Entertainment / Basketball Glossary

Screen: An offensive player who stands between a teammate and a defender to give his teammate the chance to take an open shot.

Screen and Roll: When an offensive player screens for the ball handler and then rolls toward the basket.

Shallow Cut: A change-of-direction cut; also called a fish-hook cut.

Shape Up: A term used to describe the movement of the screener toward the ball after the screen has been set.

Shoot Off The Dribble: A shot taken while driving to the basket.

Shooter: A player who takes a shot at the basket.

Shooting Guard: Generally, the player who takes the majority of the shots from the perimeter, many of which are three-point attempts.

Shooting Pocket: Also referred to as the triple-threat position.

Shot Clock: A clock that limits the time a team with the ball has to shoot it.

Shut Down: verb/noun; In street ball, when a team or player does something so good (handle, play or dunk), it makes the audience go crazy and the game gets put on hold while everyone gets over it, and . . . View Full Definition

Sidelines: The two boundary lines that run the length of the court.

Sixth Man: The best sub on the team, the first guy off the bench to replace a starter.

Small Forward: Usually bigger than the guards but smaller than the power forward; responsibilities include both inside and outside work.

Spacing: Refers to the positioning of the offensive players, who should be approximately 15-18 feet from one another.

Speed Dribble: A high, quick dribble used to advance the ball up the court when there are no defenders blocking your path.

Spin Dribble: A change-of-direction move in which the dribbler's body is always kept between the ball and the defender.

Spin Move: In a spin move, the ballhandler spins his/her body to change the direction and put his body between the ball and the defender. The spin move can be used while dribbling (when it is also call . . . View Full Definition

Squaring Up: When a player's shoulders are facing the basket as he releases the ball for a shot; considered the best shooting position.

Starting Line-Up: The five players who begin a game for one team.

Stride Stop: Coming to a full stop by landing on one foot first and then the other foot.

Strong Side: The side of the court on which the ball is being controlled. If the ball is either passed or dribbled across court, then that side becomes the strong side.

Substitute: A player who comes into the game to replace a player on the court.

Swing Man: A player who can play both the guard and forward positions.

Tear Drop: The tear drop, also called a runner or a floater, is usually performed by undersized players (mainly point guards). A player usually starts the layup procedure a good distance away from the . . . View Full Definition

Technical Fouls: Also known as 't's.' Basically unsportsmanlike conduct; this can include vociferous trash talking between players, but most often involves abusive and insulting language directed at the refs . . . View Full Definition

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