Basketball – U-Media

Basketball – Glossary

GAME BASICS

Backboard	The rectangular board behind the basket that players use to bank shots.
Basket	The hoop and net where players score points by shooting the ball.
Free Throw Line	The line from which free throws are taken, located 15 feet from the basket.
Game Clock	The main timer that counts down the time remaining in each quarter or overtime period.
Overtime	An additional period played if the game is tied at the end of regulation, lasting 5 minutes.
Quarter	One of the four equal periods into which a basketball game is divided, each lasting 10 minutes.
Rim	The circular metal hoop attached to the backboard that players aim to shoot through.
Shot Clock	A timer that limits the amount of time the offensive team has to attempt a shot, typically 24 seconds.
Three-Point Line	The arc on the court, shots made from beyond it are worth three points.
Timeout	A break in play requested by a coach to discuss strategy or rest players.

POSITIONS

Center	Often the tallest player on a team, typically positioned near the basket for rebounds and blocks.
Point Guard	The primary ball handler and playmaker, responsible for directing the team’s offense.
Power Forward	A player known for physicality, typically playing close to the basket on offense and defense.
Shooting Guard	A player primarily responsible for scoring, often skilled at shooting from long range.
Small Forward	A versatile player who contributes in scoring, defense, and playmaking.

GAMEPLAY ACTIONS

Alley-Oop	A play where one player throws the ball near the basket, and a teammate catches and scores in mid-air.
Assist	A pass that leads directly to a teammate scoring a basket.
Block	A defensive move where a player stops or deflects an opponent’s shot.
Buzzer Beater	A shot made just before the game or shot clock expires.
Coast-to-Coast	A play where a player dribbles the ball the entire length of the court to score.
Dunk	A powerful shot where the ball is slammed directly into the basket.
Fast Break	A quick offensive play where a team moves the ball down the court to score before the defense sets up.
From Downtown	A term referring to a shot taken from long distance, beyond the three-point line.
Halfcourt Shot	A long-distance shot attempted from the halfcourt line or farther.
Inbounding	The act of putting the ball back into play from out of bounds.
Jump Ball	The method used to start the game, where the referee tosses the ball into the air for players to jump and gain possession.
Jump Shot	A shot taken while a player is in mid-air, usually from midrange or long distance.
Layup	A close-range shot taken while moving toward the basket.
Midrange Jumper	A shot taken from the area between the paint and the three-point line.
Rebound	When a player retrieves the ball after a missed shot.
Screen	An offensive move where a player positions themselves to block a defender, allowing a teammate to move freely.

VIOLATIONS & RULES

Backcourt Violation	A rule violation where the offensive team crosses the half-court line and then moves the ball back into their own backcourt.
Charge	A foul called on an offensive player who runs into a stationary defender that has established position.
Defensive 3 Seconds	A defensive violation where a player stays in the painted area for more than three seconds without actively guarding an opponent.
Double Dribble	A violation where a player dribbles, stops, and dribbles again.
Goaltending	A violation where a defensive player touches the ball while it is on its way down toward the basket or is directly above the rim. It results in a counting basket.
Halfcourt Violation	A rule violation where a team fails to advance the ball past the halfcourt line within the allowed time (8 seconds).
Moving Screen	A violation where a player setting a screen does not stay stationary and moves to block the defender.
Offensive 3 Seconds	A rule violation where an offensive player remains in the painted area for more than three seconds without attempting to score.
Technical Foul	A penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct or rule violations, resulting in free throws for the opposing team.

COURT AREAS

Backcourt	The half of the court containing the opponent’s basket or the guards on a team.
Frontcourt	The half of the court containing a team’s offensive basket.
Paint	The rectangular area near the basket, also known as the “key” or “lane,” where most close-range scoring and rebounding occur.

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