Welcome to our comprehensive basketball terms glossary, your ultimate guide to understanding basketball terminology. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get familiar with the basics or an avid fan aiming to deepen your knowledge, our glossary breaks down complex jargon into simple, easy-to-understand definitions. Use the search function of our basketball terms glossary or browse by letter.
0-9
- 3-and-D Players
- Players who excel at three-point shooting and defensive play, often specializing in guarding the opponent’s best player. Learn more in our guide to 3 and D players.
- 5 Second Rule
- A rule that requires a player to inbound the ball within 5 seconds or forces a player closely guarded to pass or dribble within 5 seconds to avoid a turnover. Our guide to the 5 second rule in basketball explains more.
A
- APG (Assists Per Game)
- A statistic that represents the average number of assists a player contributes per game.
- Air Ball
- A shot attempt that misses the basket and backboard entirely.
- Alley-Oop
- A play where one player throws the ball near the basket to a teammate who jumps, catches it in mid-air, and scores in one fluid motion. Our guide to the alley-oop in basketball details more.
- And One
- A situation where a player is fouled while making a basket and is awarded one additional free throw. Get more detail into the And One meaning through our guide.
- Assist
- A pass to a teammate that directly leads to a score. For more detail, check out our comprehensive guide that breaks down the answer to – What is an assist in basketball?
B
- Back Screen
- An offensive play where a player sets a screen behind a defender to free a teammate for a shot or pass. Our guide to the back screen explains more with examples.
- Backboard
- The rectangular-shaped board behind the basket that helps to guide shots into the net.
- Backcourt
- The half of the court a team defends; also refers to a team’s guards.
- Backcourt Violation
- When the offensive team fails to bring the ball across the mid-court line in time, or returns the ball to the backcourt after it has already crossed into the frontcourt. Read our comprehensive guide to learn more about the backcourt violation.
- Ball Screen
- A screen set by an offensive player for a ball handler to create space or open a path for the dribble. Learn more about how it works through our guide on the ball screen.
- Bank Shot
- A shot that bounces off the backboard before going into the basket.
- Baseline
- The boundary line at each end of the court, running parallel to the backboard.
- Basket
- The structure comprising the hoop, net, and backboard where points are scored.
- Bench Player
- A player who does not start the game but can substitute in from the sidelines.
- Block
- A defensive play where a player legally deflects an opponent’s shot attempt, preventing it from going into the basket.
- Blocking Foul
- A foul called on a defender who illegally impedes the progress of an offensive player by not establishing a set position in time. For more, check out our guide to the blocking foul in basketball.
- Bonus
- A situation where a team gets to shoot free throws after the opposing team commits a certain number of fouls in a half. Learn even more through our guide on the basketball bonus.
- Box Out
- A technique used by a player to position themselves between an opponent and the basket to secure a rebound. Our guide to the box out in basketball offers more details.
- Brick
- A shot that is missed, especially one that bounces hard off the rim or backboard.
- Buzzer
- A horn or signal that indicates the end of a quarter, half, or game.
- Buzzer-Beater
- A shot made just as the game, quarter, or shot-clock buzzer sounds. Take a look at our list of top WNBA buzzer-beaters.
C
- Carry
- A violation where a ball-handler rests their hand underneath the ball while dribbling, disrupting the natural bounce of the ball. Our guide further answers the question, What is a carry in basketball?
- Charge
- A foul called on an offensive player who runs into a defender who has established a stationary position. Learn more in our guide on the charge in basketball.
- Check
- In street or pickup basketball, a way to start or resume play by passing the ball from one player to another.
- Check In
- The act of a player reporting to the scorer’s table to enter the game.
- Cherry Picking
- When a player stays near the opponents’ basket to attempt easy scores, neglecting defensive responsibilities. Our guide to cherry picking in basketball explains more.
- Clear-Path Foul
- A foul committed against an offensive player who has a clear path to the basket with no defender between him and the basket. Get more details in our clear path foul guide.
- Clutch
- Describes a player or play that occurs under high pressure, typically in the final moments of a close game, and results in a positive outcome.
- Cross Screen
- A type of off-ball screen during which a player sets a screen across the key for a teammate to find open space on the ball-side block. Learn more about the cross screen in basketball through our guide.
- Crossover
- A dribbling move where a player quickly changes direction by moving the ball from one hand to the other, often to evade a defender.
D
- Dagger
- A shot, typically a three-pointer, made late in the game, significantly affecting the game’s outcome by securing a lead.
- Defensive Rebound
- A rebound caught by a player on the defensive team after an offensive player misses a shot.
- Defensive Three Seconds
- A violation where a defensive player remains in the key (paint area) for more than three seconds without actively guarding an opponent.
- Dime
- Slang for an assist, especially a skillful or impressive pass that leads to a score.
- Double Dribble
- A violation where a player stops dribbling, holds the ball, and then starts dribbling again or dribbles with both hands simultaneously. Check out our double dribble guide to learn more.
- Double-Double
- A performance in which a player accumulates double digits in two statistical categories, such as points and rebounds, in a single game. Our guide goes into even more detail to answer the question, What is a double double in basketball?
- Down Screen
- An off-ball screen set by a player moving down toward the baseline for a teammate to cut away the basket, typically to get open for an outside shot. Read more about the down screen in basketball.
- Downtown
- Slang for shooting from well beyond the three-point line.
- Drag Screen
- A type of ball screen set during a fast break or transition, often near the top of the key, to create quick scoring opportunities. Our guide to the drag screen in basketball details more.
- Dunk
- A high-impact shot where a player thrusts the ball directly into the hoop with one or both hands.
E
- Efficiency Rating
- A statistic that summarizes a player’s positive contributions (like points, rebounds, assists) against their negative actions (like turnovers, missed shots) in a single number.
- Elevator Screen
- An offensive play where two teammates form a moving screen for a player, closing together like elevator doors to block the defender and open a shot opportunity. Our elevator screen guide explains more.
- Euro Step
- A move where a player, while driving toward the basket, takes a step in one direction and then another step in a different direction to evade a defender and score.
F
- Fadeaway
- A shot taken while jumping backward, away from the basket and defender, making it harder to block.
- Fast Break
- A quick offensive play, usually following a defensive rebound, where a team attempts to move the ball up court and score before the opposing defense can set up.
- Field Goal
- Any basket scored from play, excluding free throws. Learn more about field goals in basketball.
- Field Goal Percentage
- A statistic that represents the ratio of baskets made to total shots taken, excluding free throws.
- Flagrant Foul
- A serious personal foul that involves excessive or violent contact, which could injure the fouled player, leading to harsher penalties. Our flagrant foul guide gives more details.
- Flare Screen
- A screen set away from the ball handler, allowing a player to move toward the perimeter for an open shot. Discover more about the flare screen in basketball.
- Flex Screen
- A type of off-ball screen set typically along the baseline or low wing, usually as part of the flex offense, to free up a teammate in the key. Learn more about the flex screen in basketball through our guide.
- Floater
- A shot taken with a soft touch and high arc, typically over taller defenders, close to the basket.
- Flopping
- An attempt by a player to deceive the referees into calling a foul by exaggerating minimal contact. Learn more about flopping in basketball.
- Foul
- An illegal count infraction of the rules, penalized by giving the opposing team one or more free throws or possession of the ball.
- Foul Out
- A situation where a player is removed from the game after reaching the maximum allowed number of personal fouls.
- Free Throw
- An unopposed attempt to score from the free-throw line, awarded after certain fouls.
- Free Throw Line
- The line 15 feet from the basket from which players take free throws.
- Front Court
- The half of the court where a team’s offensive play takes place; also refers to the forwards and center positions.
- Full Court Press
- A defensive strategy where the defending team applies pressure over the entire court, trying to disrupt the offense’s ability to advance the ball.
G
- Game Clock
- The timer that tracks the duration of each quarter or half of the game, excluding stoppages. Read our guide to learn more on how long a basketball game is.
- Goaltending
- A violation that occurs when a defensive player interferes with a shot on its downward trajectory toward the basket or when it’s on the rim, resulting in the shot being counted as made. Our guide to goaltending in basketball has video examples.
H
- Hack
- A strategy of deliberately fouling a poor free throw shooter to regain possession of the ball following the free throws.
- Half Court
- The area of the court divided by the mid-court line; also refers to a type of game played on one half of the court.
- Hand Checking
- A foul called when a defensive player uses their hands to impede the movement of an offensive player. Learn more details on hand checking in basketball through our guide.
- Hedge
- A defensive tactic where a player temporarily leaves their own man to help a teammate defend an opponent, usually during a screen. Our guide on hedging in basketball breaks down the strategy.
- Hoop
- The circular ring through which players aim to score the ball, attached to the backboard and equipped with a net. Also, often called a “rim.”
I
- Illegal Screen
- A foul occurring when the player setting a screen is moving, not set, or extends their limbs, making illegal contact with the defender. See video examples through our guide to an illegal screen in basketball.
- Inbounds
- Refers to the area within the boundaries of the rectangular basketball court, defined by the baselines and sidelines, where play occurs.
- Incidental Contact
- Physical contact between players that referees deem not to affect the play, therefore not warranting a foul call.
- Intentional Foul
- A foul committed on purpose, often used strategically to stop the clock or send a poor free throw shooter to the line. Learn more through our guide on the international foul in basketball.
- Iso (Isolation)
- An offensive strategy where a player is given space to go one-on-one against their defender, typically to exploit a matchup advantage.
J
- Jump Ball
- A method to start the game or resolve certain dead ball situations, where the referee tosses the ball up between two opposing players who jump to tip it to their teammates.
- Jump Shot
- A shot where the player leaps off the ground to raise above defenders and releases the ball at the peak of their jump.
K
- Key
- The painted area on the court near the basket, bounded by the end lines, sidelines, and free-throw line, also known as the paint.
- Kick Ball
- A violation that occurs when a player intentionally uses their foot or leg to contact or alter the path of the ball.
L
- Lane
- Another term for the key or paint, the area extending from the baseline to the free-throw line, where players line up during free throws.
- Layup
- A close-range shot taken after driving to the basket, typically using one hand to bank the ball off the backboard.
- Loose Ball Foul
- A foul called on a player who makes illegal contact with an opponent while both are attempting to gain possession of a ball that is not in control of either team. Read our guide on the loose ball foul to learn more.
M
- Man-to-Man Defense
- A defensive strategy where each defender is responsible for guarding a specific player on the opposing team.
- Moving Screen
- An illegal screen where the player setting the screen is moving and not stationary, resulting in a foul. Our guide on the moving screen explains more.
N
O
- Off the Bench
- Refers to a player who does not start the game but comes into play as a substitute.
- Offensive Rebound
- A rebound grabbed by an offensive player after a missed shot, giving their team another opportunity to score.
- Outlet
- A pass thrown by a player (usually after a defensive rebound) to a teammate to start a fast break.
- Over the Back Foul
- A foul called on a player who tries to rebound the ball by reaching over an opponent’s back, often without a clear path to the ball.
P
- PPG (Points Per Game)
- A statistical measure of the average number of points a player or team scores per game. Learn more about calculating PPG in basketball through our guide.
- Paint
- The area inside the key or lane on a basketball court, typically painted a different color, where much of the action takes place. Also called the “key” or the “lane.”
- Perimeter Defense
- The defensive tactics focused on preventing opponents from making successful shots from outside the key, especially beyond the three-point line.
- Person-to-Person Defense
- Another term for man-to-man defense, where each defender guards a specific opponent.
- Personal Foul
- A foul involving illegal physical contact with an opponent, such as hitting, pushing, or blocking. Players have a maximum number of personal fouls (5 or 6) before they foul out and are disqualified for the remainder of the game.
- Pick and Roll
- An offensive play where a player sets a screen (the pick) for a teammate handling the ball and then moves toward the basket (the roll) to receive a pass. See how this works through our guide to the pick and roll.
- Pivot
- A movement by a player holding the ball, who steps once or more in any direction with the same foot while keeping the other foot (the pivot foot) at its initial point.
- Plus-Minus
- A statistic that measures the point differential when a player is on the court, indicating the impact of the player on the game’s score.
- Posterize
- A slang term describing a powerful dunk over a defender, creating a highlight-worthy moment reminiscent of an image that would be used on a poster
- Press
- A defensive strategy where the defending team applies intense pressure on the offensive team across the entire court, trying to force turnovers.
Q
- Quadruple-Double
- A rare achievement where a player accumulates double digits in four statistical categories (such as points, assists, rebounds, and steals or blocks) in a single game. Our guide to a quadruple double explains more on how it works.
R
- Reach In Foul
- A term used to describe a type of foul that occurs when a defender makes illegal contact with the ball handler by reaching in to try to steal the ball. Learn more about each type of reach in foul from our guide.
- Rebound
- The act of grabbing the ball after a missed field goal or free throw attempt. In our guide, we go into more detail to answer the question, What is a rebound in basketball?
- Referee
- An official who enforces the rules of the game, calls fouls, and ensures fair play.
- Restricted Area
- A semi-circular area under the basket where defensive players cannot legally draw charging fouls.
- Rim
- The metal hoop to which the net is attached, through which a player must shoot the ball to score.
- Role Player
- A player who excels in specific aspects of the game, contributing to the team in specialized ways rather than through all-around play. Learn more through our guide on what is a role player in basketball.
S
- Screen
- A legal move by an offensive player to stand in the path of a defender to free a teammate for a shot or pass. We break down what a screen in basketball is in our guide.
- Screen the Screener
- An offensive tactic where a player sets a screen for a teammate who has just set a screen to create open shooting or passing opportunities. Our guide on the screen-the-screener tactic explains more.
- Scrimmage
- An informal or practice game where teams play against each other without it affecting their official record. Learn more about the scrimmage in basketball through our guide.
- Shooting Percentage
- A statistic that measures the ratio of shots made to shots attempted.
- Shot Clock
- A timer designed to increase the game’s pace by limiting the time a team can possess the ball before attempting a shot.
- Sideline
- The boundary line running along the length of the court, perpendicular to the baselines.
- Starter
- A player who is in the initial lineup at the beginning of the game.
- Steal
- A defensive action where a player legally takes the ball away from the opponent, leading to a change in possession.
- Substitute (“Sub”)
- A player who enters the game to replace a player on the court.
- Swish
- A shot that goes through the basket without touching the rim or backboard.
T
- Technical Foul (“Tech”)
- A penalty for misconduct or specific rule violations by a player or coach, not involving physical contact during play. Our guide on a technical foul in basketball explains more.
- Three Point Line
- The arc-shaped line on the court that defines the boundary for three-point shots.
- Three Pointer
- A shot made from beyond the three-point line, worth three points.
- Three-Second Violation
- An infraction that occurs when an offensive player remains in the key (paint area) for more than three seconds.
- Transition
- The phase of play where a team shifts from defense to offense or vice versa, often aiming for a quick score.
- Transition Take Foul
- A foul committed intentionally to stop the opposing team’s fast break during the transition from defense to offense. Learn more through our guide on the transition take foul.
- Traveling
- A violation that occurs when a player holding the ball moves one or both of their feet illegally without dribbling. Our guide on traveling in basketball explains more.
- Triple-Double
- A performance in which a player accumulates double digits in three statistical categories (e.g., points, rebounds, assists) in a game. Check out our guide on the triple double in basketball to see how it works.
- Turnover
- An event where a team loses possession of the ball to the opposing team due to a mistake or violation. For more, our guide further answers the question, What is a turnover in basketball?
U
V
W
- Whistle
- A tool used by referees to stop play, signal fouls, or indicate the start or end of game segments.
X
Y
Z
- Zone Defense
- A defensive strategy where each player is responsible for guarding an area of the court rather than a specific opponent, aiming to cover passing lanes and shot opportunities.
