Are you new to the game of basketball? Do you need to get up to speed with basketball terminology? If so, the following are the essential terms you need to know regarding basketball moves.
Backcourt: The half of the court with the basket one’s team is defending.
Bank Shot: A shot that is intended to gently hit the backboard and fall through the basket.
Bounce Pass: A pass that bounces between the passer and the receiver.
Boxing Out: A move to Establish a position close to the basket while rebounding. A player faces the basket and spreads his or her feet to block an opponent’s path to the basket.
Chest Pass: A pass that is thrown with two hands, starting at chest height.
Control Dribble: A method of moving the ball with low bounces while keeping one’s body between the opponent and the ball.
Double Dribble: A violation in which the player with the ball dribbles with both hands at the same time. A double dribble violation is also called if a player dribbles, holds the ball, and then starts dribbling again.
Dribble: A continuous bouncing of the ball on the floor, using one hand.
Dunk: To slam the ball through the basket from above the rim.
Fast Break: A quick movement of the ball down court by passing or dribbling, in an attempt to score before the opposing team can set up its defense.
Field Goal: A shot that is scored while the ball is in play. A field goal is worth two points unless it is taken from beyond the three point arch, in which case it is worth three points.
Foul: An illegal act that involves physical contact with an opponent.
Free Throw: A chance to shoot at the basket without interference from an opponent. A free throw is awarded because of a foul by an opponent. The shot is taken from the free throw line and is worth one point if it is made.
Free throw lane: A 12- or 16- foot-side portion of the court underneath each basket, between the end line of the court and the free throw line. Because these areas are often painted a different colour than the rest of the court, they are often referred to as the paint.
Hook Shot: A shot in which the shooter begins with his or her back to the basket, then pivots and sweeps the ball up and over his or her head with one hand.
Jump Hook Shot: A hook shot during which the shooter jumps off both feet before releasing the ball.
Jump Shot: A shot in which the shooter jumps and releases the ball at the peak of his or her jump.
Layup: A shot in which the shooter dribbles toward the basket, jumps, and gently bounces the ball of f the backboard and into the basket.
Overhead Pass: A two-handed pass that starts above the passer’s head.
Player-to-player Defense: A style of defensive play in which each player is assigned to guard a specific player on the other team.
Push Pass: A pass that is thrown with one hand pushing the ball and the other hand guiding it.
Rebound: To gain possession of the ball after a missed shot. An offensive rebound is a rebound by the shooting team. A defensive rebounds is a rebound by the defending team.
Screen: A move by an offensive player to legally block a defender’s path so that the offensive player’s teammate can get free for a shot or pass.
Set Shot: A shot that is released while both of the shooter’s feet remain on the court.
Speed dribble: A method of moving the ball with a high bounce while running quickly.
Travelling: A violation in which the player with the ball moves both feet without bouncing the ball.
Underhand layup: A layup in which the shooter’s hand is palm up when the ball is released, so that the ball gently rolls off the fingers and into the basket. Also called a finger-roll layup.
Violation: An illegal act that doesn’t involve contact with another player.
Zone Defense: A style of defensive play in which each player is assigned to defend a specific area, or zone, of the court.
The writer of this article owns an established company offering
basketball uniforms and
basketball jersey. Being a great fan of basketball himself, he closely follows and enjoys all aspects of the game.
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