Entertainment / Basketball Glossary

All Ball: Often said by the defensive player who appears to have blocked the shot but instead is called for a foul.

All Day: If a player can consistently make a shot, it is said that he can make it 'all day'.

Alley-Oop Pass: A pass thrown with a high arc near the basket so a teammate can make a leaping catch and score in a single motion.

Alternating Possession Rule: In high school and college basketball , most jump balls have been eliminated in favor of a rule that the teams take turns gaining possession for a throw-in after a held ball and similar stop . . . View Full Definition

Assist: The last pass to a teammate that leads directly to a field goal; the scorer must move immediately toward the basket for the passer to be credited with an assist; only 1 assist can be credite . . . View Full Definition

Back Door: A back door play is when a player without the ball gets behind the defense and receives a pass for an easy score. This can be executed if the defenders are unaware of the open space behind t . . . View Full Definition

Back Screen: A move by an offensive player away from the basket to set a screen for a teammate.

Back-Door Cut: A cut behind the defender and toward the basket.

Backboard: The flat surface directly behind the basket. The basket is connected to the backboard.

Backcourt: That half of the court that is the farthest from the offensive basket. Also, the position played by the guards.

Ball: The basketball is 9 ½ inches in diameter and weighs 20 to 22 ounces.

Ball Fake: A fake pass or shot.

Ball Handler: Player controlling the ball; can also mean a player known for skillful handling of the ball.

Ball Side: The side of the court on which the ball is located. Also called the strong side.

Bang The Boards: To go after a rebound very aggressively.

Bang The Glass: See the basketball glossary term 'bang the boards'.

Bank Shot: A bank shot in basketball is a shot that relies on the ball bouncing off the backboard and into the basket. It is frequently used for mid-range jump shots from an angle (usually at the elbow . . . View Full Definition

Baseball Pass: The baseball pass or lance pass is a long pass in which the passer throws the ball with one hand, as if it were a baseball or a football. It is infrequently used, mainly to set up last-secon . . . View Full Definition

Baseline: Also called the end line. This line extends across both ends of the court behind the baskets.

Basket: Consists of the rim and the net.

Behind The Back Dribble: A basic move in which the ballhandler simply bounces the ball behind the back to the opposite hand, but note that the ball is not intended to go around the body as in the basic 'wraparound.' . . . View Full Definition

Behind-The-Back: Behind-the-back passes are passes dealt to a target behind the passer's back. Usually done to confuse the defender, behind the back passes can either be bounced off the floor or passed direc . . . View Full Definition

Between The Legs Dribble: A dribble through the legs from one to another.

Blind: A pass from a ball handler who does not see the receiver, but is estimating where he should be.

Blind Pass: Also known as a no-look pass, the blind pass is performed when a player looks in one direction but passes the ball to his target in another direction. Blind passes are risky and infrequently . . . View Full Definition

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