Entertainment / Basketball Glossary

Illegal Defense: A rather nebulous rule that is called irregularly. It's designed to prevent the use of the zone defense; it¹s more like a 3-second violation for the defense, in which no defender can stay in . . . View Full Definition

In-The-Paint: The inside area of the free throw lane is painted a different color from the rest of the court; thus 'in-the-paint'.

Inbounds Pass: Pass thrown-in from out-of-bounds.

Incidental Contact: Minor, usually inadvertent contact, that is usually ignored by officials.

Inside Cut: When the offensive player passes the ball to a teammate and cuts to the basket looking for a return pass.

Inside Shot: Shot taken from near or under the basket.

Intentional Foul: A foul committed on purpose by a defensive player to stop the clock. In college basketball, the team that was fouled gets two free throws and possession of the ball.

Jab Step: Jab step also known as side step is performed when a player holds onto the ball before dribbling while his non-pivot leg performs a routine jabbing. This move is used to test defender's defe . . . View Full Definition

Jump Ball: A jump ball starts every game and occurs when a referee tosses the ball into the air between two players from opposite teams. During games a jump ball is called when two players from opposit . . . View Full Definition

Jump Pass: A jump pass is a pass performed while the passing player's feet are off the floor. When done intentionally, it can sometimes confuse the defender, causing him to believe that the passer is s . . . View Full Definition

Jump Shot: An offensive shot in which the offensive player's feet leave the floor.

Jump Stop: Coming to a full stop by jumping off one foot and landing in a parallel or staggered stance with both feet hitting the floor at the same time.

Key: The area at each end of the court consisting of the foul circle, foul lane and free-throw line; named for the keyhole shape it had years ago.

L Cut: A cut in the shape of the letter 'L' that is used when the defender is in the passing lane but is playying very loosely.

Lane: The area running from the end line to the free-throw line and extending 12 feet across is called the lane. It's also known as the 'paint'.

Lane Violation: You cannot move into the lane looking to grab a rebound when a foul shot is being taken until the ball actually hits the rim. If you do enter the lane too soon, it's called a lane violation . . . View Full Definition

Layups: A layup is a two point attempt made by leaping from below, laying the ball up near the basket, and using one hand to tip the ball over the rim and into the basket (layin) or to bank it off t . . . View Full Definition

Live Ball: As soon as a ball is given to a free-throw shooter or a thrower on a throw-in, it's live.

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