Basketball Glossary

Jumpchamp Basketball Glossary

B

Basket

The basket is the place where players need to throw the Basketball. Players of two teams compete with each other to throw the Ball in the Basket or Pass their own team players to help in the process of throwing the ball into the Basket. Also, you can check our Post on Beginner’s Guide To Basketball Shooting Fundamentals for throwing the Ball Perfectly! The Basket is the most important thing in Basketball Game. It is like the Goal Post of Soccer or Football. And, the defender here is the Opponent Team! The baskets are also called Basketball Hoops.

Glossary of terms and keywords related to basketball

Air ball: a shot that misses the rim and the backboard entirely.
Alley-oop: a pass that is thrown up toward the basket, allowing a player to catch and dunk the ball in one motion.
Backboard: the rectangular surface behind the rim that the ball can bounce off of.
Backcourt: the area of the court that is nearest to the team’s own basket, and where the team brings the ball up the court during offense.
Ball handling: the skills involved in controlling the ball with the hands, including dribbling, passing, and shooting.
Block: when a defensive player prevents an offensive player from making a shot by jumping and getting a hand on the ball.
Box out: a technique used by players to position themselves between an opponent and the basket, in order to get better rebounding position.
Charging: when an offensive player runs into a defensive player who has established a legal defensive position, resulting in a foul.
Double dribble: when a player dribbles the ball with both hands or stops and then starts dribbling again.
Dunk: a shot in which a player jumps and slams the ball through the rim with one or both hands.
Fast break: a quick offensive transition after a turnover or defensive rebound, with the goal of scoring before the defense can set up.
Foul: a violation of the rules that results in a free throw or possession change for the opposing team.
Free throw: a shot awarded to a player who has been fouled, taken from the free throw line without any defense.
Frontcourt: the area of the court that is nearest to the opponent’s basket, where most of the scoring occurs during offense.
Half-court press: a defensive strategy in which the defense applies pressure to the opposing team in their own half of the court.
Jump ball: a way to start a game or determine possession in a tie-up situation, where two opposing players jump to tap the ball to a teammate.
Layup: a shot in which a player dribbles to the basket and lays the ball off the backboard into the basket.
Man-to-man defense: a defensive strategy where each defensive player is assigned to guard a specific offensive player.
Offense: the team with the ball, attempting to score points by getting the ball into the opponent’s basket.
Outlet pass: a long pass thrown by a player after a defensive rebound, intended to start a fast break.
Pivot: a footwork technique in which a player keeps one foot planted while moving the other foot, used to create space for a shot or pass.
Rebound: when a player grabs a missed shot off the backboard or rim.
Screen: a technique where an offensive player stands in the way of a defensive player, in order to create space for a teammate.
Shot clock: a timer that limits the amount of time a team can take to shoot the ball during a possession.
Technical foul: a foul that is not related to physical contact, but rather for unsportsmanlike behavior or rule violations, resulting in free throws for the opposing team.
Traveling: when a player takes more than two steps without dribbling the ball, or moves their pivot foot illegally.
Zone defense: a defensive strategy where players are assigned to cover specific areas of the court rather than individual players.
10-second violation: when a team fails to advance the ball past the half-court line within 10 seconds of gaining possession.
24-second violation: when a team fails to attempt a shot that hits the rim within 24 seconds of gaining possession.
3-second violation: when an offensive player remains in the paint (the area under the basket) for more than 3 seconds without attempting a shot or moving out of the paint.
And-one: when a player is fouled while making a shot and the shot goes in, they are awarded one free throw in addition to the points from the shot.
Assist: a pass that leads directly to a made basket by a teammate.
Backcourt violation: when the ball is passed or dribbled into the backcourt by an offensive player who has already crossed the half-court line.
Ball fake: a deceptive movement made with the ball to throw off a defender.
Buzzer beater: a shot that is made just before the end of a quarter or game, often resulting in a dramatic finish.
Charge circle: the area underneath the basket where charging fouls cannot be called against the defensive player.
Dead ball: when the ball is not in play and the game has been stopped by the referees.
Double team: a defensive strategy in which two players guard one offensive player in order to disrupt their movement or passing ability.
Fast break points: points scored by a team during a fast break.
Flop: when a player exaggerates contact or pretends to be fouled in order to draw a foul on the opposing team.
Full-court press: a defensive strategy in which the defense applies pressure to the opposing team for the entire length of the court.
Half-court shot: a shot attempted from beyond half-court, usually at the end of a quarter or game.
Inbound pass: a pass made to inbound the ball from out of bounds.
Jump shot: a shot taken while jumping, usually from mid-range.
Loose ball: a ball that is not in the possession of any player.
Mid-range: the area on the court between the three-point line and the paint.
Off-ball screen: a screen set by an offensive player who does not have the ball, to create space for a teammate.
On-ball defense: defensive strategy in which one player guards the offensive player who has the ball.
Out-of-bounds: the area outside of the court’s boundaries.
Pick-and-roll: an offensive strategy in which one player sets a screen for the ball-handler, who then passes to the screener and rolls to the basket.
Post-up: an offensive strategy in which a player positions themselves in the low post (near the basket) to receive a pass and shoot or make a move toward the basket.
Press break: an offensive strategy used to break a full-court press.
Rejection: when a defensive player blocks a shot attempt.
Rip-through: a move in which an offensive player fakes a shot and then quickly brings the ball up and through their defender’s arms, drawing a foul.
Steal: when a defensive player takes the ball away from an offensive player without fouling.
Three-point line: the boundary on the court that determines where a shot is worth three points.
Turnover: when a team loses possession of the ball without attempting a shot.
Zone offense: an offensive strategy used against a zone defense, in which players move the ball around the perimeter and cut to create openings for shots or drives to the basket.

Some terms and keywords related to basketball accessories

Basketball shoes: specialized shoes designed for basketball players, often with features like extra cushioning, ankle support, and grippy soles.
Compression sleeves: tight-fitting sleeves worn on the arms, legs, or ankle to provide compression, which can improve circulation and prevent muscle fatigue.
Dribble goggles: specialized goggles that restrict a player’s field of vision, forcing them to focus on the ball and develop better dribbling skills.
Headbands: bands worn around the forehead to absorb sweat and keep hair out of the player’s face.
Hoops: the circular metal rims attached to the backboard, through which players shoot the ball.
Knee pads: protective pads worn over the knees to prevent injury from falls or collisions.
Mouthguards: protective devices worn in the mouth to prevent dental injury.
Shooting sleeves: tight-fitting sleeves are worn on the shooting arm to improve circulation and reduce muscle fatigue.
Sweatbands: bands worn around the wrists or head to absorb sweat and keep it from dripping onto the ball or the player’s hands.
Wristbands: bands worn around the wrists to absorb sweat and keep it from dripping onto the player’s hands.

Some more terms and keywords related to basketball accessories

Ankle braces: supportive devices worn around the ankle to prevent injuries or provide support for existing injuries.
Backboard: the rectangular board behind the rim where the ball bounces off after a shot, they are available in portable and other variations.
Basketball bag: a bag used to carry basketball equipment, such as shoes, clothes, and accessories.
Basketball net: It is where the basketball returns; the mesh net hangs from the rim and catches the ball after a successful shot.
Cones: small, cone-shaped markers used to set up drills and practice exercises on the court.
Jump rope: a rope used for jump rope exercises, which can improve footwork and cardiovascular endurance.
Resistance bands: elastic bands used in strength training exercises to build muscle and improve range of motion.
Scoreboard: the board or electronic display that shows the score like in arcade games, along with the time remaining, and other game information.
Shooting target: a device used to improve shooting accuracy by providing a visual target for the player to aim at.
Stopwatches: devices used to time drills, exercises, and other training activities.
Training cones: small, cone-shaped markers used to set up drills and practice exercises on the court.
Training ladder: a ladder-shaped device laid on the ground to help players improve their footwork and agility.
Water bottle: a bottle used to carry water or other beverages to stay hydrated during games and practices.

Some terms and keywords related to basketball history and famous players

Naismith, James: the inventor of basketball, who created the game in 1891 while working as a physical education instructor.
Celtics: one of the oldest and most successful teams in NBA history, based in Boston, Massachusetts.
Lakers: one of the most successful teams in NBA history, based in Los Angeles, California.
Jordan, Michael: widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, known for his scoring ability and clutch performances in key moments.
Chamberlain, Wilt: another player often considered one of the greatest of all time, known for his size, strength, and dominant performances in the 1960s and 1970s.
Abdul-Jabbar, Kareem: another legendary player who played for 20 seasons and is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
Bird, Larry: a player known for his shooting ability, passing, and overall versatility, who played for the Boston Celtics in the 1980s.
Johnson, Earvin “Magic”: a player known for his exceptional passing ability and ability to play multiple positions, who played for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s.
NCAA: the National Collegiate Athletic Association, which oversees college basketball in the United States.
NBL: the National Basketball League, a professional basketball league that operated in the United States from 1937-1949.
NBA: the National Basketball Association, the most prestigious and popular professional basketball league in the world, was founded in 1946.

Some terms and keywords related to basketball training and coaching

Agility: the ability to change direction quickly and efficiently, which is important for many basketball skills, including dribbling, defense, and rebounding.
Ball handling: the ability to control the ball with the hands, which is crucial for dribbling, passing, and shooting.
Box out: a technique used to block out an opponent when a shot is taken, which increases the chances of securing a rebound.
Coaching: the process of teaching and guiding players to improve their skills, knowledge, and performance on the court.
Defense: the team’s efforts to prevent the opposing team from scoring, which involves tactics like blocking shots, stealing the ball, and guarding opposing players.
Footwork: the movement of the feet during various basketball skills, such as shooting, dribbling, and defending.
Jump shot: a shot taken while jumping off one or both feet, which is a common shooting technique in basketball.
Layup: a shot taken close to the basket, often using one hand while jumping off one foot.
Offense: the team’s efforts to score points, which involves tactics like passing, dribbling, and shooting.
Passing: the act of throwing the ball to a teammate, which is a fundamental skill in basketball.
Rebounding: the act of securing the ball after a missed shot, which is important for maintaining possession and preventing the opposing team from scoring.
Shooting: the act of attempting to score points by throwing the ball into the opposing team’s basket.
Speed: the ability to move quickly, which is important for many basketball skills, including dribbling, defense, and fast breaks.
Strength training: a form of exercise designed to build muscle and improve physical strength, which can improve overall basketball performance.
Training: the process of practicing and improving basketball skills and fitness through various exercises, drills, and activities.

Some terms and keywords related to basketball rules, skills, calls, and expert terms

Alley-oop: a play in which a player throws the ball toward the basket and a teammate jumps to catch and dunk it in one motion.
Assist: a pass that leads to a successful basket by a teammate.
Block: a defensive move in which a player jumps and deflects a shot attempt by an opposing player.
Charge: a foul called when an offensive player runs into a stationary defender who has established a position.
Double dribble: a violation in which a player dribbles the ball with both hands or stops dribbling and then dribbles again.
Fast break: a quick offensive play in which a team rushes down the court to score before the defense can set up.
Foul: a violation of the rules that results in a free throw or possession of the ball for the opposing team.
Free throw: an unguarded shot taken from the free-throw line after a foul or technical foul is committed.
Full court press: a defensive tactic in which the entire team applies pressure on the opposing team’s ball handlers for the full length of the court.
Jump ball: a method of starting play in which the referee throws the ball up between two opposing players who try to gain possession.
Man-to-man defense: a defensive tactic in which each player guards an assigned opponent.
Pick-and-roll: a common offensive play in which a player sets a pick for a teammate and then rolls to the basket to receive a pass.
Post-up: an offensive move in which a player positions themselves in the low post area near the basket to receive a pass and score.
Screen: a play in which a player blocks an opposing player to free up a teammate for a shot or pass.
Steal: a defensive move in which a player takes the ball away from an opposing player.
Zone defense: a defensive tactic in which each player guards an area rather than an assigned opponent.