Entertainment / Basketball Glossary

Frontcourt: The offensive area of the court from the midcourt line to the baseline. Also the positions played by the forwards and center.

Full-Court Press: When defenders start guarding the offense in the backcourt.

Gilmore: To cause an opponent to fall on his ass and break his tailbone. Example: I unleashed my killer crossover and Gilmored his ass, now he has to sit on a cushion ring for 6 weeks.

Give And Go: Give and Go is an offensive play that involves passing the ball (give) and then running (go) to an open spot to receive the ball back, usually near the basket, for an easy score. This play c . . . View Full Definition

Goaltending: If a defensive player interferes with a shot while it's on the way down toward the basket, while it's on the way up toward the basket after having touched the backboard, or while it's in the . . . View Full Definition

Guarding: Following an opponent around the court to prevent him from getting the ball, taking a shot or making a pass.

Guards: The two players who typically move the ball from the backcourt into the frontcourt and then position themselves farthest from the basket.

Hack-A-Shaq: A colloquial rhyme that comes from the term 'to hack,' common basketball slang meaning to commit a personal foul, and Shaq, being O'Neal's nickname. Famously used to hinder the scoring abili . . . View Full Definition

Half-Court: When a team takes the time to develop a play in its frontcourt, such as the give-and-go or screening play.

Half-Court Press: Defensive pressure applied as soon as the opposing team takes the ball into the frontcourt.

Hand Check: A personal foul where a defender intermittently or continuously uses one or both hands on an opposing player, usually the ball handler.

Hashmark: See the basketball glossary term 'midcourt area marker'.

Held Ball: When two opposing players both possess the basketball but neither one can gain sole possession. In the NBA, the ball is blown dead and a jump ball restarts play. College teams use the altern . . . View Full Definition

Help Side: The side of the court opposite that of the ball. Also called the weakside.

High Post: Imaginary area outside either side of the foul lane at the free-throw line.

Holding: Using the hands to interfere with or limit an opponent's freedom of movement.

Hook Shot: The hook shot is one of the most effective inside moves, but it is also quite difficult to execute. A hook shot begins when the player puts his body between the ball and the opponent. He the . . . View Full Definition

Hoop: The basket.

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