaining legal step.
pivot
The pivot center, or to lightly pick up one foot and spin with the next so as to avoidtraveling.
pivot foot
The foot that must remain touching the floor to avoidtraveling.
A concept of roster construction and game play in which most or all key players regularly switch positions, often during games.[32]
possession arrow
A physical or electronic arrow at the scorer's table that determines the next possession under the alternating possession rule. After the opening jump ball, it is set to point in the direction in which the team that lost the jump ball is moving on offense, and is switched each time the alternating possession rule is invoked.
post up
To go in or near thekey, turn so that you are facing away from the basket but towards a teammate who has the ball, and try to establish position to receive apass.
An offensive basketball strategy which emphasizes constant motion, passing,backdoor cuts,picks on and off the ball, and disciplined teamwork. Used and perfected atPrinceton University, it is especially designed for a unit of five players who can each pass, shoot, and dribble at an above-average level.
prioritization
A clause in the 2020 WNBA collective bargaining agreement that, since 2023, has severely penalized veteran players who report late to training camp. The expectation is that WNBA players will make that league their priority.[33]
pump fake
For an offensive player to start a shooting motion without their feet leaving the floor and then to quickly stop. The intent is gain an advantage if the feet of an over-eager defensive player leaves the floor
putback dunk
Adunk performed in the air during an offensive rebound.
Double-digit figures in four positive statistical categories, especially when achieved by an individual player (e.g. 10 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and 10 steals).
Double-digit figures in five positive statistical categories, especially when achieved by an individual player (e.g. 10 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, 10 blocks, and 10 steals).
A tool long used by the NCAA in theselection process for its Division I men's and women's tournaments. Replaced for both tournaments by theNET—men's in 2019, women's in 2021.
2. An area within the free-throw lane, designated by a semicircle in front of the basket, in which contact fouls involving a driving offensive player and a stationary defender are by rule called as a blocking foul on the defender (with limited exceptions in the NBA rule set). Called the "no-charge semicircle" in the FIBA rules.
rim
1. The physical rim on a basketball goal.
2. The area immediately surrounding the basket, often defined in shot charts as either therestricted area (definition 2) or a circle around the basket whose diameter matches the width of thefree-throw lane.
A toss in which the ball hits the rim of the basket.[34][35]
rip a C
A motion used while chinning the ball to create 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 pressure to create a passing lane.
rock
Another name for the basketball.
role player
A player who is not one of the best players on the team, but still makes a meaningful contribution.[36] Common roles include the shooting specialist, the defensive specialist, the3-and-D player, the rebounding specialist, the score-firstsixth man, and the floor general.[37][38]
run
An interval in which one team heavily outscores the other.
A combined offensive and defensive system devoted to increasing the pace of the game. On offense, the ball is moved upcourt as fast as possible, with the goal of taking the first shot available (often athree-pointer). The defense uses full-court pressure in an attempt to cause turnovers. See alsoGrinnell System.
1. To attempt to prevent a defender from guarding a teammate by standing in the defender's way. The screening player must remain stationary; a moving screen is anoffensive foul.
2. The tactic of setting a screen.
screen assist
Awarded when a player sets ascreen for a teammate that directly results in that teammate making a basket. While not appearing in standard box scores, it is recorded in the NBA, and is one of the statistics that league uses in determining the recipient of its annualHustle Award.[39][40]
secondary assist
Also called ahockey assist.
A pass to a teammate who in turn immediately (within 1 second in the NBA) makes a second pass that results in a basket, awarding the second player anassist. While not appearing in standard box scores, these are recorded in the NBA and several other leagues. The alternate term "hockey assist" comes from theice hockey practice of awardingassists not only to the player whose pass leads immediately to a goal, but also to the teammate who made the next-to-last pass in the sequence.[41][42]
secondary break
An offensive phase after an initialfast break is stopped but before the opponent can enter into its set defense.
set shot
A shot taken without the shooter's feet leaving the floor (i.e. without jumping).
A timer designed to increase the pace (and, consequently, the frequency of scoring) by requiring a shot to be released before the timer expires; if the ball does not touch the rim or enter the basket, a shot-clock violation is called, which results in a loss of possession for the shooting team. The time limit is 12 seconds in3x3; 18 seconds inUnrivaled; 24 seconds in the NBA, WNBA, and FIBA play; 30 seconds in both men's and women's NCAA play; and 35 seconds in states that use a shot clock for NFHS play. See alsoair ball.
1. A player who does not start the game but is nonetheless an important player and is generally the first player off thebench, and who often has statistics comparable to those of starters.
2. A superfan who believes that their fervent support of a team will have a direct influence on the outcome of a game that the team may be involved in; comparable to thetwelfth man in various football codes andcricket.
One of the five positions in basketball. Small forwards are generally the most versatile players and typically the third-tallest on the floor.
splash
Occurs when a player makes a shot in which the ball does not touch the backboard or the rim of the basket (a "swish").
split-action
Utilizes a post and two perimeter players (one with the ball); the ball-handler passes-in to the post player then immediately moves to set a screen for/receive a screen from the second perimeter player. The post passes the ball out to the free perimeter player for a shot-attempt
To gain possession of the ball from the opposing team by intercepting a pass, knocking the ball off a dribble, or slapping it legally out of an opponent's hands
step back
A move in which a player that has the ball in themid-range takes one step back to shoot athree-pointer.
stretch five
Acenter ("5") capable of "stretching" a defense with their outside shooting ability. Analogous to thestretch four, this positional hybrid has emerged mainly in the NBA in the 2010s.[43][44]
To deflect an opposing player's shot off course so that it misses completely. See alsopack.
swish
Alsohoopie andnothing-but-net.
1. A shot which goes through the net without hitting the rim of the basket, and generally without hitting the backboard either (though there is some disagreement about the requirement of the latter).
2. To make a shot in such a manner.
switch
A style of defense in which match-ups change often rather than being set for an entire quarter or game. In its extreme form, this can mean that the offensive player that a defensive player is guarding changes multiple times within one possession. The switch is often employed against an offense that relies on apick and roll strategy.[45]
Afoul assessed for unsportsmanlike behavior that does not involve physical contact and for some procedural violations (for example, having too many players on the court or calling atimeout when none remain). Technical fouls are penalized by loss of possession after afree throw, which may be taken by any member of the opposing team.
A single-elimination tournament, currently involving 64 teams, held in the U.S. during theNBA offseason, currently with a $1 million winner-take-all purse.
Also called athree-pointer or simply athree, and abbreviated3FG.
A shot worth three points that must be attempted with both feet behind thethree-point line.
three-point play
1. A play in which a shooter isfouled while making a standardtwo-point field goal and then makes the resultingfree throw, such that a total of three points is scored. See alsoand one.
2. (rarely) A play in which a shooter is fouled while taking but missing athree-point field goal and then makes all three resulting free throws.
A category ofpersonal foul created byFIBA in 2022, defined as a foul committed during the last 2 minutes of any playing period (quarter or overtime) by a defensive player during a throw-in, but before the thrower releases the ball. Penalized by 1 free throw and possession, regardless of the currentpenalty situation.
toilet bowl
When the ball hits the rim of the basket at a certain angle and then circles around it before going in or out.
transition defense
The portion of a team's defensive play conducted when the other team has first gained possession and is moving up the court, before both teams have established positions; this includes defense againstfast breaks. See alsohalfcourt defense.
transition offense
The portion of a team's offensive play conducted when first obtaining possession from the other team and moving up the court, before both teams have established positions; this includesfast breaks. See alsohalfcourt offense.
To move one'spivot foot illegally, to fall to the floor without maintaining a pivot foot, or to take three or more steps withoutdribbling the ball. Such violations are referred to astraveling; the precise rules regarding the infraction vary by ruleset.
An offensive strategy with the goal of exchanging three (sometimes all five) positions, creating spacing among players and allowing each one to pass to four teammates. The most important feature of the triangle offense is the sideline triangle created by thecenter in thelow post, aforward at the wing, and aguard at thecorner; the other guard stands at the top of thekey and the weak-side forward on the weak-sidehigh post, together forming the "two-man game". Every pass and cut has a purpose, and each is dictated by the movements of the opposing defense.
A statistic formed by a player playing some number of minutes, but recording no stats. Coined byHarvey Pollack, because of the way the numbers read across a basketball box score.
Double-digit figures in three positive statistical categories in a single game, especially when achieved by an individual player (e.g. 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists).
An individual player posting single-digit figures in the three principal statistical categories of points, rebounds and assists during a single game. Popularized and possibly coined byCharles Barkley in reference toDraymond Green.
true road game
In U.S. college basketball, a game played by a particular team on an opponent's home court, or sometimes a larger venue in that opponent's home area in which the opponent controls ticket sales. This distinction has been drawn in the 21st century because of an increasing number of early-season events—both individual games and tournaments—held in locations at which neither team can be considered to have any significant home-court advantage, known as neutral sites.
A loss of possession, either during ordinary play or as the result of a penalty for an infraction of the rules.
tweener
A term, sometimes used derisively, for a player who is able to play two positions, but is not ideally suited to play either position exclusively. A tweener has a set of skills that do not match the traditional position of the player's physical stature.
An offensive strategy used byUCLA head coachJohn Wooden. Due to the program's immense success under Wooden's guidance, this offense has become one of the most popular offensive tactics in basketball. Elements of it are commonly used at all levels of the game, including in theNBA.
A cooperative organization of European professional basketball leagues which operated the Euroleague and Eurocup before handing responsibility to the Euroleague Basketball Company.
A U.S.-based women's professional league playing 3-on-3 basketball on a compressed full court. Began play in 2025 with the explicit intent to allowWNBA players to play professionally in the U.S. during the traditional basketball season.
unsportsmanlike foul
(FIBA and NCAA women's) An egregiousfoul involving excessive physical contact, fouling with no intention to make a play on the ball, or fouling an opponent on a breakaway from behind. In NCAA women's play, this category also includes contactdead-balltechnical fouls. It is roughly equivalent to the NBA'sflagrant-1.
up and down
Atraveling violation which occurs when the ball carrier jumps vertically into the air and does not get rid of it before landing.
The act of raising one's center of gravity higher in the vertical plane solely with the use of one's own muscles; it is a measure of how high an individual athlete can elevate off the ground from a standstill.
A secondary postseason tournament forNCAA Division I women's teams, held for the first time in 2023–24. The NCAA operates it as a direct parallel to themen's NIT.
A tournament forNCAA Division I women's teams, with both preseason and postseason versions. The preseason version was founded in 1994, and the postseason version was founded in 1998. The latter includes teams that do not qualify for the NCAA championship tournament. Before the 1998–99 season, both events were known as theNational Women's Invitational Tournament, inheriting the name of a similar postseason event that operated from 1969 to 1996. Despite the name, the WNIT has no relation to themen's NIT—it is not operated by the NCAA, and was never under the control of any of the bodies that ran the men's NIT before 2006.
^Ryan, Shane (April 4, 2013)."The Cardinal Rules".Grantland.com. RetrievedApril 8, 2013.The point is that every missed shot has to have a rebound. And to be able to balance the box score, there needs to be a rebound for every miss. That way you know the box score adds up. It's kind of like a geometry proof, where the left side has to equal the right side.
