This web page contains a glossary of various terms with brief explanations in reference to offense, defense, and other related topics for the game of basketball.
Also, each respective term includes a link to another web page that contains more details about that subject.
Furthermore, it is very likely that even more terms will be added to this list as basketball general knowledge and concepts continue to evolve over time.
1-9
1 on 1: Action that occurs when one particular player competes against another player on a basketball court, ultimately to win a game.
1-1-2-1 press defense: Basketball strategy that emphasizes defensive pressure as well as traps near the corners, ultimately to create turnovers or at minimum, to disrupt offensive scoring opportunities near the basket or near perimeter areas of the court.
1-1-3 press defense: Basketball defensive strategy that uses on-ball pressure and sideline traps to disrupt offensive flow, which in turn, limits scoring opportunities and generates turnovers.
1-1-3 zone defense: Basketball defensive strategy that seeks to prevent low post scoring opportunities while influencing contested field goal attempts and limiting dribble penetration with on-ball pressure, particularly near the perimeter at the top.
1-2-1-1 press defense: Basketball defensive strategy that features full court pressure and sideline traps, particularly in the backcourt which could lead to limited scoring opportunities as well as possible turnovers for the offensive team.
1-2-2 press defense: Basketball defensive strategy that features sideline traps, particularly in the backcourt or frontcourt, which in turn, could limit offensive scoring opportunities.
1-2-2 zone defense: Basketball defensive strategy that seeks to limit low post scoring opportunities, restrict dribble penetration, and influence inferior perimeter shot selection while executing on-ball pressure, particularly near the perimeter.
1-3-1 press defense: Basketball defensive strategy that utilizes on-ball pressure and implements traps near the sidelines in the frontcourt to limit or prevent offensive scoring opportunities.
1-3-1 zone defense: Basketball defensive strategy which seeks to disrupt offensive scoring opportunities by influencing contested perimeter jump shots and limiting dribble penetration, while executing solid on-ball defense.
1-4 high offense: Basketball offensive strategy that primarily utilizes the high post as well as the wing areas to create scoring opportunities near the basket or from the perimeter, typically with a variety of basketball cuts and/or basketball screens.
1-4 low offense: Basketball offensive strategy that features one offensive player at the top beyond the three-point line and four additional players adjacent to the baseline, specifically near the low post blocks and corners areas on the left side and right side of the court.
1-4 press break: Basketball offensive strategy that can be implemented against press defenses such as the 1-2-1-1 diamond press, the 2-2-1 press, the 1-2-2 press or a full court man to man press.
2 on 1: Situation that occurs when two offensive players have an opportunity to score points, typically during the primary fast break within the transition phase of a basketball game, while only one defender is available at that moment to limit or prevent the offensive scoring possibilities.
2 on 2: Generally consists of four total players on the basketball court that would compete against each other in teams of two, typically within half court informal play. However, 2 on 2 could also occur in other basketball situations, most notably as 2-man game within 5 on 5 full court formal play.
2 out 3 in motion offense: Basketball offensive strategy that emphasizes ball movement, post split action, and continuity patterns to create scoring opportunities near the basket or from the perimeter.
2-1-2 press defense: Basketball defensive strategy that implements traps near the sidelines to disrupt the scoring effectiveness of the offensive team with the additional possibility of creating turnovers.
2-1-2 zone defense: Basketball defensive strategy that seeks to limit dribble penetration, influence contested perimeter jump shots, and reduce offensive scoring opportunities, particularly from the low post areas, while executing adequate on-ball defense.
2-2-1 press defense: Basketball defensive strategy that seeks to limit offensive scoring opportunities with the possibility of creating turnovers by way of sideline traps in the backcourt or frontcourt.
2-3 zone defense: Basketball defensive strategy that seeks to limit dribble penetration, influence contested perimeter jump shots, and decrease offensive scoring opportunities, particularly from the low post areas, while executing adequate on-ball defense.
24-second shot clock: Digital device that begins at a countdown of 24 seconds and continues until it reaches its final number of 0.
3 on 3: Action that occurs when three players for one particular team compete on a basketball court against another three players from a different particular team, ultimately to win a game.
3 out 2 in motion offense: Basketball offensive strategy that seeks to create multiple scoring opportunities through the use of set plays as well as offensive actions such as basketball screens, basketball cuts, continuity patterns and pick and roll options among others.
3-2 zone defense: Basketball defensive strategy which emphasizes the prevention of low post scoring opportunities while restricting dribble penetration with adequate on-ball defense and influencing poor shot selection, particularly from the perimeter.
3-and-D player: A term primarily associated with the NBA that describes a type of basketball athlete who is adept at making jump shots, particularly from three-point range, and playing high level defense, especially against the opposing team’s best offensive scorers.
4 on 4: Action that occurs when four players of one particular team compete on a basketball court against another four players from a different particular team, ultimately to win a game.
4 out 1 in motion offense: Basketball offensive strategy that creates scoring opportunities via a variety of sequences such as basketball cuts, basketball screens, and dribble drive action.
5 on 5: Action that occurs when five players of one particular team compete on a basketball court against another five players from a different team, ultimately to win a game by scoring more points than their respective opposition.
5 out motion offense: Basketball offensive strategy that utilizes the fundamental skill sets of passing, cutting, and screening as well as continuity patterns to create scoring opportunities, typically near the basket or from the perimeter.
A-C
After timeout plays: Special half court sets that are designed by the coaching staff during a timeout which consist of various offensive actions such as basketball screens or basketball cuts with the main purpose of creating scoring opportunities near the basket or from the perimeter.
Aggressiveness (Basketball): Generally comprises various actions based on attributes such as confidence, competitiveness, fortitude, hustle, as well as determination to ultimately defeat the competition and obtain victory.
Air ball: Action that occurs when a offensive player in possession of the basketball, usually near the perimeter areas of the court, attempts a shot that does not hit the rim or the backboard.
Air pass: Action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball throws any particular pass via the air to a potential offensive receiver without the ball touching the floor.
Alley-oop: Offensive action in which a player in possession of the basketball throws it toward the basket, particularly with a high arc, for a teammate that jumps off the floor, catches the ball while it is still in the air, and completes the action at the rim with a layup or dunk.
Ambidexterity: General ability of a basketball player to use either the left hand or the right hand, particularly to perform the skills of passing or dribbling the ball in addition to the action of scoring, especially around the basket.
Amoeba defense: Basketball defensive strategy which seeks to limit scoring opportunities for the offensive team by implementing on-ball pressure as well as sideline traps while preventing dribble penetration from the perimeter and restricting entry passes into the high or low post areas.
And one (term): Informal term that is sometimes used by players, fans, and/or other spectators to describe a situation that occurs during a basketball game when an offensive player successfully makes a field goal attempt despite being fouled by a defender at the same time.
Around the world: Type of basketball game that typically consists of two or more players who attempt multiple shots from different spots around the basket until one of the players makes the final shot at the designated last spot to win the game.
Assist: Action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball passes it to a teammate who then scores points via a field goal near the basket or near the perimeter.
Athletic stance: Occurs when a basketball player stands with feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart, knees bent, back straight, head up, eyes forward, and arms that are typically extended away from the sides of the body.
Athleticism: Consists of a player’s ability to potentially improve the chances of individual or team success by primarily utilizing their physical traits against competing opposition.
Attack and react offense: Basketball offensive strategy that utilizes the fundamental principles of dribble drive, read and react, and motion offense to create scoring opportunities near the basket or from the perimeter.
Attack the rim: Action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball will dribble it towards the lane area, usually between the gaps of one or more defenders, to ultimately generate scoring or playmaking opportunities for themselves or other teammates.
Back screen: Basketball action that occurs when one offensive player is able to set a screen behind a defender who is guarding a second offensive player and after that, the second offensive player could then use that screen to get open, particularly near the basket, for a potential scoring opportunity.
Backcourt: Consists of one particular half of the basketball court that could contain one or more members of a current defensive team, who would primarily protect their basket to prevent the opposing team from scoring points.
Backcourt violation: Action that occurs when an offensive player of a team with control of the basketball on the court changes its state from a valid frontcourt status to an illegal backcourt status.
Backdoor cut: Basketball offensive action in which a player without the ball generally takes a quick step towards a player with the ball and then immediately cuts to the basket.
Ball line defense — Basketball defensive strategy that implements on-ball defensive pressure and off-ball help defense principles to limit scoring opportunities near the basket while influencing contested perimeter jump shots.
Ball reversal: Common offensive tactic which occurs when the ball gets passed from one side of the court to the other side, typically from the wings to the top or via skip passes in certain instances.
Ball screen defense: Tactics that seek to mitigate or totally eliminate the effects of the on-ball screen that would be implemented by an offensive team, ultimately to disrupt scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court.
Bank shot: Action that occurs when an offensive player shoots the basketball so that it makes contact with the backboard, particularly at an certain angle, before falling into the rim.
Baseball pass: Offensive action in which a player in possession of the basketball throws it to a receiver, typically using a throwing motion that is somewhat similar to a pitcher’s throw in the sport of baseball.
Baseline (Overview): Consists of two boundary lines on each end of a basketball court that are about 50 feet wide.
Baseline out of bounds plays: Specific plays that feature one offensive player who will inbound the basketball and four additional offensive players who will execute actions such as cuts or screens to generate potential scoring opportunities at the rim or from the perimeter.
Behind the back dribble: Action that occurs when an offensive player dribbles the basketball with one particular hand behind their back, as the name implies, and afterwards, that same player catches the ball with their opposite hand.
Behind the back pass: Offensive action that occurs when a player in current possession of the basketball throws it behind their back to an open teammate for a possible scoring or playmaking opportunity.
Bench players: Members of a basketball team who do not play at the very beginning of a game but instead remain near the sideline alongside the coaching staff and possibly at least one trainer.
Between the legs dribble: Action that occurs when an offensive player dribbles the basketball with one particular hand between their legs and afterwards, that same player catches the ball with their opposite hand.
Blind pig: Action that occurs when an initial player, commonly near a slot area, passes the ball to a second player who cuts to the high post and afterwards, a third player, typically near the opposite slot, executes a backdoor cut to receive the ball from the second player, which could then lead to a scoring opportunity at the rim.
Blitz defense: Defensive tactic, particularly utilized against ball screens, that occurs when the on-ball defender and the screener’s defender attempt to limit the effectiveness of the ball screen by implementing a certain amount of defensive pressure on the offensive player in possession of the basketball.
Block (Defense): Action that occurs when a defensive player is able to use one or both hands to nullify an offensive player’s field goal attempt, generally while the basketball is in mid-flight on an upward trajectory, typically towards the rim.
Blocking foul: Infraction that typically happens when a defender does not establish and/or maintain legal guarding position, which is then followed by illegal contact that inhibits the progress of an opponent, with or without possession of the basketball.
Blow by: General basketball term that is typically applied when an offensive player, who is usually near a perimeter area of the court, creates separation from an adjacent defender, primarily by executing some type of dribble action towards the basket.
Blowout: Informal term that is sometimes used to describe a situation during a basketball game when one particular team has a significant lead over another team, which is usually by a total of at least 15 to 20 points.
Bonus: Begins when one particular team accumulates a certain number of team fouls within a period of a basketball game.
Bounce pass: Basketball offensive action in which a player in current possession of the ball throws it with a sufficient amount of strength and at a certain angle to the floor so that a teammate can receive it, preferably near their chest or waist area.
Box and 1 defense: Basketball strategy as well as a type of junk defense that utilizes a combination of man to man and zone defense principles to limit an opponent’s potential scoring opportunities.
Box and 1 offense: Basketball offensive strategy that seeks to limit the effectiveness of the box and 1 defense by utilizing a series of off-ball screens and continuity patterns to create multiple scoring opportunities for the offensive team’s best player as well as additional players.
Box offense: Basketball offensive strategy that utilizes quick hitting set plays with various basketball screens to create scoring opportunities near the basket or from the perimeter, particularly for the team’s best players.
Box out: Activity that consists of an offensive or defensive player positioning themselves between the basket and an adjacent opposing player, particularly during a shot attempt, to increase their own chances of gaining a rebound while at the same time, decreasing the rebound gathering probability for that same opposing player.
Brush screen: Action that occurs when one offensive player moves toward the direction of a second offensive player and immediately afterwards, the second offensive player moves underneath the first.
Carrying: An action as well as a violation that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball initially dribbles it with one particular hand, but afterwards, the player gathers the ball so that it can temporarily rest in the palm of that same hand, followed by another dribble.
Catching: Action that occurs when a player receives possession of the basketball into one or both hands, typically via a pass that is thrown by another player on the court.
Center position: One of the five common basketball positions that is primarily responsible for rebounding, defensive rim protection, and scoring points, especially near the basket.
Charging foul: Infraction that occurs when an offensive player with or without possession of the basketball creates illegal contact by pushing or moving into the torso of an opponent who is in a legal guarding position.
Chase down block: Action that happens when an offensive player is initially ahead of most (if not all) of the defender but afterwards, one particular defender is able to chase down that same player, as the name implies, to ultimately block the scoring attempt, which is usually a layup or a dunk at the basket.
Chest pass: Basketball offensive action in which a player in possession of the ball throws it with two hands from their own chest area towards the chest area of a teammate.
Circle offense: Basketball offensive strategy that utilizes cuts and continuity patterns to create scoring opportunities near the basket.
Clear path foul: Infraction that occurs in a basketball game when a defender commits illegal contact at the moment an opposing player has a clear path to the basket during a transition offense scoring opportunity.
Close-range shot: Any type of shot by an offensive player in possession of the basketball that is taken near the basket, which could then lead to a scoring opportunity.
Closeout defense: Basketball defensive tactic in which a player on defense will swiftly close the open space on the court between themselves and an adjacent offensive player with the ball in an effort to limit or prevent an uncontested jump shot or dribble penetration, particularly towards the basket.
Clutch (basics): The general ability of a player to perform at a high level, particularly during occasions of potential pressure/tension such as the last few minutes of a game when the score is close between both teams or in very important games such as the postseason/playoffs where a potential loss could mean the end of the season for a team.
Coffin corner: A term that is sometimes used to describe a corner area of the court that an offensive player in possession of the ball would have difficulty escaping from, specifically if that same offensive player gets trapped in that corner by two defenders.
Combination defense: Basketball defensive system that incorporates and utilizes components of man to man defense, zone defense, and/or additional defensive tactics to ultimately limit or prevent offensive scoring opportunities.
Combo guard: Hybrid or combination basketball position that comprises certain skills of a point guard such as the ability to pass the ball as well as particular talents of a shooting guard such as the capability to score near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court.
Continuity ball screen offense: Basketball offensive strategy that seeks to create scoring opportunities near the basket or from the perimeter by utilizing ball screens or pick and roll action with a constant sequence on both sides of the floor.
Continuity offense: Basketball offensive system which incorporates specific patterns of cuts, screens, passes, or dribble actions executed in a continuous manner on both sides of the court to generate the highest quality scoring opportunity near the basket or from the perimeter.
Crash the boards: Alternative name for the gathering of an offensive or defensive rebound by one particular player after another player in possession of the basketball took a shot that did not go into the basket ring.
Cross screen: Action that occurs when one offensive player sets a screen, typically near the middle of the lane, on a defender who is guarding a second offensive player, and afterwards, the second offensive player utilizes the screen to get open and receive the ball for a possible scoring opportunity around the basket.
Crossover dribble: Action that occurs when an offensive player dribbles the basketball with one hand across their body and then catches it with the opposite hand, ultimately to generate scoring or playmaking opportunities.
Cutting (Basketball skill): Offensive skill in which a player without the ball will use a specific action to move from one location on the court to another with the primary purpose of creating space and getting open from a defender.
D-F
Defense (Basketball system): Foundational component within the game of basketball with its main emphasis being to use a combination of various defensive types, concepts, strategies, and tactics to stop an opponent from scoring points near the basket or from the perimeter.
Defensive foul: Infraction that occurs during a basketball game when a defender uses any part of their body such as their hands, arms, legs, or feet to make illegal contact with an opposing offensive player.
Defensive stop: Process that occurs when a defensive team prevents an offensive team, currently in possession of the basketball, from scoring points near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court.
Delay offense: Occurs when the offensive team in possession of the basketball performs actions that could be utilized to run down the game clock and/or shot clock prior to attempting a field goal such as a jump shot near the perimeter or layup at the basket.
Denial defense: Basketball defensive tactic in which an off-ball defender, typically one pass away adjacent to the player with the ball, prevents the offensive player that they are currently guarding from receiving the ball.
Diamond and 1 defense: Basketball defensive strategy which seeks to limit scoring opportunities, particularly for the opposing team’s best player, by implementing a combination of man to man and zone defense principles.
Double double: Term that is typically used when a basketball player achieves double digit figures in exactly two of the five primary statistical categories, which comprises points, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocks, during one particular game or over the course of several different games throughout a season.
Double team defense: Basketball defensive tactic executed by two defenders in an effort to get the ball out of the hands of the team’s best player.
Down screen: Action that occurs when one offensive player faces the general direction of the baseline to set a screen on a defender who is guarding a second offensive player. Following that, the second offensive player can then use the down screen to get open for a possible scoring or playmaking opportunity.
Drag screen: Basketball offensive action in which a player with the ball receives a screen from another player without the ball, typically during secondary break of transition offense before the defense is fully set.
Dribble entry: Action that occurs when a player in possession of the basketball dribbles it toward a wing area of the court, usually from the top, as a method of initializing a set play or other offensive sequence that could result in multiple scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter.
Dribble handoff: Tactic consisting of offensive action that occurs when one player in possession of the basketball initially dribbles it toward a second player and then that same second player receives the ball, particularly via a handoff, to essentially dribble it as well for scoring or playmaking opportunities.
Dribble moves: Skilled action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of basketball dribbles it in a certain fashion, primarily to create separation from one or more defenders.
Dribble pass: Offensive action in which a player in possession of the basketball initially dribbles it and then immediately throws it, particularly with one hand, to an open teammate for a possible playmaking or scoring opportunity.
Dribble penetration: Basketball offensive action in which a player with the ball near the perimeter areas of the court dribbles between certain gaps of the defense with the primary objective of getting to the basket.
Dribbling (Basketball skill): Fundamental skill that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball bounces it to the floor at least one time before grasping it with both hands or holding it in the palm of one hand, which would indicate the completion of the dribbling sequence.
Drift pass: Basketball offensive action in which a player with the ball generally accomplishes dribble penetration towards the baseline near one side of the lane and afterwards, that same player executes a quick pass to the opposite corner or opposite wing of the court.
Drop coverage: Basketball defensive tactic in which the screener’s defender stays below the screen in an effort to limit scoring opportunities.
Dunker spot: Area of the basketball court that is between the short corner and below the low post block near the baseline, which could then be occupied by certain types of offensive players, especially traditional post players.
Eight-second rule: Generally requires an offensive team and more specifically, the offensive player in possession of the ball to dribble it or pass it from the offensive team’s backcourt into their own frontcourt within eight seconds.
Elevator screen: Offensive action that occurs when one particular player being guarded by a defender cuts through a small gap between two additional parallel players who then execute the elevator screen by immediately closing the gap before the defender has the opportunity to cut through it themselves.
Entry pass: Action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the ball throws it from the top/slot to the wing area and/or from a perimeter area of the court towards a post area, especially the low post area.
Escape dribble: Action that occurs when an offensive player breaks away from an on-ball defender while dribbling in a reverse direction instead of advancing towards the basket as usual.
Fade cut: Action that occurs when an offensive player utilizes an off-ball screen such as a down screen to cut towards one area of the basketball court, typically the wing area, but afterwards, that same player cuts away toward another area, which is usually the adjacent corner.
Fadeaway: Type of basketball move that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the ball jumps in the air to take a shot while moving away from the basket and the on-ball defender that would be guarding that same offensive player, ultimately to create a scoring opportunity.
Fake and drive: Action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball initially misleads one or more defenders with certain crafty fake maneuvers. Afterwards, that same offensive player drives the ball toward the basket to ultimately score points themselves or pass it to other teammates, which could then result in assists if those same teammates are able to score points as well.
Fake pass: Offensive action in which a player in possession of the basketball effectively pretends to throw it to a teammate but then keeps the ball to perform another action, which would commonly be an authentic pass for a scoring or playmaking opportunity.
Fast break: Offensive action that occurs when a team gains possession of the basketball and then attempts to quickly score points, primarily before the opposing team is able to fully prepare their respective defensive strategies.
Field goal: Any shot near the basket or near the perimeter, not including the free throw shot, that is taken by an offensive player in possession of the basketball within the boundary lines of the court.
Finger roll: Type of layup shot that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball near the basket jumps in the air and rolls the ball over the front of the rim with an underhanded shooting motion.
Flagrant foul: Infraction that occurs during a basketball game when one particular player commits illegal contact against an opposing player that is deemed to be unnecessary and/or excessive.
Flare screen: Action that occurs when one offensive player, being guarded by a defender, cuts away from the basketball to use a screen that is set by a second offensive player and afterwards, the first offensive player could then receive the ball, particularly near the perimeter areas of the court.
Flex offense: Basketball offensive strategy that creates scoring opportunities near the basket or from the perimeter by way of two types of basketball screens known as the flex screen and the down screen.
Flex screen: Action that occurs when one particular offensive player cuts toward the general area of the court that is between the low post block and the adjacent corner while facing the sideline to set a screen for a second offensive player who occupies that same corner.
Floater: Action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball jumps in the air near the basket, and shoots the ball with a high-arcing shot over the front of the rim.
Floppy set: Action that occurs when an offensive player is initially near the lane or underneath the rim, and afterwards, that same offensive player executes a cut towards the perimeter by way of a single screen on one side of the lane or a double screen on the other side to receive the basketball.
Foul out: General term commonly used to describe a situation that happens when a player reaches the maximum number of allowable fouls and as a result, that same player would usually be disqualified from continuing to compete in the game.
Foul trouble: General term commonly used to describe a situation that happens in a basketball game when a player is on the verge of reaching their maximum number of allowable fouls, especially earlier than desired or expected.
Fouls (Overview): Infraction that occurs during a basketball game that generally comprises illegal contact between opposing players on the court, unwarranted conduct from a particular player, coach, or bench personnel, as well as other violations of rules that might justify the assessment of a foul by an official.
Frontcourt: Comprises one particular half of the basketball court that could include one or more members of the current offensive team, who would primarily utilize the frontcourt to score points by shooting the ball into the adjacent basket, which would also be typically guarded by the opposing team.
Full court press: Type of basketball defense in which players of the defensive team execute backcourt and frontcourt on-ball pressure, typically accompanied by sideline traps against players of the offensive team.
G-I
Give and go: Action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball near a perimeter area of the court passes it to another offensive player and then, the initial offensive player immediately cuts toward the basket.
Hammer set: Offensive action that occurs when a weak side player cuts to the nearby corner, usually by way of a screen, and afterwards, that same weak side player could receive the ball from another player who is typically near the strong side baseline, which then commonly results in a three-point attempt.
Havoc press defense: Basketball defensive strategy and a variation of the 1-2-1-1 press that emphasizes backcourt ball pressure and traps near the sidelines and/or corners to disrupt offensive scoring opportunities.
Hawk offense: Unique basketball offensive strategy that utilizes high post action, a stack alignment, and various basketball screens to create scoring opportunities from the perimeter or near the basket for one or more players on the offensive team.
Hedge defense: Basketball defensive tactic in which a screener’s defender lifts above an on-ball screen to obstruct the intended dribbling route of the screen receiver.
Help defense: Basketball defensive tactic, primarily used within man to man defense, in which weak side defenders will support strong side defenders to ultimately limit or prevent potential scoring opportunities of an offensive team.
High low action: Basketball offensive tactic in which a player, typically near the high post area, passes the ball to another player by the low post area for potential scoring opportunities near the basket.
High post: Area on the basketball court that includes the half circle which begins from one corner of the free throw line to the other corner in addition to the area between the free throw line and the top beyond the three-point line.
Hook pass: Offensive action in which a player in possession of the basketball propels it through the air with a throwing motion that is somewhat similar to a hook, which could then lead to scoring or playmaking opportunities.
Horns offense: Basketball offensive strategy which emphasizes spacing to create scoring opportunities near the basket or from the perimeter by way of various actions such as basketball screens and dribble handoffs.
Ice defense: Basketball defensive technique which focuses on limiting scoring options from the side pick and roll action of the ball handler as well as the screener who would typically roll to the basket after setting the screen.
Illegal screen: Offensive action that generally occurs when the screener does not stay within their vertical plane while setting a screen or the screener does not allow a defender, who would be the target of the screen, enough time and/or distance to avoid the screen.
Inbound pass: Offensive action in which a player that has current possession of the basketball throws it to a teammate after initially standing out of bounds at the sideline or baseline.
Iverson cut: Action that occurs when an offensive player who is initially on one side of the court, usually near a wing area, cuts through to the other side, which is typically the opposite wing area, ultimately to get open and receive the basketball.
J-L
Jump pass: Offensive action in which a player in possession of the basketball jumps in the air and throws the ball to a teammate before contacting the floor again with their feet.
Jump to the ball: Basketball defensive concept in which a defender, as the name implies, jumps to the direction of the basketball while it is being passed from one perimeter area of the court to the next adjacent perimeter area.
Junk defense: Unique type of basketball defensive system which integrates certain elements of man to man defense alongside certain elements of zone defense to limit or prevent scoring opportunities of the offensive team.
Kick pass: Offensive action in which a player that has possession of the basketball while already near the basket or at least moving towards it, throws the ball to a teammate that is near one of the perimeter areas of the court.
Laker cut: Action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball, typically near the wing, passes it to another player near the low post, immediately cuts toward the basket, and then possibly receives the ball again from that same low post player for a scoring opportunity.
Layup (Overview): Action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the ball takes a close-range shot, particularly within the lane area, directly over the front of the rim or off the backboard.
Lob pass: Offensive action in which a player in possession of the basketball throws it into the air with a high arc, usually over at least one defender, to a teammate who could then catch the ball and potentially score.
Loose ball foul: Infraction that occurs during a basketball game when one particular player on the court commits illegal contact against an opposing player while there is a loose ball situation and/or while there is no team control.
Low post: Area of the basketball court that is near the basket, adjacent to a border of the key or paint known as a lane line, and below the border of the free throw line, also known as the high post elbow.
M-O
Man to man defense: Basketball defensive system in which each defender guards a certain offensive player to ultimately limit or prevent scoring opportunities near the basket or from the perimeter.
Motion offense: Basketball offensive system that primarily utilizes at least one of the fundamental elements of passing, cutting, screening, or dribbling while also incorporating player movement and ball movement to create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter.
Nail: Term used to describe the center of the free throw line as well as an indication of a marker on the court, primarily for defensive purposes.
No look pass: Offensive action in which a player in possession of the basketball throws it to a teammate without looking directly at that same teammate.
Numbered fast break: Basketball offensive strategy in which each of the five players, during transition offense, are assigned distinct numbers and given specific roles related to those numbers with the primary objective of creating quick scoring opportunities near the basket or from the perimeter.
Off-ball screen: Action that occurs when at least one offensive player sets a screen for another offensive player that does not have current possession of the basketball to ultimately create a potential scoring opportunity near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court.
Offense (Basketball system): Foundational component within the game of basketball and its primary emphasis is to use a combination of individual player skills as well as team strategies and tactics to create scoring opportunities near the basket or from the perimeter.
Offensive foul: Infraction that occurs during a basketball game when an offensive player uses any part of their body such as their hands, arms, legs, or feet to make illegal contact with an opposing defensive player.
On-ball screen: Action that occurs when at least one particular offensive player cuts to an area of the court to set a screen on a certain defender who is directly guarding another offensive player in possession of the basketball.
One pass away: General concept that essentially means an offensive player in possession of the basketball only needs to pass it one time from its current area on the court such as the top to a new adjacent area on the court such as the wing.
Outlet pass: Action in which a player throws the basketball to a teammate, generally as a method to initiate and execute transition offense, typically after gaining possession of the ball via a defensive rebound or in certain instances, as a baseline inbound thrower.
Overhead pass: Basketball offensive action in which a player in current possession of the ball places it over their head before throwing it with two hands towards a teammate that is able to receive it.
P-R
Pack line defense: Basketball defensive strategy as well as a variation of man to man defense that implements on-ball defensive pressure and off-ball actions in which defenders will either sag into the pack line or deny passing lanes to limit or prevent offensive scoring opportunities.
Pass and cut: Basketball offensive tactic in which a player with the ball, typically near the perimeter, passes it to another teammate, and afterwards, the passing player executes a cut, generally towards the basket in an effort to limit the effectiveness of the defense.
Pass and screen away: Basketball offensive tactic in which a player with the ball, typically near the perimeter, passes it to a teammate, and afterwards, the passing player sets a screen away from the ball for another teammate, in an effort to limit the effectiveness of the defense.
Passing (Basketball skill): Fundamental skill and offensive action in which a player in possession of the ball throws it, generally through the air, to a teammate as the intended receiver, with the typical objective of creating scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court.
Period: Certain amount of time, commonly measured in minutes, that occurs within at least one segment of an entire basketball game.
Personal foul: Infraction that occurs during a basketball game when a player uses any part of their body such as their hands, arms, legs, or feet to make illegal contact with an opposing player.
Perimeter area: Any general area that is inside of the three-point line but outside of the key or lane, which is also typically associated with perimeter offensive players or perimeter defenders and contrasted with interior offensive players or interior defenders.
Pitch ahead pass: Type of basketball pass that generally occurs when a player, usually in the backcourt, throws the ball ahead to another player that is either near one of the wings, corners, or around the basket in the frontcourt.
Pocket pass: Action in which an offensive player in possession of the basketball throws it, typically via a bounce pass to a teammate, particularly between the open space of an on-ball primary defender as well as an adjacent off-ball secondary defender.
Point forward: Hybrid basketball position that generally combines skills of a point guard alongside attributes of a small forward or power forward to potentially create certain offensive or defensive advantages for the team as a whole.
Point guard: One of the five common basketball positions that has the primary role of initiating the offense as well as dribbling and passing the ball to ultimately create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter.
Point zone defense: Basketball defensive strategy that primarily seeks to prevent dribble penetration, hinder low post touches, and influence contested jump shots to ultimately disrupt offensive scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court.
Positions (Basketball roles): Overview of the standard and hybrid basketball positions such as the point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, center, combo guard, point forward, and swingman.
Power forward: One of the five common basketball positions that is mainly responsible for rebounding as well as scoring points and playing defense near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court.
Power layup: Action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball near the rim, jumps in the air with both feet, and shoots the ball off the corner of the backboard’s inner rectangle.
Press offense: Offensive actions that could be used to break a press defense while also potentially creating one or more scoring options near the basket or near perimeter areas of the court.
Pressure defense: Basketball concept that can be implemented by one or more defenders in a full court or half court setting to disrupt offensive productivity which could lead to detrimental offensive results such as low quality shot attempts and/or turnovers.
Primary Break: Basketball offensive strategy as well as the initial fast break phase of transition offense and its general purpose is to create quick scoring opportunities against an outnumbered defense, usually within the first two or three seconds after gaining possession of the basketball.
Princeton offense (Fundamentals): Basketball strategy that utilizes certain offensive skills such as passing, cutting, and screening to create one or more scoring opportunities near the basket or near perimeter areas of the court.
Princeton offense (Chin series): Unique set of actions within the Princeton offense that emphasize creating high percentage scoring opportunities near the basket or near perimeter areas of the court, primarily via certain basketball screens.
Princeton offense (Point series): Sub-strategy within Princeton offense that primarily features a high post entry pass followed up by additional actions, ultimately to create scoring opportunities around the rim or near perimeter areas of the court.
Quick hitters: Type of offensive set play that utilizes a brief number of passes, cuts, screens, or dribble actions to create one or more scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter, typically for the team’s best players.
Ram screen: Basketball offensive action that occurs when one player will set an off-ball screen for a second player and afterwards, the second player will attempt to set an on-ball screen for a third player who is currently in possession of the basketball.
Reverse layup: Action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball near the rim, jumps in the air and shoots the ball on the opposite side of the backboard’s inner rectangle.
Role player: Specialist with a certain offensive and/or defensive skill set that could ultimately help their respective team win against the opposition.
Roll and replace: Action that happens when one offensive player rolls towards the basket from a perimeter area of the court after setting an on-ball screen while another offensive player replaces towards the perimeter from an area near the basket.
Run and jump defense: Basketball defensive strategy that utilizes man to man principles, defensive sideline traps, and the defensive switch tactic to disrupt offensive flow which could result in potential turnovers or limited scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter.
S-V
Screen the screener: Basketball tactic that occurs when one particular player cuts to a certain area of the court to set an initial screen for a secondary player and after that, the initial screener seeks to get open via an additional screen.
Screening (Basketball skill): Offensive skill in which one or more players block another player’s defender with the purpose of creating space and separation so that the player receiving the screen could have the opportunity to either score with the ball or execute playmaking abilities.
Secondary break: Basketball offensive strategy as well as the alternative phase of transition offense which includes scoring options near the basket or near the perimeter areas immediately after the defensive team prevents the initial primary fast break action.
Shell drill: Basketball defensive drill which seeks to improve various defensive related concepts in addition to team chemistry, communication, and overall defensive intelligence to ultimately hinder offensive scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court.
Shoot the gap: Basketball defensive tactic in which a defender will attempt to evade or diminish the effectiveness of certain types of off-ball screens by going under them to converge on an offensive player that the defender is currently guarding in a effort to limit or prevent scoring opportunities.
Shooting foul: Infraction that occurs during a basketball game when a defender commits illegal contact against an opposing player who is in the act of shooting near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court.
Shooting guard: One of the five common basketball positions and the primary role for a player in this position is to score points, typically near the perimeter areas of the court as well as near the basket.
Shot clock: Digital device, generally implemented within certain types of formal basketball games, that begins a countdown at a specific time frame such as 24 seconds until it reaches its final number of 0.
Shuffle offense: Basketball offensive strategy that utilizes the shuffle cut, certain types of basketball screens, and a possible continuity pattern to create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter.
Sideline out of bounds plays: Special plays comprised of one offensive player that will inbound the basketball by standing near a sideline and four additional offensive players that will execute actions such as basketball cuts and basketball screens to generate potential scoring opportunities at the rim, near the mid-range, or beyond the three-point line.
Skip pass: Type of basketball pass that is demonstrated when an offensive player in current possession of the ball passes it to another non-adjacent offensive player, usually on the opposite side of the court.
Slip screen: Action that occurs when a certain offensive player initially begins to set a screen on a particular defender but then, that same offensive player swiftly cuts to the basket, typically before the screen is completely set.
Small forward: One of the five common basketball positions that is typically able to do a little bit of everything in terms of scoring, rebounding, playmaking, and defending near the basket or around the perimeter areas of the court.
Snake dribble: Action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball momentarily dribbles toward the basket via an on-ball screen but afterwards, that same offensive player swiftly turns and dribbles in a lateral direction, which could eventually lead to a possible scoring opportunity.
Spacing (Basketball concept): Foundational aspect within the game of basketball which comprises the general notion that players on the court, especially during offensive execution, should always strive to be at least 12 to 15 feet away from each other.
Spain pick and roll: Tactic that occurs when one particular player sets an on-ball screen and afterwards, that same player receives a back screen while rolling to the basket for a potential high percentage scoring opportunity.
Speed (Basketball attribute): Ability for basketball players to move from one area of the court to another area, particularly as it pertains to moving fast in a vertical direction, which would be up and down the court, in the shortest amount of time as possible.
Speed dribble: Action that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball quickly dribbles it, typically while moving from one end of the court to the opposite end.
Split cut: Specific action within basketball offense that occurs when a perimeter player (usually near the wing area on the court) passes the ball to a low post player and afterwards, that same perimeter player cuts away from the post, typically to set or receive a screen.
Stack offense: Basketball offensive strategy that generally utilizes actions such as basketball screens and basketball cuts to create quick hitting scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court, typically for the team’s best players.
Stagger screen: Basketball action that occurs when an offensive player cuts from one area of the court to another area via consecutive double screens that are set by two additional offensive players.
Statistics: Categories of numerical data that would be commonly documented by a statistician, particularly within standard basketball games such as 5-on-5 action, to ultimately keep track of the overall performance of an individual player or several players on the team.
Steal (Defensive skill): Action that occurs when a defensive player causes an offensive player to lose possession of the basketball, primarily by legally taking it away from the offensive player, intercepting the offensive player’s pass, or deflecting the offensive player’s pass or dribble.
Step-up screen: Action that occurs when a certain offensive player cuts to an area of the court, typically near the wing or slot, while facing away from the adjacent baseline to set an on-ball screen for another offensive player that currently has possession of the basketball.
Strong side: The left side or right side of the court that the basketball is currently located on, which also contains one or more offensive players as well as at least one or more defensive players.
Stunt defense: Basketball defensive tactic, in which an off-ball defender will momentarily step towards an adjacent offensive player with the ball and then return to the specific offensive player that they are currently guarding.
Stutter step: Basketball move that occurs when an offensive player dribbles the ball while simultaneously executing a series of short and quick steps, particularly against a defender, primarily to attack the basket or take a jump shot.
Swing offense: Basketball offensive strategy that utilizes several basketball screens alongside ball reversal action and continuity patterns to create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter.
Swingman: Hybrid basketball position that comprises notable attributes of a shooting guard such as scoring capability alongside certain talents of a small forward such as rebounding ability.
Switch defense: Defensive tactic in which two defenders exchange the offensive players that they are currently guarding to ultimately hinder or prevent offensive scoring opportunities near the basket or from the perimeter.
Team foul: Type of foul that is charged to the team as a whole during a basketball game when an individual player on that same team commits a foul, usually a common personal foul, via illegal contact.
Technical foul: Penalty that is assessed to a player, coach, or bench personnel during a basketball game, usually because of unwarranted conduct that is generally considered to be disrespectful, particularly towards other players and/or officials, or due to other infractions that are not necessarily based on conduct.
Transition defense: Basketball defensive strategy in which a team will swiftly convert from offense to defense in an effort to counter and disrupt an opposing team’s potential transition offensive scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court.
Transition offense: Basketball offensive strategies in which the main objective is to score points quickly and efficiently, particularly when a team converts from defense to offense.
Transition take foul: Infraction that occurs when a defender commits illegal contact that does not attempt to make a legitimate play on the basketball during an opposing team’s transition scoring opportunity.
Trap defense: Basketball defensive tactic in which two defenders will effectively double team an offensive player with the ball, typically near a sideline and/or corner of the court.
Triangle and 2 defense: Basketball defensive strategy and a type of junk defense which seeks to limit scoring opportunities, primarily for the opposing team’s two best perimeter players, by implementing a combination of man to man and zone defense concepts.
Triangle offense: Basketball offensive strategy in which three players form a sideline triangle on one side of the court to create scoring opportunities via the use of various actions such as ball movement, basketball cuts, and basketball screens, primarily based on the reactions of the defense.
Turnover: Action that occurs during a basketball game when an offensive team loses possession of the ball to the opposing team prior to a shot attempt that ends team control.
UCLA offense: Basketball offensive strategy developed by Coach John Wooden that focuses on the fundamentals of passing, screening, and cutting to create various scoring opportunities, primarily near the basket but also from the perimeter.
Undersized basketball team: A basketball team could be considered undersized if it has a limited number of post players or none at all. This type of team could increase its chances of winning by being in great shape, using speed/quickness, and emphasizing fundamental offensive skill sets as well as essential defensive tactics.
V-cut: Action that occurs when an offensive player utilizes a cut that is in the shape of the letter V, ultimately to get open, receive the basketball, and create a potential scoring opportunity near the perimeter or near the rim.
Violations: Infractions that are committed by one or more offensive or defensive players during a game, which would commonly result in a penalty for the offending player and/or team.
W-Z
Weak side: The left side or right side of the court that is opposite the location of the ball, which also typically contains at least one or more offensive players as well as at least one or more defensive players.
Wheel offense: Basketball offensive strategy that utilizes cutting and screening actions alongside continuity patterns to create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the high post elbow areas of the court.
Wrap around pass: Offensive action in which a player in possession of the basketball throws it around an opposing defender to a teammate, ultimately leading to a possible scoring opportunity or an additional playmaking option.
Youth basketball offense: Basketball offense that consists of simple plays and actions that can help young basketball players score points near the basket or from the perimeter.
Zipper Cut: Basketball offensive action in which a player without the ball cuts from the low post area or the corner, generally through the lane, to the top, usually via a down screen, as a method of getting open to receive the ball.
Zone defense: Type of basketball defense in which each defender guards a certain area on the court and by extension, any offensive player that enters into that zone defender’s respective area.
Zone offense: Type of basketball offense with the main purpose of creating scoring opportunities against zone defenses via the use of offensive actions such as screening, cutting, ball reversal, and dribble penetration.