Terms A - C

Advancing the Ball. Moving the ball down the court by passing or dribbling.
Air. The height of a player's jump. In context: "She had a lot of air on that shot" or "There was a lot of air under his kicks". See Hops, Hangtime, Ups, Vert.
Air Ball. A missed shot that does NOT hit the backboard or rim.

Air Flick. A quick, mostly wrist-propelled pass.
Alive. The status of the ball when the game is on and when the game clock is running.
All Ball. Used to describe a clean block. It's noteworthy that the hand is considered part of the ball.
All Day. Said when a player is able to make shots consistently.
All you! Yelled to a player on fast break to let them know they are alone and to finish their attack.

Alley Oop. A shot made where the shooter receives a pass while airborne and puts it in the basket before landing.
Alternate Hand Dribble. A change of dribbling hand often caused by a required change in direction of travel. Aka Cross-Over Dribble.

Alternating-possession Rule. Where the possession arrow changes after an award of control of the ball is granted by the official.

And One. An “And One” is where a player is fouled during the execution of a shot and gets one free-throw shot as a consequence.
Arc. May be the trajectory of the ball during a shot or a term used to refer to the 3-point line.

Assist. An offensive statistic. The last pass from a team mate before a made basket. A.k.a. “Dime”. Eg. "Drop a dime".

Attack the Back. First step in a dribbling attack should be in the direction that the defender's back is facing. This requires the defender to turn their body to adjust which takes enough time to give the attacker a slight advantage.

B Side. The side of the court in which the ball is located at a given time (B Side = Ball Side). Aka. Strongside.

Baby Hook. A hook shot where the arm is not fully extended.

Backcourt. The half of the court that is not being attacked by the team in possession of the ball at a given time. The half being attacked is the Forecourt.

Back Door Cut. When a player who is on offense gets between the basket and a defender for a lob pass.

Back Door Pass. The name for a type of pass or positioning usually where a player on offense gets behind a defender and seals them to allow for a lob pass over the defender.

Back-Poke. When a defensive player catches up to an opponent who has the ball and steals the ball from behind. Aka “Getting one’s pocket picked.”. See Back Strip.

Back Strip. See Back-poke.
Balance. A player's stable stance. Also the spacing of players on the court (Floor Balance).

Ball Control. The skillful handling of the ball by an individual player or team.

Ball Hog. A player who does not pass very much and would rather shoot. Also known as a Chucker or a Gunner.
Ball Movement. How the ball is passed on offense. A team may be said to have good ball movement.
Ball's Alive. The game is starting.
Ballside. The side of the forecourt where the play is. Aka Strongside or B-Side.

Ball Up!. The game is starting (Jump Ball).

Baller. A basketball player.

Bank shot. A shot that hits the backboard before it goes into the basket. Also known as a “banker” or “shooting off the glass”.

Bar Arm. The non-ball arm extended to protect the ball. The bar arm creates a virtual plane that if crossed by a defenders hand emphasizes a reach-in violation and will more likely cause the referee to blow his whistle. Caution : See Fending off.
Baseball Pass. A pass that is thrown much like throwing a baseball. Typically a long pass.

Baseline Run. As soon as the other team scores you can grab the ball (you don’t have to wait for the ref to hand it to you like when it goes out of bounds) get behind the baseline (out of bounds) and run, without having to dribble along the baseline. You do this to get away from a defender –if there is one. Tip: Remember you only have 5 seconds to inbound the ball.

Baseline Drive. Where a player will dribble from the far corner to the paint along the baseline.

Basket Cut. An offensive move where the offensive player sneaks behind the defender running toward the basket looking for a pass.

Basketball Jones. An expression used in the 1970’s to describe a yearning to play basketball (“Jonesing” means “aching for”)

Beating to the Spot. When a defender gets to a place on the court that an opponent wants and establishes themselves.
BEEF. An acronym used to remind a player of the mechanics involved in making a shot properly. Balance, Elbow, Extension, Follow through. In some regions/countries it's Balance, Eyes, Elbow, Extension, and Follow through (thank you Steve Nash).

Behind-the-back Dribble. A kind of dribble used to change the direction of your attack where a single dribble is done behind your back. See Wrap-around.

Belly Cut. A cut to the basket from the wing position.

Belly Up. When a defender gets exceptionally close to an opponent who has the ball in order to place intense pressure on the ball. See Face Guarding, Building Out.

Bench Decorum. The behavior of those sitting on the bench. Now a technical foul if players stand, yell, wave towels.

Between-the-legs Dribble. A kind of dribble used to change the direction of your attack where a single dribble is done between your legs. This is also used to protect the ball from a defender who is playing close to you.

Big. A reference for a post player. Context: "Feeding the Bigs" (Getting the ball to the post players). 

Blind Pass. Where a player passing the ball is not looking directly at the team mate he’s trying to get the ball to. Aka. No-Look Pass.

Blind (Rear) Screen. This is only permissible if the player being screened is allowed one step backward. The screened player must make an effort to get around the screen without forcing rough or displacement contact. See Screen.
Block. Either a shot that is tipped /swatted away or the larger and hash mark along the paint and nearest the baseline..
Block-and-Trap. A phrase used to describe the mechanics of a catch where the blocking hand stops the ball's progress and the trap follows by preventing the ball's escape by the hand being on the opposite side of the blocking hand.

Blocking Foul. Bumping or getting in the way of a player from the other team who has the ball. You have “blocked” their progress to the hoop. This is a foul. If you had established position where your feet were not moving, your elbows were in, and you were not leaning into the player with the ball AND the player with the ball runs into you then the foul is against the player with the ball. You can’t hold, push, trip, or stop an opponent’s progress by extending your arm, shoulder, hip, or knee or by bending your body into an abnormal position. You also can’t use any unreasonably rough tactics to stop your opponent’s progress.

Blow-By (noun). When a player with the ball decisively beats a defender while driving to the hoop.

B.O.B. Baseline Out-of-Bounds inbound play.
Body-up. To body-up is to get very close and physical on defense. See Belly Up, Face Guarding or Building Out.

Bomb. A long distance shot often a three-point shot.
Bonus. Where a team has accumulated enough team fouls to allow the opposing team one or two shots at the foul line. Often after seven team fouls the non-fouling team will get one freethrow and after ten team fouls will get two freethrows. Referred to as a Bonus Situation.
Bounce Pass. A pass that is bounced off the floor and to a player from your team.

Boxing out. Where you get between a player from the other team (who does not have the ball) and the basket. You are trying to stop them from getting to the basket for a rebound. See Butt-to-Gut or Turd Sandwich.

Box Inbound. An inbound play where thr offensive set creates a square or box formation.

Break Out! Direction from coach or team mate to get into a fast break after a rebound (see Transition).

Brick. A missed shot.
Brush Screen. When an offensive player is able to drive his defender into fellow player JUST enough to slow up the defender.

Bucket. Made basket.

Bunny. An easy, uncontested shot, usually a lay-up.

Build-out. Widen your body perceptually by extending your arms horizontally and bellying up on the ball on defense.

Bumping-the-Cutter. All offensive cutters who attempt to penetrate the paint need to be met and legally bumped by a defender. Accomplished by beating the offensive player to a spot and establishing position (basically getting in their way).

Bury a Shot. Make a basket.

Bust In. When a post player who is being three-quarter denied suddenly will bring both their arms up to knock the defender’s arms away as the ball arrives.
Butter. A shot that is made without seemingly little effort and goes in without touching the rim or backboard. Short for "As smooth as butter". (Thanks Derek Vanat - Lamoille HS Boys Varsity 2010).

Butt-to-Gut. Boxing out.

Buzzer Beater. The last shot of a quarter, half, or game that is made just prior to the scoreboard buzzer sounding off.

Cager. Old name for a player when games were played in a wire-cage protected court. The cage kept the fans away from the players.

Camper. An offensive player who is in the paint longer than three seconds.

Carry. A violation where the dribbler’s hand goes below the equator of the ball while dribbling or where the player carries the ball for a few steps without dribbling.
Catch Fake. Where a player who realizes that their defender doesn't see the ball pretends there's been a pass to them in order to freeze their defender and take them out of the play.

Center. A player position, usually the tallest. Also referred to as the #5 or a “big”.

Channeling. Where a defense is able to guide or Funnel the ball to the sideline or corner.

Change-of-pace dribble. Varying the height, speed, or rhythm of a dribble to keep a defender off balance.

Charity Stripe.  The Freethrow line.

Charge. An offensive foul in which an offensive player with the ball runs into or knocks down a defender who has established position.

Cherry Picking. Where a player will linger away from the action and near the basket in the backcourt in order to get a long pass and easy shot. See Garbage Picking.

Chest Pass. A pass thrown straight out from the chest ideally to a team mate’s chest.

Chinning the Ball. Upon a defensive/offensive rebound a post player should hold the ball chin height with elbows fully extended while looking for an outlet pass or to execute an attack move.
Chucker. A player who always shoots and rarely passes. See Ball Hog, Gunner.

Clear-out. When a mismatch is detected in man-to-man defense, four of five offensive players will move out to the 3-point line to allow for a one-on-one contest. Also known as a 4-out set. A second meaning is what a coach will yell to prompt his team to get out of the backcourt in a B.O.B. trap situation.

Closely Guarded. When a defender stays within six feet of an opponent who has the ball for five seconds and the opponent doesn’t pass or shoot the ball the ref will call a violation and possession will go to the defender’s team.

Close out. Getting to the receiver of a pass (to defend against them) as the ball arrives to them or to an attacking/dribbling player.
Court General. The playmaker on a team- usually the point guard so called because they will often direct other players as to where they need to be or what they need to be doing.

Coast-to-Coast. When a player dribbles a ball from under the basket they are defending to the one they are attacking and making the shot.

Come to the Ball. When a pass is made to a player they should hop to the ball as it arrives thereby reducing the flight -time of the ball and avoiding interception. See Jumping to the Ball.

Containing. Keeping dribble penetrations out of the paint usually by closing out, hedging, or help-and-recovery. Generally means to control an individual offensive player's/team's attack through good defense.

Continuation. When you start a lay-up and continue toward the hoop even though you were fouled on the way. If you got the ball in the hoop it counts AND you get a free shot. This is also called an“And One" situation because of the extra shot.

Continuity Offense. A type of offense that relies on motion, screening, and filling patterns that creates patterns that are cyclical. The pattern causes constant resets so that the offense continues to move seamlessly.
Control Dribble. A moderately-paced dribble used when a player engages the defense and is characterized by a lowered body stance with bar arm out.
Controlling the Boards. Where a team gets most of the rebounds on offensive or defense.

Convert. Making a free-throw.

Court Vision. The ability to see and understand what is happening and anticipate what is about to happen on the court. This includes locations of players, knowing their positions and capabilities, and the relative motion of the game. Aka Seeing the Floor or Court Awareness.

Crashing the Boards. Going up hard for a rebound usually anticipating where the ball will be after bouncing off the rim or board.
Cross-Court Pass. A pass from a player on one side of the court to the other often in the form of a n overhead, skip pass.

Crossover Move (low post). Offensive move where a post player pivots toward the middle with a shot fake and then crosses over and steps through.

Crossover Dribble. A dribbling move that switches the ball from one hand to the other in front of the body. It’s used to change a dribbler's direction with the ball usually to avoid a defender.
Crossover Step. A change in direction move where a player with the ball will make his first step cross in front of him. Example; Stepping to the left with the right foot.
Crow's Hop. A quick, two-footed jump shot.

Curl. A cutting pattern that semi-circular in shape and usually brings the cutter around a screener.

Cutting. A method of suddenly moving into position to receive a pass while getting away from the player from the other team who is guarding you. There are those named after the letter pattern they create such as “L”-cuts, “V”-cuts, “I”-cuts, and  Belly, Zipper, and Backdoor cuts.
Cutter ! Yelled by defensive players to their team mates to warn them of a cutting offensive player that is out of the field of vision of their team mates.
Cut-and-Fill. An attacking teams movement pattern used in a continuity or motion offense where the gap created by an offensive player is always filled by a team mate.

Cylinder. Slang term for the basket. See Rack, Hole, Hoop.

Terms D - F

D. Defense.
D-up! A verbal direction that means get into your defensive positions.

Dead ! Dead! Yelled by defenders to alert team mates that an opponent with the ball has used up their dribble and no pass options implying that there is a trap opportunity.

Dead Ball. The status of the ball when a violation has occurred or the ball has gone out of bounds. See Alive.

Death Valley. Areas on the court where shot percentages are very low.
Defensive Three-Second Violation.  Occurs only in the NBA. Where a defender can only be in the lane for no more than 3 seconds. Penalty is a technical foul = 1shot plus possession.
Defensive Rebound. Where a defending player retrieves a missed shot.

Defensive Set. The way the coach decides to position the team when on defense. 

Defensive Slide. A quick, sideways shuffle (without crossing your feet) to defend against a player from the other team who is trying to dribble past you.. Aka Step-Slide.
Defensive Transition. Recovery of players to get into a defensive set to prevent an attacking team from scoring a basket after a change in possession (usually a basket).

Denial Defense. A defensive technique where you don’t let the person you are guarding get the ball. Also see Fronting and Three-Quarter Denial.
Denial Stance. Where a defender gets close to the player they are guarding when the ball is one pass away. Defender will also put a hand, palm out and toward the basketball, in front of the Offesive player being guardsd. Aka. Closed Stance. (Thank you Coach Haynes-Basketball Australia).
Diaper Shot. A type of foul shot that is characterized by a two-handed motion that starts at the knees. Common shot over years ago.
Dipper Dunk. Old expression for a dunk. First coined by broadcaster Bill Campbell when Wilt Chamberlain scored hi 100th point in a game in Hershey, PA.

Digger and Deflector. Names for the hands of a defender that pertains to what each hand should be doing. The lower, palm-up hand should be “digging” at the ball on the “up-bounce” and the other obstructing the passing lanes.
Dime. An assist. Eg. " He dropped a dime".
Dinner is Served. Said when a defender blocks a shot emphatically.

Disconcertation. A violation where someone speaks or waves their hand during a free-throw. It is also when you wave your hand in a players face who doesn’t have the ball.

Dish the Rock. A short pass by a player who is driving to the hoop and is contested. Pass will often go to a post player. See Dishing Off.

Dishing Off. A quick last second pass to a team mate from a player that appears to be going in for a lay-up. See Dish the Rock.
Displacement. Where either an offensive or defensive player bumps and thereby forces an opposing player out of their established position. This is a violation. 

Doggin' It. Not trying very hard.
Dominant Hand / Foot. A player's naturally used hand or foot.
Double Down. A term used to describe the positioning of two offensive players close together often times at the low block of the key. A variety of set or motion plays can be run off this positioning.

Double Dribble. You can't dribble, stop, and start dribbling again. Once your two hands touch the ball at the same time your dribbling must stop. You CAN dribble, lose control of your dribble, and continue dribbling. This is called an Interrupted Dribble.

Double-double. When a player achieves two types of statistics such as points made and number of rebounds that are in double figures (eg.15 points and 11 rebounds). If three categories are achieved then it’s called a Triple Double.

Double-pump. Using two fakes in quick succession.

Double-team. Where two defenders cover an offensive player usually because that player is scoring.

Double Violation. When both teams commit a foul at the same time.

Downtown. A long shot usually from outside the 3-point line or further.

Drained. Made a basket.

Dribble Pitch. A long pass made in transition usually from the backcourt to the forecourt. It is launched after a few dribbles from the hip with one or two hands.
Dribble Weave. Where perimeter players, usually the 1,2, and 3 conduct a dribble and hand-off pattern hoping to create an opportunity by way of a seam in the defense. Sometimes used as a stall to use up clock time.
Drive.  When a player makes a quick dribbling attack on the basket often to attempt a lay-up.
Drive Fake. Where a stationary player with the ball pretends to take their first step of their drive often to create distance between themselves and their defender. (Aka. Jab Step)

Drive the Lane. Dribbling through the area called the lane or the paint to get a better position or a shot.

Drop a Dime. Get an assist.

Drop a Shoulder. Illegal move when driving on the basket or against a defender where the attacking player will drop a shoulder to try to hurt the defender who may be off-balance or in the air.

Drop-step. Generally, where a low-post player positions themselves (while attacking) with their back to the basket and the first step toward the baseline. This may be a baseline drop step or a lane drop step (followed by a shot) depending how the defender is positioned.

Dunk. Where a basket is made by a player reaching over the rim with the ball and dropping it through forcefully. A.k.a. Jam, Slamdunk, Reverse Slamdunk .

Dunkadelic. When a player has played a great game they were dunkadelic.

East-West. The width direction of the court.

Elbow. The intersection of the free-throw line and the lane (paint) line.
Elevation. Height of a players jump. See Vert, Vertical, Ups, Hangtime, Air,  or Hops.

Entry Pass. An offensive pass from the perimeter to the post or a cutting player in the paint.

Established Position. Assuming an offensive or defensive position before an opposing player can get there first. If a player is forced out of established position then a foul is committed that is called Displacement.

Face. Beating an opponent (on a shot or drive) decisively. The defender is said to have been “faced”.

Face Guard. Playing extremely close defense off-ball, so that your opponent can’t get a pass. When face guarding the defender often never looks to see where the ball is hoping that playing that close will be enough to discourage anyone from passing to the one being guarded. See : "Getting Up in Their Grill"

Face Move. A post move where the offensive player suddenly will turn and face her defender when neither has the ball. This usually will freeze the defender so that the player on offense can make a cut move to the hoop for a pass.

Fade. A motion and direction of a screener away from the direction of the ball after the screen is complete in order to get the ball kicked back to them for a shot.

Fade-away J. A jump shot where the shooter is moving backwards in the air to avoid a shot block. A.k.a. Fall-Away J shot.

Fake it to Make it. A saying that means a player should always fake in a direction that is opposite to the direction they really want the pass to go.

False Double Foul. Two opposing players foul each other almost simultaneously but the second foul occurs before the ball is put back into play.

Far Corner. Area of the court where the three-point line meets the baseline. Also see Flats.

Fastbreak. The quick movement of the ball from the backcourt to the forecourt usually the result of a defensive rebound. See Transition.

Feed the Post. Getting passes to post players for high percentage shots. Aka Feeding the Bigs.

Fending Off. An illegal move where an offensive player with the ball uses their bar arm to knock away a defender’s hand or pushes a defender away.

Field Goal. A made shot/basket.
Fifty-Fifty Ball. A loose ball that players from either time have a chance at getting possession of.

Filling the Lanes. Where players in transition try to occupy the imaginary three, north-south lanes the full-court may be divided into. The middle lane is defined by the foul lines of the key.
Finding the Open Shot.  When an offensive player is able to get a pass to a team mate who was left unguarded often off the dribble.

Finishing. Completing a drive to the hoop with a basket.

Finger Roll. Where the last thing to touch the ball on a shot and effect the spin of the ball is the fingers. Aka. Getting the Roll (where the proper spin of the ball is what caused the ball to into the basket.)

First Step. The sudden, initial step taken by a player who is starting their dribbling attack usually from a stationary position. A good first step is characterized by good footspeed.

Five-Second rule. You can’t hold the ball for more than five seconds without passing, dribbling, or shooting it while someone from the other team is guarding you within six feet. You also must inbound the ball (throw it in from out-of-bounds) within five seconds. The penalty in either case is the other team gets the ball.

Flagrant Foul. An obvious, unsportsmanlike foul. An example is swing one’s elbows viciously when protecting the ball. You can’t swing your arms/elbows excessively when you grab a rebound. Excessive is when your shoulders turn faster than your hips. Can result in a technical foul or an ejection.

Flare. The movement of a player from point to wing.

Flash. A sudden, fast movement toward a position usually to receive a pass.

Flats. The general area where the 3-point line meets the baseline. Also known as the Far Corner.
Flex Offense. A type of continuity offense started in the 1970's and was made famous by University of Maryland. Characterized by the flex-cut which, in it's simplest form, was a lateral (east-west) cut through the paint usally at the low post area.
Floater. An off-tempo, early release shot used to get over taller defenders. Called a Teardrop as well.

Flop. Where a player pretends to have been displaced or knocked down by an opponent with the ball in order to get the offensive foul (charge) call.
Flushed the Ball/Shot. Made a basket.
Follow-Through. Where a player will allow the momentum created in a shot carry through their arm and hand extension. Most often used in foul, set, jump shots. See BEEF.

Forecourt. The half of the court in which the ball is located at a given time.
Forward Pivot. Where a player with the ball plants one foot and turns around that foot to face the direction of attack. See Reverse Pivot.

Four-Point Play. Where a player attempting a 3-point shot is fouled and the shot is made.
Foul. A infraction of the rules. There are fifteen types of fouls, two general categories of which a player should know at minimum: the personal foul (of which there are several types) and the violation (of which there are several types). The basic difference is that personal fouls are where there is illegal contact against a player and count against a team and violations are executional infractions such as travelling, double dribbling, three and five second violations, and over-and-back. Violations are not counted against a team.
Foul Trouble. Where a player has collected a disproportionate amount of personal fouls early in the game. A rule of thumb many coaches used to make this determination was where a player should not have more fouls than the quarter of the game they are in.

Freezing the Ball. Where a team will stall and consume time because they are ahead, in possession of the ball, and there is little time left in the game.

Freeze the Defender. When an attacking player uses a fake or feint move to cause the defender momentarily pause or adjust and just enough time to be beaten by the attacker.

Freethrow Line Extended. An imaginary line that is a continuation of the free-throw line and used as a reference. Aka “the FTE”.
Front Pivot. When a player with the ball pivots in the direction they are facing.

Frontcourt. The half of the court in which the ball is located at a given time.

Fronting. If you are a post player on defense this is where you stand right in front of the person you are supposed to be defending. You must be sure that your fellow post players can help you because it’s hard to see what’s going on behind you.

Full Court Press. Where a team will play tight control defense all the way down the court in hopes that the attacking team loses the ball.

Funneling. Guiding or forcing the ball to an area of the court through aggressive defense. See Channeling.

Terms G - I

Garbage Picking. Where a player will linger or hang back to get a long pass for an easy shot.
Getting the Roll. Where a bad shot goes in because of the spin (roll) of the ball. See Shooter's Bounce.

Getting your Dogs Down. Planting your feet or establishing position often to bump a cutter or to absorb impact from an attacking player in hope of being displaced thereby forcing the attacking player to be called for an offensive foul.
Gilmore. Verb. Used to describe legally causing an opposing player to fall on his backside by some deft maneuver. In context: " I Gilmored his ass".
Give-and-go. Where a player who has the ball passes to a team-mate and makes a quick cut to basket for a pass from the same team-mate and then goes in for an easy lay-up.

Goaltending. A violation where the ball that is on it’s downward trajectory is blocked or touched. If the net or rim is touched by a defender while the ball is on it’s shot trajectory it also qualifies as the same violation. The basket award will be automatically given to the shooting team.

Godzilla Stomp. When a defender suddenly stomps their foot and pretends to attack the dribbler to get the attacking player to pick up their dribble. This most often occurs on a fast break and when a defender is outnumbered.

Going Deep. When at least one player must run all the way back quickly to defend in when possession changes.

Good Hus! Good hustle. See Hus Bus.

Guard. To defend. Also a player position; either a point guard (aka a #1) or a shooting guard (aka a # 2).
Gunner. A player who shoots often. See Ball Hog, Chucker.

Hack. A shooting foul that involves the contact by a defender with an opponents forearms when they have the ball. Foul is known as "getting hacked"

Handcheck. A violation where a defender uses their hand to push off an attacking opponent.

Handles. When a player has good handles she has good ball-handling capabilities.

Hangtime. How long a player is in the air after jumping.

Hedging. A defensive gamble where a defender will position themselves in a slightly disadvantageous spot in order to close a seam to prevent a dribble or pass penetration. Hedging also includes "showing over a screen" where a defender will pretend to switch while their teammate is screened. See Help-and-Recover.

Help and Recover. Similar to hedging except that it’s more specific to dribble penetration.
Helpside. Side of the forecourt with the ball.

Helpside Defense. A type of Man-Man defense where the purpose is to force the ball to a sideline or corner, cutting the forecourt in half while denying all passes. An imaginary red line divides the paint in half and is used by defenders as a reference for their positioning. Also refers to defenders on the non-ball side of the forecourt.

Hesitation Dribble. A kind of dribble much like the change-of-pace dribble used to fake out or freeze the defender. The difference is that you throw a head or body fake at the last possible moment.
High-Low. A post player maneuver where one low post player will cross over to the elbow area of the paint on the same side as their fellow low post player.
High Pivot Foot. Foot that is closest to the half-court line. Sometimes aka the Outside Pivot Foot. (Thank you Coach Haynes -Basketball Australia).

Hook Bounce. A bounce pass that is hooked around a defender. Aka. Step-around pass.

Hook shot. THE most successful shot in basketball but the most rarely used. One version, the sky-hook, is almost impossible to defend against. See Jump Hook, Sky hook and Baby Hook.
Hops. Height of jump. In context; he had good hops.

Hus Bus !. Said by a coach. Short for “hustle your bustle!”.

In and Out Move. When a driving player performs a side to side “V” dribble to freeze a defender. Effectively, they pretend they're going to perform a cross-over dribble but bring the ball back to the same side as the dribbling hand midflight of the faked cross-over.

Inbound Violation. You can’t step on or across the baseline or sideline while in-bounding before you’ve thrown in the ball. Conversely, it’s a foul if you reach across the baseline to grab the ball from the in-bounder. Note: If an inbounder makes the mistake of putting the ball over the the vertical plane of the baseline, then the defender can grap it as it's considered to be in play.

Inbound play. Putting the ball into play from behind the sideline or baseline. Remember; the referee must give you the ball and show you the imaginary mark on the floor that you need to respect by standing over. Another important thing is that once he gives the ball to you, you have 5 seconds to throw the ball into play, so don’t accept the ball from the ref until your team is set up with an in-bounding play. You also can step back as far as you want within the imaginary 3-foot width given by the ref. See B.O.B. and S.O.B.

Incidental Contact. When two opposing players collide when both pursuing the ball. Most referees will allow the game to go on.
Inside Pivot Foot. Foot used for pivotting that is closest to the center of the court.

Terms J - N

Jab-step. If you have the ball and are being closely defended, this is a way to force the defender back or to fake them out. Take your non-pivot foot (also called your free foot) and take a short, quick step toward the defender or to one side of the defender.

Juke Move. A quick hesitation move used to freeze a defender when the one using the move is dribbling.
Jump Ball. Process by which a game begins where a referee throws the ball up, equitably, between two jumping players in order to determine possession.

Jump Hook. A lane shot that is a hybrid of a jump shot and a hook shot.

Jump Stop. Coming to a stop on both feet after a jump and final dribble. Usually used to get a bit more distance toward the hoop or to split defenders. A more advanced version of this is called the Step-Hop move.

Jumping-to-the-Ball. All defenders should adjust their positions by making small jumps toward the ball but not conceding the coverage of their man. Also refers to the hop by a receiver of a pass toward the ball as it's being passed.
Key. The area under the basket defined by the foul lines and the baseline. Aka. the Paint.

Kicks. Shoes.

Kicking Out. A quick pass from the paint to the perimeter for an unobstructed shot.

Kiss the Glass. Where a shot, often a bank, slightly touches the backboard before going in.

Lane Violation. You can’t step into the lane or move your feet until the ball hits the rim on a free-throw.

Lay-in. A shot from close to the basket that lightly goes over the rim.

Lay-up. A shot from close to the basket that is banked in and taken off the dribble.

Leading the Receiver. Passing to a fellow player who is on the run so that the pass is in front of them and that they do not lose stride. They should have to run to it. Aka. Lead Pass.

Live Ball. A ball in play.

Lob Pass. A long, floating pass used to get over a defending player to one of your team mates.
Lock Down. Where a team focuses on a defending against a good, attacking player. Example of use: "Put that player in Lock Down". (Thank you Derek Vanat- Rice Basketball)

Look. An opportunity to shoot. Eg. "Getting a look".

Loose Ball Recovery. When a offensive or defensive player dives for a dropped or mishandled ball.

Low Post. General area near the lower blocks near the baseline.

On-the-Line (OTL). A defensive positioning on an imaginary passing line between two offensive players. See Up-the-Line (UTL). See Pointing Your Pistols.
Out-of-Bounds. Area outside of the court's sidelines and endlines (baselines).

Made Basket. A shot that goes in during the course of normal play (not a foul shot). The clock does not stop afterwards and the referee does NOT have to hand you the ball, so don’t wait for him or her. The ref only has to hand you the ball when it goes out of bounds or during free throws- basically on “dead-balls” (the clock is not running).

Match-up. When a team on defense selects players to cover man-to-man.
Mismatch. Noun. When in a man-to-man defense one player is much faster, larger, taller, or a better shooter than the other. Coaches/players will purposefully try to create advantages like these.
Money. Said when a shot either looks like it will or actually goes in. Short for "Money in the bank".

Moon-in-June. Double-pump with a crescent (half moon) shaped finish.

Motion Offense.  A type of continuity offense where, generally described, every player is doing something-always- with or without the ball. It is mostly random and left up to the skills of each player.

Moving Screen (Pick). When a player sets a screen for a team mate and moves her feet or leans into the player being screened. An illegal move.
Mummy Walk. The swaying of the body of a player attacking with the ball and who is being closed out on by a defender. The swaying is used to freeze the defender.

My Bad. Said by a player who is taking the blame for something.

My J was Wet. Where a high, arcing jump-shot keeps going in. The arc was so high that moisture supposedly condensed on the ball…

Nice take! Said to a player who drives to the basket and scores- as a compliment.
No Charge Arc. The area defined by the semi-circle immediately under the basket on NBA and NCAA courts. Defenders are not allowed to take a charge when standing within the semi-circle or they will be penalized with a blocking violation. This is to protect elevated offensive players from being injured.

No-Look Pass. Passing to a player without telegraphing your pass by looking at them.

North-South. The long direction of the court. See East-West.

Nothing But Net. Where a made shot does not touch the rim.

Numbers ! Yelled by a player of a team that is in fast break transition is arriving at the basket they are attacking and out-number the defenders. It is yelled to alert team mates in order to take advantage of the situation.

Terms O - Q

O Execution Lapse. Where a player forgets what to do in a set offense (O= Offense). Also called an OEL.
Odd Front Alignment. Expression used to describe how many defenders are at the perimeter in a defensive set. Coaches and teams should have a responsive offensive set to counter.
Off Guard. Shooting guard or Number 2 player.

Offensive Rebound. Getting a rebound from a missed shot that you or a fellow team mate took.

Offensive Set.  The way the coach decides to position the team when on offense.
Offensive Transition. Where a team will attempt to move the ball quickly up the court after they've acquired the ball -often from a defensive rebound.

Off-Ball.   The position of defenders who are guarding players who don’t have the ball or action

Off Guard.  The non-point guard or shooting guard.

Off the Dribble. Not pausing to adjust for a pass or shot while dribbling to throw off a defender’s timing.

On-Ball.  Defending the player who has the ball.

On Fire.  When a player makes most or all their shots.

On-the-Line (OTL). See U.T.L.

One On !  Yelled as a warning to alert a player on a fast break, dribbling, and can’t see a defender catching up and attempting a back-poke.

One-and-One. The foul status of a team where a team has acquired a certain amount of collective (team) fouls whereupon a fouled player is granted a shot that if made a second shot is granted. When this status is achieved the team is said to be Over the limit.
Open Stance. The defensive stance taken by a player with their back to the basket and the ball is two passes away.

OT.   Overtime. 

Outlet Pass.   A pass to a guard after a defensive rebound. The pass should be on the side the rebound was made – never a cross-traffic pass (through the paint).
Outside Pivot Foot.  Foot closest to the sideline.

Over-and-Back. Once your team has brought the ball across the half-court line you can’t bring it back across intentionally.

Overhead pass.  An effective pass for speed and distance.  Also known as a baseball pass.

Overplay.  Where a defender will focus on the strong side of an opponent to take away their dribble or shot.

Over-the-Back Foul. When you are behind someone and jump over them to get the ball but make contact with them (had you not made contact it would have been legal).This is a foul against you.
Overtime.  Extra period played to break a tie score.

Packing the D.  When faced with a fast, penetrating offense a defending team may compress themselves into an area closer to the paint. Defending perimeter players should be a minimum of 3’ away from the 3-point line.

Paint.   The area under the basket, defined by foul lines and so called because it is often highlighted by being painted.
Paint Points. Shots made in the paint. If there a lot of these made against a defense then there is likely a problem with the defense.

Palming.  When your hand goes below the equator of the ball (or toward the bottom side of it) and your palm faces the sky while your dribbling. This is a violation and the ball goes to the other team.
Pass-and-Cut. Where a player passes to a team mate and cuts to the basket expecting a quick return pass. Aka. Give-and-Go (Thanks Coach Haynes-Basketball Australia).

Passing Lanes. Areas or gaps around and very tight to the body of the defender that a pass can get through. There are four typical lanes; either side of the head and either side of the chest. The pass always follows a fake.

Penetration Dribble. Where a player will attack the seams (gaps) between defenders usually into the paint.
Percentage Shots. Describes the likelihood of certain shots to be successful. Subdivided into High Percentage Shots and Low Percentage Shots.
Peripheral Vision. The ability to perceive activity that is outside of a player's direct field of vision.
Pick. A screen set by a team mate to rid you of your defender.

Pick a Pocket. See Backpoke or Backstrip.

Pick-and-Roll. A screen play where the screener rolls off the screen toward the basket and gets a pass for a score.

Pick-and-Pop. Where a screener pops out to the perimeter after a screen for a shot.

Piece!.   Yelled by a defender who is attempting to block a shot and only deflected it a bit. This way, fellow defenders will know that the ball will fall short. Short for “I got a piece of the ball…”

Pill.   The ball. Aka Rock, Pumpkin.

Pin-and-Spin.  A low-post offensive move usually where a forward will suddenly face their defender, plant their high-side foot (closest to the free-throw line) between the defender’s feet and spinning in order to receive a pass and then shoot.

Pin Hand.  Hand used as a bar when pinning a defender.  The other hand is used to create a target for a pass. 

Pivot.   To change direction while keeping one foot on the floor at all times. It is really important to establish (nail down) your pivot foot whenever you get the ball. It’ll help if you always try to make your pivot foot the one that you naturally favor. See Reverse Pivot and Forward Pivot.

Piston Action. The double pump, vertically done when shooting.

Playmaker.  A player, usually the point guard, who looks to feed their team mates passes, challenge a defense, or score.
Plyometrics. An exercise methodology used to increase jumping heights.
Point Guard. The player who most often handles the ball. Aka. No 1.
Point Your Pistols. A coaching phrase used to help a defensive player remember that they must be able to see the ball and the player they are defending and if they can point to them (their "pistols" are their index fingers) then they've accomplished the task. Their backs are usually to the basket. See OTL and UTL.
Possession Arrow. A device located at the scorer's table and shown on the scoreboard that tracks the alternation of possessions.

Post.   An area on the court that is defined by the foul lines and is sub-divided into the high and low post (low being near the baseline). Aka the Paint. Post players are usually forwards situated at the low post.   

Post up.   To get a good offensive position near the basket. Commonly used to refer to the low post player’s positioning on offense where they face the ball as it is brought up the court.

Posterized.  When a player dunks over another –the one dunked over was the one posterized. It's assumed that if there were a camera commemorating the event- it would become a poster.
Pound It To The Middle. When it is determined that a defense is outmatched or simply is defensively week in the paint the attacking team will relentlessly pass into, or dibble into this weak area. Middle = Paint.
Power Dribble. A hard, two-handed, single dribble used just before a power lay-up used to get just enough distance to get around a defender. It's aggressiveness is used to intimidate the defense.

Power Up. When, due to good defense, an attacking player who is in the low post lays the ball with authority, usually with two hands on the ball and jumping up hard off two feet. Aka Power Lay-up or Going up Hard.
PPG. A statistic. Points per game. 

Press.    When a defensive set is used against a team right after a made basket in order to put pressure on the in-bounding team to use up their five seconds. Variants are full-court, half-court, and quarter-court presses.

Press-breaker.  A play or set used by the in-bounding team to get past a press being used against them.
Prevent. When used as a noun (the prevent) it refers to the last player able to make a defensive play when their team is in an offensive transition set- such as a press breaker.

Primary Transition. The pattern of proceeding up the court preferred by the coach when a defensive rebound is made and out-letted.
Proprioception. An intuitive awareness of one's body relative to it's parts and it's environment. It is believed that this awareness can be developed through exercises.

Pull-back (retreat) Dribble. Where you dribble back toward your body while stepping backwards in order to get out of defensive traffic.
Punk with the Dunk. A player who goes in for a dunk.

Puppy-Dogging. When a defender, sometimes after having been screened or because they are slower than the player they are guarding, continues to chase the player they were guarding.
Push ! Yelled to encourage a fast break. See Wheels !

Pushing Pumpkins. Playing basketball.
Put a Body On. To play agressive defense by applying a lot of physical contact.

Put-Back.  An offensive rebound and score without putting the ball down for a dribble. A.k.a. Stick-back.

Quadruple Double.  Achieving double figures in four statistical categories.
Quick Release. When a player with the ball shoots with a faster than normal set-release tempo usually to throw off a defender or get the shot over a taller defender.

Terms R-S

Rain Maker.  A high, arcing shot. Aka Rainbow or Rainbow Jumper.

Reaching in.  A lazy grab at a penetrating dribble that often ends up with a foul. Often, the reach is in by the defender into the side and through the bar arm of the player with the ball. 
Ready Position. The position assumed by a player who has just received a pass or a rebound. Aka. Triple Threat Position (Thank you Steve Nash).
Rebound.   Where a player retrieves the ball on a missed shot as it comes down. It can be the other teams shot (defensive), one of your team-mates shots (offensive), or your own shot. Also a recorded statistic.

Recovery Angle. The path of a defender’s retreat to a point of coincidence or collision with an offensive player who is attacking with the ball.

Recovery Foot. The rearmost foot of a defender who is on-ball.

Red Zone.  An 8 to 10-foot imaginary diameter centered under the basket. When the ball is in this zone all defenders usually go into high alert.

Rejected Shot. A shot blocked by a defender. See Block, Stuff, Dinner is Served.
Relative Motion. The cadence or tempo at which the game is being played by both teams. A Spark Plug player will find a way to break this rhythm and work within it.

Represent.  When it’s said that “You got to represent ! “ it means that you are an ambassador for your team/school.
Reset. When a set offensive play (as opposed to a continuity offense) fails or breaks down the five offensive players position themselves to the begin the play again. A coach or point guard will yell "reset !" when they see the breakdown.

Reverse Dribble.   A way to change direction, usually backwards, when you’re dribbling. Aka. Retreat Dribble.

Reversing the Ball. When the ball has been passed from point to wing, then back to point. Term is usually reserved for the rotation of the ball around the perimeter.

Reverse Lay-Up. A shot where on a baseline drive the player with the ball goes under the backboard for a backward lay-up or lay-in.
Reverse Pivot. Where a player turns/rotates around their planted foot, away from the direction they are attacking.

Rimming the Ball. When the ball hits the rim on a shot and does not go in.
Rimout. Where a shot will enter the cynlinder, rattle around, and bounce out.

Rim Running. A series of fast breaks by both teams that result in dunks at either end.

Rock.   Slang for ball. A.k.a “Pill” or “Pumpkin”.

Run.   Where a team achieves a quick succession of points they are on a "run."

Runner.  A type of shot where a fast breaking player takes it to the hoop against defenders and finishes with a short jumper.

Sag or Sag Off.   Where a defender will back away from the player they are defending usually because the defender is two passes away from the ball.
Shooter's Bounce. Where an imperfect shot gets a lucky bounce and goes into the basket. See Getting the Roll.
Shot Selection. Where, when, and how a player makes a shot. It is often said of a player who takes good, well considered shots that they have "good shot selection".
Shut Down. Where a player or a team defends so well that they prevent opposing players or teams from scoring. 

School.   When a player is beaten decisively on a drive or shot they are said to have been “schooled”.
Screen. See Pick.
Screen-and-Roll. See Pick-and-Roll.
Scrimmage. An unofficial practice game.

Scissor Cut.  Where an offensive player will move from the low post up the lane (that with the hash markets looks like a zipper) for a pass.

Scoop Shot.  Underhanded shot while driving to the basket.

Sealing.  Where a defender positions their self between the one they are guarding and the basket or estabishes position to keep their defender in a weakened position. Eg, Setting up for a backdoor pass.

Seam (Gap).  A space between two defenders that might allow a penetration dribble. Note well; If you try to squeeze through less than three feet a ref might call an offensive foul against you.
Second Shot. A shot immediately following a missed shot. Aka Second Effort, Put-Back, or Stick-back.
Second Effort. See Second Shot, Stick-back, and Put-back.
See Ball ! Yelled advice to players who don't appear to know where the ball is on the court. See Turn and Face.
Seeing the Floor. The ability by some players to quickly comprehend players positions on the court to help them attack or defend. See Court Vision.

Set.   The arrangement of players- either on offense or defense-at the beginning of a play.

Set Shot.  A shot taken from a stationary position usually without jumping.

Screen.  Where you stand in the way of someone from the other team so that your team-mate, who is dribbling the ball, get by and get a shot at the basket. You can’t move your feet, lean toward the opponent, and must keep your elbows in. Also called a “pick”. To get around a screen you “fight over”, “slide through”, or “switch”. Types of screens include:

                  Away Screen.
                  Back Screen
                  Blind Screen.
                  Brush Screen
                  Down Screen.

                 Jump Screen.
                 Offset Screen (Staggered Screen)

                 Weave Screen.

 Shadowing.  Where a defending will chase their opponent everywhere when in man-to-man defense. See related Puppy Dogging.

Shake and Bake. A hesitation move while dribbling used to "freeze" a defender.
Shirts-and-Skins. A method used to divide teams whereby one team wears shirts while other does not. (Thanks to Ken Huen -San Diego State 1965-68 player and school game scoring record setter)
Shooter! Yelled by defenders to identify an attacking player who is making a lot of shots or just likes to shoot alot or is about to shoot.

Shooting a “J”. Taking a jump shot.

Short Corner.  The area about half the distance between the far corner and the paint.

Shot Pocket.  The area of a player’s body where the ball is poised just prior to shooting.

Shoulder.  An area that is half the distance from the top of the key to the corner along the 3-point line. It’s usually where the wing position sets up on offense.

Show-and-Go. When a player with the ball upfakes the ball abruptly in one direction to freeze the defender and then drives in another.
Shuffle. A type of defensive footwork. Aka. Slide, Step-Slide, and Big-to-Bigger footwork.
Shuffle Offense. A form of continuity offense and a predecessor of the Flex Offense.
Sikma Move. A low post move made famous by Jack Sikma (Sonics) and is characterized by a posting up, a catch, a reverse pivot, and a jumpshot.
Six-Man Rotation. A substitution strategy where coaches will use only the first six players on his bench.

Sixth Man (Girl). The first player off the bench as a substitute.

Skip Pass.  A pass that skips a return pass from wing to point and rather goes from wing to wing.
Sky-Hook. A shot characterized by a step into the paint, after receiving the ball with back to the basket at low post, a rotation around that foot, and an extended arm and hand that arcs the ball over the defenders. Made famous by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Slip Pick.  Where an off-ball offensive player sets a screen on a wing defender and then "slips" or fades off the screen and heads to the hoop looking for a pass from the ball-side wing.
Smart Foul. The purposeful foul used to get get a poor foul shooter to the foul line, set a tone for a game, or to prompt a change in posession.

S.O.B.   Sideline Out-of-Bounds inbound play.
Soft Roll. Where the ball, for reasons of ball rotation, angle, trajectory, will roll into the basket when it appeared that it could have gone either way. See Getting the Roll, or a Shooter's Roll.
Spacial Awareness. Knowing where you are relative to your position on the court, the ball, and other players. Aka. Kinesthetics.

Spark Plug. A player who energizes their team into a tempo they might need to pull them out of cadence that is detrimental to the team.
Speed Dribble. A fast, high dribble used to move the ball up the court quickly usually in transition.

Spin Dribble.  A kind of dribble used to change your direction of attack where you spin and dribble the ball in one fluid motion.

Speed Dribble. A type of dibble where a player sprints as fast as they can down the court while dribbling. This usually requires a high dribble.
Split Line. Imaginary line that divides the forecourt in the long (North-South) direction, used to teach Helside defense (Thank you Coach Haynes-Basketball Australia).

Splitting Defenders. Dribbling hard through a trap. Beware trying to get through defenders who are too close to each other as an offensive foul may be called.
Splitting the Post. An organized attack often where a pass will go to a post player positioned on the free throw line. Then the two wings will curl around the high side of the post player one after the other. The post player has the option of handing off the ball to either or to turn around and shoot.
Spot-up Jumper. A jump shot made from a specific spot on the floor usually because it's often a favorite spot for a particular player or team.

Squaring Up.  Getting one’s shoulders set at right angles to the basket.

Stack Inbound. Where the inbounding team sets up in a single file. A "stack" sometimes is defined as two offensive players in a file (not necessarily on an inbound play) and a "double stack" refers to four players in a file.  
Staggered Screen. A double screen set up for drive to the basket. The attacker has the option of using one or both screens. Sometimes called an Offset Screen.

Stay Home!  Advice given by a team mate or coach where they think chasing the player you are defending will leave the basket vulnerable.

Step-Around Bounce Pass. If you have the ball you up-fake (pretend to pass the ball over the defender) then quickly step out to one side or the other and bounce pass the ball to a team-mate.

Step-off Dribble. A kind of dribble used when you as the dribbler need to take a step or two back from the defense to set up a play or to study the defense. It’s the same as a Reverse Dribble or a Pull-back Dribble.

Step Hop.  A drive to the basket accomplished by a short power dribble and step followed by a long two-footed hop to the basket for a lay-up. Two feet MUST land together after the hop or it’s a travel.

Steps.   Slang for traveling. “She took steps…”
Stop. When used in the expression "Getting a stop" it means that a team was able to defensively prevent their opponents from getting a basket. Normally used when there is a need to break the offensive team's tempo or run of baskets, often at the end of a game or in an intense game situation.

String Music.  Swish. Where a made shot does not touch the rim. See Nothing but Net.
Stride Stop (or 1-2 Stop). As the ball is caught and the receiving player has jumped to the ball in-flight, their feet land in a quick one-two cadence as they square to the basket.

Stripped.  Where the ball is stolen from someone dribbling it.

Strong side.   The side of the court where the ball is at a given time.

Stuff.   A blocked shot. Aka a Rejected Shot.

Stutter Step.  A quick change in a player’s footstep cadence used to freeze a defender.
Subbing In. Bringing in new players to replace tired ones or ones in foul trouble.

Swarm.  When your coach or point guard yells this it means that he wants every one on your team who is near the player from the other team and who has the ball to trap them because they’ve used their dribble. We use this against opponents who are really good. Remember; if we trap them for just five seconds and they can’t dribble, pass, or shoot, then we get the ball.

Sweep and Go. When a player just receiving a pass, swings the ball in a pendulum motion to get the defender to move in a direction and the drives suddenly in the opposite direction. It's converse is a Whip.

Swim Move.  Used when crashing the offensive boards where a crashing offensive player fakes one way to freeze the defender, make contact with the outside hand and pushing the defender in the direction of the initial fake and the swinging the inside arm up and over the defender thereby establishing good rebounding position. Also an expression used for when player with the ball drives to the basket and uses his bar arm and hand to make contact with defenders hip, using it as leverage to get around defender. Considered illegal as it causes displacement of the defender.

Swing Man.  A player that can play guard or post. Aka. Tweener.

Swing It.   This is something you’ll hear your coach or your point guard yell. It means that you should pass the ball usually between the perimeter players (around the three point line).

Swish.   A made shot that does not hit the backboard or the rim. See String Music or Nothing but Net.

Switch.  Yelled where two players who’ve been effectively screened, pick up each others man.
Switch the Wings. Where wing or shoulder positions swap sides.

Terms T to Z

Take a Bus. Travel.
Take it to the Cylinder. Drive to the basket.
Take it to the Hole. Drive to the basket.

Take it to the Hoop.  Drive to the basket.
Take it to the Rack. Drive to the basket.
Tap Back. A type of pass where a player who is passed the ball never actually holds or controls the ball. Instead they tap it back to the person that passed it to them or to another fellow player. 

Tear Drop Shot. A shot where a shorter player is confronted by a big and jumps sooner than the big expects and finishes with a short jumper. John Stockton was known for this shot. See Floater.

Technical foul or “T”. A foul called against a player or a coach for bad conduct. Parents now also get them when a ref figures out who an obnoxious parent is rooting for. In context: Getting T’d Up.

Three Second Violation. You can’t stand in the lane (also called “the paint”) when you are attacking for more than three seconds. The three seconds count starts when the ball crosses the half-court line. Your team must be in control of the ball for the three second count to be good. If the ball is in the air because a player has taken a shot, nobody is in control so there is no three second count. If you are trying to get out of the lane and players are in your way no three second violation should be called against you. Aka : Three in the Key

Three-quarter Denial. When a defender has one foot in front of and one foot behind an opponent and hand in front of the opponent.
Throw-in. An inbounding of the ball.
Throw-in Plane. The virtual (invisible) vertical plane created by the baseline or sideline where the ball is being inbounded. If an inbounder crosses the plane with the ball, a nearby defender can steal it.
Throw it Down. Dunk the ball. Noun; a Throwdown.

Ten Second Line. The half-court line past which a team must bring the ball within ten seconds of being given possession of the ball. Aka. Timeline.
Time-Out. A pause in the game for a finite amount of time called for by a coach for reasons of rest or strategy.. Teams are alotted a certain amount of time-outs per game or game period depending on the league. A referee also may call a time-out if there is an injury. The game clock stops during time-outs. Aka Time.

Tip-in.   When a player crashes the boards and taps a ball into the hoop that bounces off the rim or backboard after a missed shot.

Took a Bus.  Traveled.

Top of the Mountain. A location at the apex of the 3-point line.
Turning Your Man. A defensive strategy where a player will force the attacker they are guarding to dribble in a direction in which they or the team are weak. For example, right-handed dribblers don't like to drive to their left.

Turnaround Jumper. A jump shot that starts with the shooter facing away from the basket and she turns as she jumps and releases when finally facing the basket.

Tracing.  A defensive technique of following the ball with both hands without touching the ball that’s in the offensive players hands (who you are guarding).

Traffic. A cluster of tightly positioned offensive and defensive players in motion. Often times traffic is noted when a player does something impressive despite the difficulty of being "in traffic".

Trailer.  A player who follows behind a team mate who is in transition or breakaway.

Trailing Official. The official who trails up the court on a change of possession and then positions himself at he half-court line.

Trap.   Where two (or more) players stop the progress of an opponent who is dribbling the ball in parts of the court we call trap zones.

Transition Offense. When your team gets a rebound and moves the ball down the court before the other team can set up its defense. Note: It’s faster to pass the ball down the court than it is to try and dribble it.
Travel.  When you catch the ball you have to set your “pivot” foot (the one you imagine is nailed to the floor). If you lift your pivot foot before you start dribbling you have committed a violation called “traveling”. If you have the ball and fall to the floor while you are holding it you are traveling. If you are knocked down while you are holding the ball and slide you are NOT traveling unless you stand up (if you’re on your back you can SIT up only).

The following is travelling if you hold the ball and:

1. go from two knees to one knee
2. roll over
3. go from your stomach to your knees
4. any attempt to get up on your feet
5. if any part of your body touches the floor but except for your hand.

Tre (pronounced “tray”). Three-point shot. Also known as a 3-Ball or a Trip.
Trent Tucker Rule. An NBA rule that disallows any regular shot if inbounded at 3 tenths of a second. Trent Tucker played for the NY Knicks.
Triangle Basketball. A generally understood basketball concept of offensive player arrangement where if an imaginary line were to connect these players the lines would create a series of triangles. The benefit is the player with the ball always has at least two pass options.
Trigger.   The initiator, usually the in-bounder, on a S.O.B. or B.O.B.

Trillion. Used to describe an unreal statistic where a player is put into a game for such a short time that they fail to register any normally kept statistics.
Trip. Three point shot.

Triple Double. A statistic that includes double figures in point, assists, and rebounds.

Triple Threat Position. An offensive way to position your body so that you can do one of three things; pass, shoot, or dribble. You usually take this position anytime you get a pass or a rebound.

Turd Sandwich. Slang for boxing out. See “Butt-to-Gut”.
Turn Around Jumper. A jump shot that begins with the shooter's back to the basket and their body twists in the air after the initial take-off, releasing the the ball at the peak of the jump.

Turn and face. You’ll hear your coach yell this. When you are running back to defend your basket you must turn around at the half-court line and run backwards so you know where the ball is and can defend against it. Always know where the ball is !

Turnover.  When a player loses possession of the ball for different reasons such as poor pass or steal.

Tweener (or Swingman). A player who can play both guard and forward.

Twins!  Yelled by a team mate who sees a double team but the team mate being double-teamed does not. It should also alert all to the fact that someone is unguarded.

Two-hand Overhead Pass.  A pass used to throw over the head of a defender. One of the most effective and fastest passes. See Skip Pass.

Ups.    Vertical jump. (Example: “She had good ups”). Aka Hops, Vert, Hangtime, and Air.

Uh-Uh Defense. Denial defense.

Under the Branches. When a penetrating dribbler is able to move to the hoop under the arms of defending post players.
Unsportsmanlike Foul. A flagrant, purposeful, and sometimes violent foul meant to hurt a player. Sometimes it may be a display of temper.
Up-and-Down. A violation where a player with the ball jumps up and lands while holding the ball. More commonly called travelling lately. Thanks Steve Jeanette -Vermont high school and AAU Coach !

Up in Their Grill.   Where a defender plays tight on-ball defense (grille=teeth).

Up-the-line (UTL)  See OTL above. In this case the defender plays closer to the midpoint of the imaginary line connecting the ball with the player being guarded.
Vert. Height of jump. A player is said to have good vert. See Ups, Hangtime, Air.

Verticality.   On defense against a player (often in the low post or trap zone) who has the ball you should pretend that there is a plane of glass and you are pressed up against it with your hands straight up and your feet planted. If you lean over a player who has the ball then the ref will blow the whistle against you (that’s called a “sagging vertical”). Keeping vertical is good, clean defense.

Walk.   Travel. See Take a Bus.

Weak Side.  The side of the court that doesn’t have the ball at a given time. See Strongside.
Wheels ! Yelled to a player with the ball meaning to speed dribble up the court, usually in transition. See Push! , Breakout !.

Whip Move.  Where a player who has just received a pass will reverse pivot and at the same time abruptly snap the ball overhead in a vertical pendulum motion and then start dribbling. A type of Show and Go.

Windex Man (Girl). A great rebounder that “cleans” the glass.
Widebody. Expression used to discribe a player with a large frame, very often a power forward.

Window.  The box outlined above the hoop. Used to help aim the ball.

Wing.    A term used to refer to a perimeter player who is positioned at the top of the 3-point line and either to the left or right. See “shoulder” above.

Wrap Around. An around- the- back dribble or a type of poke at the ball where a defender will purposefully allow an opponent blow and quickly reach around the opponent and take a swipe at the ball.

Zipper Cut.  A post move from low post along the lane (that because of the line pattern looks like a zipper) toward the elbow the purpose for which is to get a pass.
Zone Defense. A specific arrangement of players on defense used when man-to-man doesn't work or the team needs a rest from man-to-man. There many different types such as 2-1-2, 1-4, and 2-3 zones.
Zone Offense. A set or arrangement of players on offense where some or all have specific roles.