A
- Assist: When a player passes the ball to a teammate who immediately scores a basket.
B
- Backboard: The rectangular board behind the rim that helps guide the ball into the basket.
- Ball Handler: The player who is in possession of the basketball and responsible for initiating offensive plays.
- Block: When a defender deflects or stops a shot attempt by an opposing player.
- Box Out: Positioning oneself between an opponent and the basket to gain better rebounding position.
- Buzzer Beater: A shot made just before the game clock expires, often resulting in a dramatic finish.
D
- Dribble: The act of bouncing the ball with one hand while moving.
F
- Fast Break: An offensive strategy where the team quickly advances the ball up the court to create scoring opportunities before the defense has a chance to set up.
- Foul: A violation committed by a player that results in a penalty or free throws for the opposing team.
- Free Throw: An uncontested shot taken from the free-throw line as a result of a foul. Worth one point.
J
- Jump Ball: A method used to start the game or resolve a tie-up situation, where the referee throws the ball up between two opposing players who attempt to gain possession.
L
- Layup: A close-range shot where a player uses one hand to release the ball off the backboard and into the basket.
M
- Man-to-Man Defense: A defensive strategy where each player guards a specific opponent.
O
- Outlet Pass: A long pass thrown by a rebounder to initiate a fast break.
P
- Pick-and-Roll: An offensive play where a teammate sets a screen for the ball handler, who then uses the screen to create scoring opportunities.
R
- Rebound: The act of gaining possession of the basketball after a missed shot.
S
- Steal: When a defensive player legally takes the ball away from an opponent.
T
- Three-Pointer: A shot made from behind the three-point line, worth three points.
- Turnover: When an offensive player loses possession of the ball without attempting a shot, resulting in a change of possession.
Z
- Zone Defense: A defensive strategy where players are responsible for guarding specific areas instead of individual opponents.
