Sports Glossaries
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airball

A shot that entirely misses the backboard, rim, and net.

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 stoppages of play when possession is in question. The possession arrow indicates which team gets the ball on the next such occasion.

assist

A pass to a teammate that leads directly to a field goal.

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backboard

A 6-by-4-foot rectangular structure of wood or fiberglass that holds the basket.

backcourt

1. The area from the center line to the baseline nearest the basket being defended by the team. 2. A team's guards, considered as a unit, as in, "Duke has an excellent backcourt."

backcourt violation

The failure to bring the ball from the backcourt into the frontcourt in the allotted 10 seconds; a violation. See also over and back.

backdoor play

A play on which an offensive player slips behind the defense along the baseline, usually from the weak side, to receive a pass.

ball

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

ball fake

A fake pass or shot.

ball handler

1) The player in control of the ball. 2) A player known for skillful handling of the ball.

bang the boards

To go after a rebound very aggressively.

bang the glass

Same as bang the boards.

bank shot

A shot on which the ball is bounced off the backboard.

baseline

1. One of the two lines that mark the lengthwise boundaries of the court. 2) A loosely defined area just inside the baseline, used in phrases such as, "He drove the baseline and made a layup."

baseline drive

A drive on which the player moves along the baseline toward the basket.

basket

1. The goal in basketball, made up of a metal rim 18 inches in diameter, suspended 10 feet above the floor, with a corded net 15 to 18 inches long. 2. A field goal.

basket interference

See goaltending.

bench

A team's substitutes, as in, "The Lakers have a very strong bench."

blind pass

A pass made without looking at the target.

block out

See box out.

blocked shot

A shot that is deflected from its course toward the basket by a defensive player before it has reached its highest point. See also goaltending.

blocking

Using any part of the body to block or impede an opponent's progress; a personal foul. Compare charging.

bonus free throw

An extra free throw awarded after the opposing team has exceeded a certain limit. In the National Basketball Association, the limit is five personal fouls per period. After that, a personal foul results in two free throws for the opponent who was fouled. In college basketball, the limit is seven fouls per half, after which the opposing team shoots one-and-one free throws.

bonus situation

A team is said to be in the bonus situation when it's entitled to bonus free throws.

bounce pass

A pass thrown to a teammate on one bounce.

box-and-chaser

A type of defense in which four players form a box, with two of them on each side of the free throw line, while the fifth is initially stationed near the top of the key and chases the ball as the opposition moves it around.

box-and-one

A defense in which four players form a box, with two of them on each side of the free throw line, and the fifth covers an opponent one on one.

box out

To position oneself between the basket and an opposing player in order to get a rebound. Also block out.

break

See fast break.

brick

A poor shot, usually thrown on a low trajectory, that bounces hard off the rim or backboard.

bucket

Another name for the basket or a field goal.

bunny

A very easy, uncontested shot.

bury

To sink a shot cleanly, as in, "She really buried that jumper."

buzzer beater

A shot that's made just before the buzzer sounds to signal the end of a period.

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cager

A basketball player; derived from the days when a wire mesh barrier surrounded the court to protect the fans from the players and vice versa.

carry the ball

To move with the ball without dribbling properly. See traveling.

center

A player who is generally in the center of the offense, usually the tallest player on a team, who takes the tip-off and is usually stationed in a post position on offense.

center circle

A 12-foot circle in the center of the court with a 4-foot jumping circle in its center, where a jump ball is held to start a period.

center line

A line midway between and parallel to the baselines that divides the court into halves. Also known as division line, midcourt line, ten-second line, and time line.

center official

When there are three referees working a game, the referee who is primarily responsible for action between the free throw line extended and the midcourt area marker. See also lead official; trail official.

charging

An offensive foul committed when a player runs into a defender who has established position and is essentially motionless. If the defender hasn't established position, it is blocking, a defensive foul.

charity stripe

The free throw line.

chest pass

A two-handed pass thrown from chest level.

clear-out

A play on which four offensive players position themselves on one side of the free throw line, thus clearing out the other side so the fifth player can go one-on-one against a defender.

coast to coast

The entire length of the court; used of a player's movement or a pass. E.g., "He took the rebound and went coast to coast for a lay-up at the other end."

collapsing defense

A defense, often some kind of zone, in which defenders converge on the opposing center whenever the ball is passed to him.

convert

To make a free throw.

cords

The net.

corner

An area near the intersection of baseline and sideline.

cornerman

A forward.

court

The playing area for a game of basketball, which varies in size, depending on the level of play. College and National Basketball Association courts are 94 feet long by 50 feet wide. The court used in international play is 91 feet, 10 inches, by 49 feet, 2 ¼ inches. The court is bounded by baselines and sidelines and is divided in half by a center line.

crash the boards

Same as bang the boards.

cripple

A very easy shot, typically a lay-up with no defenders nearby.

crossover dribble

A dribble on which the ball is moved across the body, from one hand to the other.

cut

A quick change in direction, to elude a defender or find an open area on the floor. As a verb, to make a cut.

cylinder

An area above the basket, outlined by the projection of the rim into space, where the ball cannot be touched by any player. See goaltending.

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dead ball

The ball is dead after an official whistle, after any score, and after it has gone out of bounds. It is then put back into play with a free throw attempt, a throw-in, or a jump ball.

defensive board

1) The backboard behind the basket a team is defending. 2) A defensive rebound.

defensive rebound

A rebound of an opponent's shot.

deny the ball

To prevent an opponent from getting the ball, often by fronting.

diamond-and-one

A defense in which four players form into a diamond shape, one on each side of the line, one near the basket, and one near the free throw, while the fifth defender covers an opponent one on one.

division line

See center line.

double dribble

A violation in which a player resumes dribbling after having stopped a dribble series, or dribbles the ball with both hands simultaneously.

double foul

The situation in which opponents commit simultaneous fouls against one another. A jump ball is held between the two players. Compare false double foul; multiple foul.

double post

An offensive set-up in which two players, typically the center and the power forward, are in post positions. They usually start in low post positions, one on each side of the basket, with one of them sometimes coming out to the high post as the ball moves around.

double pump

Two fake shots in rapid succession. Also used as a verb.

double team

To guard one opponent with two defenders. Also used as a noun.

downcourt

From the backcourt toward the frontcourt, or toward the basket at which the team is shooting.

downtown

Some distance from the basket, usually behind the three-point line.

dribble

To bounce the ball repeatedly with one hand, while moving or standing still. As a noun, the act of dribbling. See also carry the ball; double dribble; traveling.

dribble series

Any number of consecutive dribbles. A dribble series ends when the player allows the ball to rest in one or both hands or loses control of the ball. A player is allowed only one dribble series before passing or shooting.

drive

An aggressive move toward the basket with the ball. As a verb, to make a drive.

drop step

A move on which a player, back to the basket, takes a step back on the side of a defender behind him, then turns and drives past him on that side.

dunk

A shot on which the player leaps above the rim with the ball and pushes it into the basket from above. See also slam dunk.

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elbowing

Vigorous or excessive swinging of the elbows. Elbowing is a violation even if there's no contact with an opponent. If there is contact, it's a personal foul, and contact made above shoulder level can result in ejection from the game.

end line

See baseline.

establish position

To have the feet firmly planted on the floor, occupying an area, before the offensive player arrives in that area. The difference between blocking and charging is whether the defender has established position.

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fadeaway jumper

Same as fallaway jumper.

fallaway jumper

A jump shot on which the player jumps somewhat backward as well as up before launching the shot, to make it more difficult to block.

false double foul

A situation in which opposing players foul one another in succession, not simultaneously, with the second foul occurring before the ball has been put back into play after the first foul. Each foul carries a separate penalty. Compare double foul; false multiple foul; multiple foul.

false multiple foul

A situation in which a team commits two fouls in succession, with the second foul occurring before the ball has been put back into play after the first foul. Each foul carries a separate penalty. Compare double foul; false double foul; multiple foul.

fast break

1) A play on which a team moves the ball quickly downcourt toward the opposing basket in an attempt to get a quick, open shot by outnumbering the defense. 2) An overall strategy in which a team seeks to get as many fast breaks as possible in the course of a game.

field goal

A score made from the field during the course of play, worth 2 or 3 points, depending on the shooter's position. See also three-point field goal.

fill the lane

To move downcourt, on a fast break, in a path near a sideline in order to spread the defense.

Final Four

The four regional champions in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's annual championship tournament.

finger roll

A close range shot on which the shooter lets the ball roll gently off the fingertips toward the basket.

five

A basketball team, most commonly in a newspaper headline. E.g., "Georgetown five readies for Seton Hall."

five-second rule

1) A rule that a closely-guarded player cannot hold the ball for more than five seconds without dribbling, passing or shooting. 2) A rule that a player has five seconds to inbound the ball on a throw-in. After five seconds, the ball is given to the other team.

flagrant foul

Unnecessary or excessive contact against an opponent. The fouled player is awarded two free throws, the offended team then inbounds the ball, and the offending player may be ejected.

floor

1) The playing area, bounded by the baselines and sidelines. 2) The surface of the court.

floor violation

See violation.

forecourt

See frontcourt.

forward

One of two players who usually operate near a corner, on both offense and defense. See power forward; small forward.

foul

An infraction of the rules by a player, coach, or official that is not a violation. As a verb, to commit a foul. See personal foul; technical foul.

foul lane

See free throw lane.

foul line

See free throw line.

foul out

To be disqualified from a game for committing too many personal fouls. The limit is six in the National Basketball Association, five at other levels of play.

foul shot

See free throw.

foul trouble

When a player is close to the limit for personal fouls, he or she is said to be in foul trouble.

four-corner offense

A ball control offense in which players form a large box, with one player in each corner of the frontcourt and the fifth player near the free throw line. The players pass the ball around and set screens for each other. The chief object is to keep possession of the ball while taking time off the clock, but a player will often score out of the offense by making a quick move to the basket after the defense has been lulled by the continual passing.

four-point play

A three-point field goal on which the player is fouled in the act of shooting and makes the consequent free throw. Compare three-point play.

free throw

An undefended shot taken from the free throw line. Players from the two teams line up alternately on both sides of the free throw lane, with two players from the team that committed the foul closest to the basket. They aren't allowed to enter the lane or the free throw circle until the ball has touched the backboard, net, or rim. A successful free throw is worth one point.

free throw circle

A 12-foot restraining circle bisected by a free throw line, which is sometimes used for jump balls.

free throw lane

One of two painted areas between the baseline and the free throw line. The lane is 19 feet long and 16 feet wide in the National Basketball Association, 12 feet wide in college and high school play. Players must stay outside the lane during a free throw attempt and an offensive player cannot spend more than three seconds in the lane. See also free throw; three-second violation.

free throw line

One of two lines, 12 feet long and 2 inches wide, marked 19 feet from and parallel to the baseline (15 feet from the backboard), from which a player attempts a free throw.

free-throw line extended

An imaginary line through the free-throw line to the sidelines, which determines the location for some throw-ins.

front

To guard an opponent by playing between him and the ball.

frontcourt

1) The area from the center line to the baseline nearest the basket being attacked by a team. 2) A team's center and forwards, as a unit.

full-court press

A press that's applied all over the floor, beginning when the opposing team gets control of the ball in its own backcourt.

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game clock

The clock that shows the time remaining in the period. Compare shot clock.

give-and-go

A play on which a player passes to a teammate, then cuts toward the basket, ready to receive a return pass.

goaltending

Interfering with a shot while it is on its downward flight toward the basket, while it is on its upward flight toward the basket after having touched the backboard, or while it is in the cylinder above the rim. If committed by a defensive player, the shot counts. If committed by an offense player, it is a violation and the ball is awarded to the opposing team for a throw-in.

guard

1. One of two players who usually operate from somewhere behind the free throw line in the frontcourt when on offense. They are typically responsible for bringing the ball out of the backcourt, setting up plays, and taking outside shots. See point guard; shooting guard. 2. To follow an opposing player while on defense, attempting to prevent an open shot.

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hacking

A personal foul on which a player hits an opponent on the hand or forearm, usually while trying to knock the ball away.

half-court offense

The offense run by a team after getting the ball into the frontcourt. There are many different half-court offenses, but they're all based on using player movement and ball movement designed to get an open shot.

half-court press

A press that's applied as soon as the opposing team gets the ball into the frontcourt.

hand check

To use one or both hands, intermittently or continuously, on an opposing player, especially the ball handler. A personal foul.

hashmark

See midcourt area marker.

held ball

A situation in which two opposing players have joint possession of the basketball and neither can gain sole possession without being over-aggressive. The ball is blown dead; in the NBA, a jump ball is used to restart play, while college teams use the alternate-possession rule.

high post

An area in the frontcourt, near the free throw line, where the center is often positioned. See also double post; low post.

holding

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

hook shot

A one-handed shot on which the player is sideways to the basket and the ball is released above the head from the hand farthest from the basket.

hoop

The rim or basket.

hoops

The game of basketball, as in, "We played some hoops yesterday."

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in the paint

Descriptive of a location in the free throw lane, because it's painted a different color from the rest of the court.

inbound

To pass the ball on a throw-in.

inbounds pass

A pass used on the throw-in.

incidental contact

Minor, basically inadvertent contact, that is usually ignored by officials.

inside shot

A shot taken from near or under the basket.

intentional foul

A foul deliberately committed by a defensive player to stop the clock. In college basketball, the team that was fouled gets two free throw and possession of the ball.

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jam

See dunk.

jump ball

A method of putting the ball back into play at the beginning of the game and in various other situations. Two opponents face one another in one of the three restraining circles, the referee tosses the ball up between them, and they try to tip it to a teammate. All other players must remain outside the circle until the ball is touched.

jump hook

A hook shot launched while jumping.

jump shot

A shot on which the shooter jumps into the air and releases the ball from above the head, making it difficult to block.

jumper

A jump shot.

jumping circle

A 4-foot circle inside the center circle. On a jump ball, each player must have at least one foot entirely inside the jumping circle.

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key

The area encompassing the free throw circle and free throw lane; so name because it was shaped like a keyhole when the lane was narrower than the free throw circle.

keyhole

Original name for the key.

kicked ball

A violation that occurs when the ball strikes or is struck by a player's moving foot, which often happens accidentally when the player has extended a leg to stop a pass.

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lane

The free throw lane.

lane violation

1) Entering the free throw lane when the free throw is in the air but before it has touched the backboard, net, or rim. If committed by a player on the shooter's team, the free throw attempt is negated and the ball goes to the other team for a throw-in. If committed by a defensive player, it's ignored if the shot goes in but the shooter is allowed another free throw if the shot misses. 2) A three-second violation.

lay-in

A shot on which the shooter leaps up from near the basket and drops the ball gently in with one hand.

lay-up

Similar to a lay-in, except that the ball is banked in off the backboard.

lead official

The referee or official who is primarily responsible for action between the baseline and the free throw line extended. After a change in possession, when the ball begins to move toward the other end of the court, the lead official usually becomes the trail official.

lead pass

A pass thrown well ahead of a running teammate.

loose ball

The ball when it is in play but not in the possession of either team; e.g., when it is rolling along the floor or coming off the backboard after a missed shot.

low post

An area in the frontcourt, near the basket and on one side or the other of the free throw lane, where the center or a power forward is often positioned. See also double post; high post.

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man-to-man defense

A defense in which each player is responsible for guarding a specific opponent.

midcourt

The portion of the court between the midcourt area markers.

midcourt area marker

One of four lines extending 3 feet in from a sideline, 28 feet from and parallel to a baseline.

midcourt line

See center line.

moving pick

A personal foul on which a player is in motion while setting a screen and, as a result, comes into contact with an opponent.

multiple foul

The situation in which a player is fouled by two opponents at approximately the same time, with the second foul coming before the whistle has blown because of the first foul. Each foul carries a separate penalty. Compare double foul; false double foul; false multiple foul.

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net

A sleeve, 15 to 18 inches long, made of white mesh, that's suspended from the rim.

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offensive board

1) The backboard behind the basket a team is shooting at. 2) An offensive rebound.

offensive foul

A personal foul committed by an offensive player. In the National Basketball Association and international amateur play, the ball is awarded to the opposing team for a throw-in. In college and high school play, an offensive foul is treated like a defensive foul, unless it's committed by the player handling the ball. See player control foul.

offensive rebound

A rebound of a teammate's shot, or of one's own shot.

offensive team

The team in possession of the ball.

one-and-one

A free throw attempt awarded in certain situations in high school and college basketball in which the player gets a second free throw if the first attempt is successful.

one-on-one

Descriptive of a situation in which two opposing players confront one another with no assistance from teammates. It may arise on a one-player fast break against a single defender or when a team has cleared out the side of the court where the ball is located.

open shot

A shot taken by an undefended player.

OT

Abbreviation for overtime.

out of bounds

Outside of the playing area; beyond the sideline and/or the baseline. The ball is out of bounds when it touches the floor or any person or object that's out of bounds, or when it touches the back of the backboard or its supports. The team that last touched the ball is considered responsible and the ball is awarded to the other team for a throw-in.

outlet pass

A pass made immediately after a defensive rebound, typically to a teammate who is starting a fast break.

outside shot

A shot taken from some distance.

over and back

A violation on which a team has brought the ball into the frontcourt and then lets it return to the backcourt. As soon as a player from that team touches it in the backcourt, the ball is dead and is awarded to the opposing team for a throw-in.

over the limit

Descriptive of a team that has committed more fouls than allotted for a given period, thus putting the opposition in the bonus situation.

overplay

To focus on one side of an opponent being guarded, usually the player's strongest side, in order to force a move to or a shot from the other side.

overtime

An extra period played to decide the outcome of a game tied after regulation time. Overtime generally lasts five minutes and, if the score is still tied, the teams play another overtime period.

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paint

The free throw lane. See in the paint.

palming

Holding the ball in the palm of one hand. Palming is a violation when done while dribbling.

passing lane

An opening between defenders through which the ball can be passed to a teammate.

penalty situation

See bonus situation.

period

A segment of a basketball game. A National Basketball Association game consists of four 12-minute periods, or quarters. A college game is made up of two 20-minute halves.

perimeter

The area in the forecourt behind the free throw circle, from which outside shots are taken.

perimeter shot

A shot from the perimeter; an outside shot.

personal foul

A foul that involves physical contact between opposing players. Among the most common personal fouls are blocking, charging, elbowing, hacking, and holding. A player is disqualified from the game after committing six fouls in the National Basketball Association, five fouls at other levels of play. See also flagrant foul; intentional foul; offensive foul; technical foul; violation.

pick

Same as screen.

pick and roll

A play on which a player sets a screen, then pivots and heads toward the basket to receive a pass.

pivot

1) A synonym for post. 2) The center. Also pivot man.

pivot foot

The foot that must remain on the floor while the player has the ball. If a player gets control of the ball with both feet on the floor, either foot can become the pivot foot. If the player catches the ball while in the air, the first foot that hits the floor is the pivot foot. Once the pivot foot has been established, the player can take any number of steps with the other foot, provided the pivot foot remains in the same spot. Moving the pivot foot, except to leave the floor for a pass or a shot, is traveling.

pivot man

A team's center.

player control foul

In college and high school basketball, a foul committed by the player holding, dribbling, or shooting the ball. The penalty is always a throw-in for the opposing team, never a free throw.

playmaker

1) The player who usually works to set up plays for his teammates; almost always the point guard. 2) A player who consistently comes up with big plays when needed.

point

1) Basketball's basic scoring unit. A free throw is worth 1 point, a field goal 2 or 3 points, depending on whether it's shot from behind the three-point line. 2) The area in the frontcourt behind the free throw circle, where the point guard usually operates.

point guard

The player who usually brings the ball upcourt for his team and runs the offense. Compare shooting guard.

possession arrow

A sideline indicator at high school and college games that has a lighted arrow showing which team is next entitled to the ball under the alternate-possession rule.

post

A position just outside the free throw lane, either near the basket or near the foul line. See high post; low post.

post up

To establish a position in the low post, usually in order to take advantage of a smaller defender.

power forward

A strong, bulky forward who can score from near the basket and get rebounds. Compare small forward.

press

A defense that puts extreme pressure on the player with the ball, often using double teams, in an attempt to force bad passes and other turnovers. See full-court press; half-court press.

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quadruple double

To record double digit figures in four different categories. See also triple double.

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rebound

1) A carom of the ball off the backboard after a missed shot. 2) Gaining possession of the ball after it has come off the backboard. As a verb, to get a rebound. See defensive rebound; offensive rebound.

referee

One of two or three officials in charge of a game; they are responsible for calling all violations and fouls, levying penalties, and signaling valid field goals. See also center official; lead official; trail official; umpire.

reject

To block a shot.

restraining circle

There are three restraining circles on the basketball court: the two free throw circles and the center circle. When a player is attempting a free throw, no other player is allowed to enter the restraining circle until the ball hits the backboard, net, or rim. When a jump ball is being held, only the two players jumping are allowed in the restraining circle until the ball has been touched.

reverse dunk

A dunk that's made backward, over the shooter's head.

reverse layup

A layup that's made after the shooter crosses under the basket to lay the ball in from the other side, usually because the shot might have been blocked on the original side of attack.

rim

An 18-inch metal ring that's attached to a backboard and holds a net.

roll

Starting with the back to the basket, to make a quick turning motion around a defender, followed by a break to the basket. See also pick and roll.

runner

A shot taken by a player while running.

running jumper

A jump shot taken by a player while running.

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scoop shot

A shot taken with an underhand, scooping motion while moving toward the basket.

scorer

An official who keeps a running total of field goals, free throws, points, personal fouls, and technical fouls for each player and team. A player entering the game as a substitute must report to the scorer, who sounds a buzzer at the next dead ball to inform the referee. When a player has fouled out of the game, the scorer has to notify the nearest referee.

screen

To take a position in the anticipated path of the defensive player guarding a teammate in order to free the teammate to take an open shot or go to the basket. Also used as a noun.

set offense

See half-court offense.

set shot

A shot taken while stationary, without jumping; now virtually obsolete except at the free throw line.

shooting guard

A guard who is depended on to shoot more and handle the ball less than the point guard; often a good three-point shooter.

shot clock

A clock that indicates the amount of time a team has in which to take a shot. The time limit is 24 seconds in the National Basketball Association and in international play, 35 seconds in men's college basketball, and 30 seconds for collegiate women. A shot must go through the basket or touch the rim before time has expired.

sideline

One of the two boundary lines that run from baseline to baseline.

sixth man

A team's best substitute.

sky hook

A hook shot released from above the level of the rim.

slam dunk

A dunk on which the ball is thrown down very hard through the basket.

small forward

A forward who is typically smaller and quicker than the power forward, therefore more likely to play facing the basket and to take jump shots.

square up

To take a position looking at the basket, with the line between the shoulders forming a right angle with a line drawn to the center of the basket, preparatory to taking a shot.

stack

An offensive alignment in which two players set up in a low post position one side of the lane and a third player is in the low post on the other side. Most commonly used for throw-ins from behind the baseline.

steal

To take the ball away from an opponent.

steps

See traveling.

strong side

The side of the court on which the ball is located. Opposite of weak side.

stuff

See dunk.

swing man

A player who can be used at two positions, usually guard and forward.

swish

To make a shot that goes in without touching the rim or backboard.

switch

To temporarily swap defensive assignments with a teammate.

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T

Short for technical foul or time out.

tapoff

See tipoff.

team foul

A personal foul is charged to the team as well as the player (except for an offensive foul in the National Basketball Association). When a team commits a certain number of fouls in a specified period, the opposing team is awarded free throws for each personal foul. See bonus free throw.

technical foul

A type of foul usually called because of a procedural violation or misconduct not involving physical contact between players, although very violent contact is sometimes punished with a technical foul as well as a personal foul. Technical fouls are most commonly called for unsportsmanlike conduct, such as showing disrespect for an official through excessive argument or using profanity. In the National Basketball Association, the non-offending team is awarded a free throw and the team that was in possession of the ball at the time of the foul is given a throw-in. A player, coach, or team official is ejected after committing two technical fouls. In college basketball, the non-offending team is given two free throws and the ball for a throw-in.

ten-second line

Another name for the center line when the ten-second rule is in effect.

ten-second rule

The rule that a team, having gained control of the ball in its own backcourt, must bring it across the center line within ten seconds. Failing to do so is a violation. See also over and back.

three-point field goal

A field goal made from outside the three-point line and therefore worth three points. The shooter must have both feet entirely behind the line before shooting or jumping to attempt the shot.

three-point line

A semi-circle drawn around the center of the basket, with a radius of 23 feet, 9 inches in the National Basketball Association; 20 feet, 6 inches in international play; and 19 feet, 9 inches in college basketball.

three-point play

A two-point field goal followed by a successful free throw.

three-second rule

The rule that an offensive player can spend no more than three consecutive seconds within the free throw lane. Having any part of either foot on or inside the line is considered being in the lane.

three-second violation

A violation of the three-second rule.

throw-in

A method of putting the ball into play after it has gone out of bounds; after a score, a violation, or a personal foul for which no free throws are awarded; or at the beginning of a period, in some cases. The player making the throw-in has five seconds to pass the ball inbounds.

tie ball

See held ball.

time line

Another name for the center line.

tip in

To score a basket by tapping a rebound over and through the rim. Also used a noun.

tip-off

The jump ball used to start a game.

top of the key

The area behind the free throw line but inside or near the free throw circle.

transition

The shift from defense to offense when a team has gained possession of the ball in its own backcourt.

trail official

The referee or official who follows the ball upcourt after a change of possession, then works near the midcourt area marker. When the ball changes hands once more and begins to move back toward the other end of the court, the trail official usually becomes the lead official.

trailer

An offensive player who runs behind teammates on a fast break.

trap

A sudden double team on the ball handler. Also used as a verb.

traveling

A violation on which the ball handler takes too many steps without dribbling, drags or moves the pivot foot, or takes too many steps after having ended a dribble series. Also known as steps or walking.

triple double

The feat of scoring in double digits in three different categories, most often points, assists, and rebounds.

turnaround jumper

A jump shot on which a player who is facing away from the basket pivots, jumps, and shoots.

turnover

A loss of possession through a bad pass, a violation, or a steal by the opposition.

twenty-four second clock

The shot clock in the National Basketball Association.

two-shot foul

A foul for which the penalty is two free throws.

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umpire

One of the two officials in most international and high school basketball competition.

upcourt

Same as downcourt, oddly enough.

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violation

An infraction of the rules that doesn't result in a free throw; however, the ball is turned over to the opposing team for a throw-in. Also known as a floor violation.

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walking

See traveling.

weak side

The side of the court away from the ball. Opposite of strong side.

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zone defense

A defense in which each player is responsible for a specific area of the court and must guard any offensive player who enters that area. Illegal in the National Basketball Association.

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