Magsino, Christian N Bsais 2A - A
Magsino, Christian N Bsais 2A - A
Magsino, Christian N Bsais 2A - A
BSAIS 2A
-- A –
Airball - A shot attempt that doesn't hit the rim or the backboard.
Alley-Oop - An exciting play involving a player catching a pass in the air and finishing
with a layup or dunk before landing back on the court.
Amoeba Defense - A junk defense made popular by coach Jerry Tarkanian at UNLV.
Similar to the 1-3-1 zone, the Amoeba defense is designed to confuse the opponent and
force turnovers.
And One - A phrase used when a player gets fouled on a made shot attempt. The player
then gets to go to the free-throw line and shoot one bonus free-throw.
Ankle Breaker - When an offensive player uses a dribbling move that results in the on-
ball defender stumbling or falling down.
Assist - A player is awarded an assist when they make a pass that leads directly to a
score by one of their teammates.
-- B --
Backboard - A rectangular board generally made of tempered glass that the rim is
attached to. The backboard prevents most missed shots from going out-of-bounds and
provides a wall the players can shoot the basketball off and into the basket.
Backcourt (area) - If referring to an area of the court, the backcourt is the half of the
court that a team is defending.
Backcourt (players) - The term backcourt can also be used to refer to the two guards
on a team. The point guard and the shooting guard.
Backcourt Violation - See 'cross-court violation'.
Backdoor Cut - An offensive play involving a player cutting behind their defender
towards the rim looking to receive a pass and finish with a score. This play is often
encouraged by coaches when a player's opponent is overplaying the passing lane.
Back Screen - An offensive play involving an off-ball player setting a screen on the back
of a teammate's defender. The screener's teammate will then cut towards the hoop
looking to receive a pass and finish at the basket.
Balance Hand - The non-shooting hand when going through the process of taking a
shot. The role of this hand is to balance the basketball on the shooting hand until the
basketball is about to be released.
Bank Shot - A shot that bounces off the backboard before falling through the basket.
Baseball Pass - A one-handed pass commonly used to throw a full-court pass to a
teammate sprinting down the court. This type of pass will be more powerful than a chest
pass but much less accurate.
Baseline - The line separating the playing area from out-of-bounds four feet behind the
backboard. Also known as the 'endline'.
Basket (equipment) - A circular hoop with a diameter of 18 inches that's attached to the
backboard. A team must pass the basketball through top of this hoop to score points.
Basket (score) - The term 'basket' can used when a player successfully scores a field
goal.
Basket Cut - An offensive action involving a player making an explosive cut directly
towards the hoop.
BEEF - An acronym used often by coaches teaching players how to shoot with correct
technique for the first time. B = Balance. E = Eyes. E = Elbow. F = Follow through.
Behind-the-Back Dribble - An advanced dribbling move involving a player moving the
basketball from one hand to the other by bouncing it behind their back. Often used when
a close on-ball defender would steal a basic crossover.
Behind-the-Back Pass - An advanced pass involving the player with the basketball
passing to a teammate by wrapping the ball behind their body.
Bench - The sitting area for the coaches and players who aren't currently on the court.
Both team's benches are located on the sideline at opposite ends of the court.
Bench Points - The number of points scored by all players on a team who started the
game on the bench.
BFC - The acronym for the Basketball For Coaches website. The only website you need
for everything about coaching basketball (shameless plug).
Big Man - A coach will often use the term 'big man' when referring to one of the taller
players on the team. Usually the center or the power forward.
BLOB - The acronym for a BaseLine Out of Bounds play. These are plays designed to
be used when the offense is passing the basketball into play from the offensive baseline.
Block (defensive play) - The term block can be used when a defensive player knocks
the basketball out of their opponent's hands or out of the air during an attempted field
goal.
Block (foul) - A player can be called for a blocking foul if they impede an offensive
players path without having established legal defensive position.
Block (court area) - There are two small rectangles located on the outside of the key
that coaches will refer to as the block.
Board - See 'rebound'.
Bounce Pass - A pass that is intentionally rebounded off the floor before reaching the
receiver. Players are generally taught to aim at the area of the floor 2/3 of the way to
their teammate.
Box Out - After a shot has been taken, coaches will encourage their players to box out.
This means making contact with the player they're guarding and establishing position
between them and the basket to put themselves in the best position to secure a
rebound.
Box and One - A defensive strategy commonly used against teams with one dominant
player. This defense involves playing one defender man-on-man against the dominant
offensive player and then setting up the four other defenders in a box zone.
Brick - A slang word given to a poor shot attempt that bounces hard off the rim or the
backboard.
Buzzer Beater - A shot attempted in the final seconds and made after the shot clock has
expired. The points will still count since the basketball left the shooter's hands before the
clock expired.
-- C --
Carry - A carry is a dribbling violation that occurs when a player continues their dribble
after placing their hand underneath the basketball.
Center - Also known as the '5'. The tallest player on the team is often referred to as the
'center'. This player's main responsibilities are to secure rebounds and defend the paint.
Center Court - The circle in the middle of the court where the jump ball takes place at
the start of every basketball game.
Charge - An offensive foul that's called when an offensive player runs into a defender
who has established position.
Charity Stripe - See 'free-throw line'.
Cherry Picking - People will use the term 'cherry picking' when a player who is meant to
be helping their team on defense hangs around the half-way line or the opponent's goal
waiting for a long outlet pass that leads to an open layup or dunk.
Chest Pass - This is the most common type of pass and involves one offensive player
making a two-hand pass from their chest to the chest of another offensive player without
the basketball touching the ground.
Closeout - A closeout is a defensive action that occurs when an offensive player
receives the basketball and their defender must sprint towards them to prevent the shot
while also attempting to prevent the offense from driving towards the hoop.
Corner - The corner is the small area of the court where the sideline meets the baseline.
There are often many three-point shots taken from this spot as it's an important area to
fill for team who want great spacing.
Court Vision - The term 'court vision' is used when a player has great ability to read the
play. Usually goes hand-in-hand with basketball IQ.
Cross Screen - A cross screen occurs when a player cuts to the opposite side of the
floor to set a screen for a teammate. This most often occurs in the paint.
Crossover - A dribbling move involving a player passing the basketball from in front of
their body from one hand to the other. This is the most common dribbling move and is
great for quickly changing directions.
Curl Cut - A curl cut occurs when a player who receives an off-ball screen uses the
screen and cuts towards the basket. This is a great action for an offensive player when
the defender follows them over the screen.
Cut - A quick sprint that can involve changing directions made by a player in an attempt
to get themselves free to receive a pass or clear out space for a teammate.
-- D --
Dagger - A slang term that can be used to describe a clutch shot made in the final few
seconds of the shot clock or the game.
Defense - The team on defense is the team without possession of the basketball. While
on defense, the team will attempt to prevent the opposition from scoring in their basket.
Defensive Stance - The players on defense should always be in defensive stance. This
involves keeping the knees bent and arms out wide. This puts a defender in the best
position to react quickly and steal the basketball.
Deflection - When a defender makes contact with the basketball but doesn't get the
steal, it is referred to as a deflection.
Diamond and One - A junk defense similar to the box and one. It involves one player
guarding the opposition's best player man-to-man and the other four defenders set up in
a diamond zone.
Double Dribble - This is a dribbling violation that occurs when a player dribbles the
basketball with two hands simultaneously or terminates their dribble and then begins to
dribble again.
Double Foul - An uncommon situation that occurs when two opponents commit a foul
against each other at the same time.
Double Screen - When two off-ball offensive players set a screen side-by-side. This
increases the distance the cutter's defender has to move to avoid the screen which will
give the offensive player who received the screen extra time to make a play.
Double Team - A double team occurs when two defensive players trap the player in
possession of the basketball. The goal is to get the basketball out of a great player's
hands or force the offensive player to make a poor pass that results in a steal.
Down Screen - A down screen is any screen that's set when when the screener has
their chest facing the baseline. This results in their teammate cutting away from the hoop
which is why it's often used to get shooters open.
Dr. James Naismith - The amazing man who first invented basketball back in January
1892. Thanks, Doc!
Drag Screen - A drag screen is an on-ball screen set by a trailing offensive player. This
screen is often effective because the screener's defender is out of position and unable to
provide help on the ball-handler.
Dribbling - The process of using one hand to repeatedly bounce the basketball off the
floor. This is the only legal way a player can move around the court while in possession
of the basketball.
Dribble Drive Motion - A motion offense developed by Vance Walberg. The offense is
designed to spread the floor and focuses on dribble penetration for a layup or passing
out to a teammate for an open shot.
Drive and Kick - An offensive action involving a player penetrating the defense to force
them to shift and then passing out to a teammate on the perimeter.
Drop Step - An offensive low post move involving the player with the basketball and
their back to the basket taking a large step back and to the side of their defender as they
turn towards the basket to create room for a shot.
Dunk - A dunk is an exciting play involving an offensive player slamming the basketball
forcefully through the hoop.
-- E --
Elbow - The 'elbow' is the area on the court where the lane line and the free-throw line
meet. There are four elbows on a full basketball court.
Elevator Screen - An elevator screen is a screen set by two players and involves the
player being screened cutting through the middle and then the two screeners closing the
screen by quickly stepping side-by-side.
-- F --
Face Up - See 'square up'.
Fadeaway - A basketball shot can be referred to as a 'fadeaway' when the shot is taken
while the player is jumping away from the basket. This shot requires a high level of skill
and is used to create space between the shooter and their defender.
Fast Break - After a change of possession, a team advances the basketball as quickly
as possible to attack the defense before they have been able to establish good
defensive position.
FIBA - FIBA is the acronym for 'Fédération Internationale de Basketball Amateur' which
is in charge of all international basketball competition.
Field Goal - A field goal is a shot made from anywhere on the court except for free-
throws. This includes both two-point shots and three-point shots.
Finger Roll - The finger roll is an advanced variation of a layup that involves a player
turning their palm up and rolling the basketball of the tips of their fingers. This can create
a 'soft' layup and also allow the shooter to finish with arc that negates a shot block
attempt.
Flagrant Foul - A foul involving contact that the referee deems to be intentional,
excessive, or unnecessary. The team who draws the flagrant foul will receive two free-
throws and possession of the basketball.
Flare Screen - A flare screen is an off-ball screen that allows a player to cut away from
the basketball to a spot around the perimeter. Similar to a back screen.
Flash - An quick offensive cut across the paint towards the basketball. Most effective
when a player can catch the defense off guard.
Flex (cut) - The flex is a cross screen immediately followed by a down screen. This is a
very common and effective action at all levels of basketball.
Flex (offense) - The flex offense is a continuity offense requiring great spacing and
smart players. This offense can be great for development as all 5 players must fill all 5
positions.
Floater - A type of shot often utilized by smaller guards to score at the rim against tall
defenders. The basketball is shot with a high arc to prevent a blocked shot.
Flop - When a player intentionally falls or stumbles to appear to have been fouled by an
opponent, we call it a 'flop'. This can be done by both defensive and offensive players.
Floppy - A basketball play often used for great shooters. Involves the shooter starting
under the rim with a single screen on one side and a staggered screen on the other. The
shooter can choose which side to cut on.
Four High - A basketball formation involving a player on each wing, a player on each
elbow, and a player with the basketball at the top of the key.
Four Low - A basketball formation involving a player in each corner, a player on each
low block, and a player with the basketball at the top of the key.
Foul - A violation of the rules usually involving illegal contact with a player of the
opposition.
Foul Line - See 'free-throw line'.
Four-Point Play - A four-point play is a rare event that occurs when a player is fouled
while successfully making a three-point shot and then makes their bonus free-throw.
Four Corners Offense - A delay offense used by teams before the shot clock was
added to the game of basketball. It involves one player with the basketball in the middle
of the court attempting to break down their defender while their teammates stand in the
corners.
Free-Throw - An uncontested shot 15 feet from the basket directly in front. Most free-
throws are awarded to players who have been fouled while shooting. Each free-throw is
worth one point.
Free-Throw Line - The free-throw line is 12 feet in length and located 15 feet from the
basket. This is the line that players stand behind to shoot free-throws.
Free-Throw Line Extended - This is an imaginary line that extends the free-throw line
to the sideline. Coaches will often refer to free-throw line extended when discussing
offense or defense.
Frontcourt (area) - If referring to an area of the court, the frontcourt is the half of the
court in which a team attempts to score.
Frontcourt (players) - The term frontcourt can also be used to refer to the two forwards
and the center on a team. The small forward, power forward, and center.
Full-Court Press - A defensive strategy involving the defense pressuring the basketball
for the entire length of the court. A full-court press can be either man-to-man or zone.
For example, the 1-2-1-1 press.
Jump Ball - See 'tip off'.
-- G --
Give and Go - An offensive play involving the player with the basketball making a pass
to a teammate and then cutting towards the rim and receiving a return pass.
Goal Tending - A goal tending violation is called when a player on defense touches the
basketball when it's on the downward flight after a shot. When this happens, the basket
is counted. A goal tending violation is also called if a player touches the basketball while
it's above or on the rim.
Grinnell Offense - A unique offensive strategy developed by coach Dave Arseneault at
Grinnell College. It's a high-pace and high-scoring offense usually involving the offense
attempting a three-point shot within the first 5 - 7 seconds of the shot clock.
Guide Hand - See 'balance hand'.
-- H --
Hand-Off - An offensive action involving one player handing the basketball to a
teammate.
Hedge - A 'hedge' is a common pick-and-roll defense. It involves the screener's
defender stepping out to meet the ball-handler and force them to dribble wide while the
on-ball defender recovers.
Hesitation Dribble - An advanced dribbling move involving the ball-handler quickly
slowing down and then exploding past their defender.
Hook Shot - A one-handed shot involving the player with the basketball turning side on
to the basket and then extending their shooting arm and flicking the basketball over their
head towards the basket. A very difficult shot to block.
-- I --
Illegal Screen - Any player who sets a screen must be stationary when the defender
they're screening makes contact with them. If they're not, an illegal screen will be called.
Inbounds Pass - The basketball term 'inbounds pass' is used when a player on offense
passes the basketball into the court from out-of-bounds.
Intentional Foul - A foul involving a defensive player making deliberate contact with a
player of the opposition team.
Isolation - An offensive tactic involving one player with the basketball being left alone on
one side of the court while their teammates clear out to the other side of the court. This
is often used when a player has a favourable one-on-one matchup.
-- J --
Jab Step - From triple threat position, a player takes a quick step towards the basket
while keeping their pivot foot planted. The jab step is used to see how the defense will
react and possibly create an advantage for the offensive player.
Jump Ball - Used to start every basketball game. Involves the referee throwing the
basketball up in the center of the court between two players who jump and attempt to tap
the basketball to a teammate.
Jump Shot - A shot taken by jumping up in the air and releasing the basketball at the
peak of the jump.
Jump Stop - A jump stop is used to come to a complete stop after dribbling or after
receiving a pass. It involves both feet hitting the floor simultaneously.
Junk Defense - A junk defense is a combination of man-to-man defense and a zone
defense. For example, a box and one or a triangle and two.
-- K --
Key - The rectangular area under the basket and the free-throw circle. Originally referred
to as the 'key' because the lane lines were closer together than the width of the free-
throw circle which gave off the appearance of a key hole.
-- L --
L-Cut - A cut made in the shape of an 'L'. Usually from the low block up the lane line to
the elbow and then cutting out to the wing. Some coaches use the term 'L-Cut' when
referring to cutting around the perimeter, too.
Layup - A close-range shot taken when attacking the basket. Usually involves the
shooter banking the basketball off the backboard.
-- M --
Man-to-Man Defense - A defense that involves all players matching up and taking
responsibility of guarding one player on the opposition team. It is a team defense and
players are required to help each other, but all players have a specific opponent they're
defending.
Midrange - A midrange is a jump-shot that's taken anywhere between the three-point
line and the key area. This shot is worth two points.
Mid-Court Line - See 'half-court line'.
Mismatch - When an offensive player has an advantage over the defender that's
currently guarding them. When this happens, the offense will usually look to isolate this
matchup on the wing or in the low post.
Mover Blocker Offense - This offense was developed by coach Dick Bennett. In this
offense, some players are 'movers' (scorers) and some players are 'blockers'
(screeners).
NCAA - The acronym for the National Collegiate Athletic Association. A non-profit
organization in charge of all college sports.
NFHS - The acronym for the National Federation of State High School Associations. In
charge of writing the competition rules for all high shool sports.
No-Look Pass - This is an advanced pass that involves the player with the basketball
looking one direction and pass another direction. This highlight play is designed to trick
the defense.
-- O --
Offense - The team on offense is the team with possession of the basketball. While on
offense, the team will attempt to score in their opponent's basket.
Officials - The people in charge of keeping the game under control and enforcing the
rules of the game.
On-Ball Defense - When an offensive player has the basketball, the defender guarding
them and pressuring the basketball is playing on-ball defense.
One-Pass Away - Coaches will use the term 'one-pass away' when they're speaking
about team defense. A defender one-pass away is defending the player next to the
basketball.
Open Post - The term used when there are no offensive players attempting to post up
on the low block. When most coaches talk about open post, they're referring to the 5-out
motion.
Outlet Pass - After a defensive rebound, the immediate pass to a teammate to start a
fast break is called an outlet pass.
Overhead Pass - An overhead pass is a two-handed pass made from above the head of
an offensive player. This pass is effective for passing over the top of the defense.
Overtime - If a game is tied after the end of regulation, teams will often play a 5-minute
overtime period to determine a winner.
-- P --
Paint - The rectangular area located below the hoop that extends to the free-throw line.
This area is usually painted a different colour to the rest of the basketball court which is
where it gets its name.
Pass Fake - A quick movement where a player pretends to pass to a teammate by
looking at them and making a quick passing motion while keeping hold of the basketball.
Passing Lane - An imaginary line between two offensive players that the basketball
would follow if a pass was thrown.
Pinch Post - Pinch post is an action that occurs when the basketball is passed to the
weak side elbow while there are no other players on that side of the floor.
Pivot - When a stationary player has possession of the basketball, they're allowed to
move one foot around as long as their other foot stays in contact with the floor at all
times. This is called pivoting.
Pivot Foot - The foot that stay in contact with the floor while a player is pivoting is
known as the pivot foot.
Playmaker - A player is referred to as a 'playmaker' when they have the ability to create
open shots for their teammates or give them an advantage on offense to score. Usually
the point guard.
Point Guard - Also known as the '1'. One of the five positions on the court. The point
guard is usually tasked with dribbling the basketball up the court, initiating the offense,
and controlling the tempo of the game.
Possession Arrow - Usually a wooden or plastic arrow that sits on the scorer's table.
Many leagues use a possession arrow to determine who starts each quarter with the
basketball and who takes possession when a jump ball is called.
Post Up - A player posts up by establishing position close to the ring (usually on the low
block) with their back to the basket and their chest facing the perimeter ready to receive
a pass.
Posterize - A slang term used when an offensive player makes a highlight dunk over an
opposition player.
Power Forward - Also known as the '4'. One of the 5 positions on the court.
Traditionally, the power forward plays very similar to the center by playing in the post
and rebounding the basketball. In today's game, we're seeing less post play and more
outside shooting from this position.
Press - An organised basketball defense in which the team on defense pressures the
opponent full-court in an attempt to force a turnover.
Pump Fake - See 'shot fake'.
Put Back - When a player on the offensive team grabs an offensive rebound and then
immediately scores a field goal in the paint.
-- Q --
Quadruple-Double - A rare stat line where a player reaches double-digits in four
offensive categories. For example, 15 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, and 13 steals.
-- R --
Ram Screen - Coaches will use the term 'ram screen' when an off-ball screen is set that
leads directly into an on-ball screen. This is an effective action because it's very difficult
for the screener's defender to get back in position quickly to play help defense.
Read and React Offense - Developed by Rick Torbett, the Read and React offense is a
positionless, continuity offense that allows players to read the defense and make
decisions.
Rebound - A 'rebound' is a stat that's awarded to the player who gains possession the
basketball after a missed field goal attempt. A rebound can be either offensive (rebound
by a player on offense) or defensive (rebound by a player on defense).
-- S --
Scorekeeper - An official responsible for filling out a scoresheet throughout the game.
This requires them to keep track of points scored, fouls, and timeouts.
Screen - A screen involves a player setting a stationary block on their teammate's
defender. The goal of a screen is to give their teammate space that may lead to an open
shot or simply to receive a pass that puts them at an advantage.
Screen-the-Screener - A term used when a player receives a screen from a teammate
immediately after setting a screen for another teammate. This is a very difficult action for
the defense to guard.
Scrimmage - The term used for an unofficial game of 5-on-5. Scrimmages are most
often ran towards the end of practices and involve players on the same team competing
against each other.
Shooting Guard - Also known as the '2'. One of the 5 positions on the court. This player
is usually the team's best shooter from the perimeter.
Shooting Range - A player's shooting range is the maximum distance away from the
hoop that the player can consistently make shots.
Short Corner - An area of the basketball court between the corner and low block. While
there's nothing to mark this area, it's an advantageous spot for the offense to occupy
especially against zone defense.
Shot Clock - A shot clock is an electronic countdown timer used to increase the pace of
a basketball game. The timer is usually set at 24 - 35 seconds in length and the team on
offense must attempt a field goal before the shot clock expires.
Shot Clock Violation - If a team is unable to attempt a shot before the shot clock
expires, a shot clock violation is called and the offensive team loses possession of the
basketball.
Shot Fake - An advanced move where the player in possession of the basketball
pretends to shoot. This move is designed to trick the defense and get them to raise out
of their stance or jump which will then put the offensive player at an advantage to dribble
past them.
Sideline - The boundary lines that separate the playing area from out-of-bounds on the
side of the court.
Sixth Man - A player who starts the game on the bench but is the first player to
substitute on court and replace a starter.
Skip Pass - A pass made over the defense from one side of the court to the other. For
example, from the corner to a player on the opposite wing.
SLOB - The acronym for a SideLine Out of Bounds play. These are plays designed to
create an open shot for the offensive team when the basketball is being passed in from
the sideline in the frontcourt.
Slot - An area of the court located to the left and right of the top of the key. The slot is a
position that must be filled during the 4-Out Motion or when running any offense with a
two-guard front.
Small Forward - Also known as the '3'. One of the five positions on the court. Small
forwards are known for their versatility as they're able to contribute in multiple areas.
They're able to rebound the basketball while also capable of dribbling the basketball up
the court if necessary.
Split Line - An imaginary line that extends from one basket to the other directly down
the middle of the court. This is a useful line to refer to when coaching the defensive end
of the floor.
Strong Side - When splitting the court in half vertically (basket to basket), the strong
side is the side of the court the basketball is located on.
Spacing - A term you'll often hear coaches say when they believe their players are too
close together on offense. Great spacing is when all offensive players are 15 - 18 feet
from each other.
Spin Dribble - An advanced dribbling move involving the player with the basketball
reversing their body 360 degrees. This allows the dribbler to keep their body between
the basketball and their defender.
Square Up - When a player catches the basketball on the perimeter, they 'square up' to
the hoop by turning so that their feet, hips, and shoulders are aligned. This puts them in
the position to shoot, pass, or dribble at any moment.
Staggered Screen - A staggered screen occurs when two players set off-ball screens
for one of their teammates. The two screeners are positioned facing the same direction
but not next to each other.
Steal - The basketball term steal is used when a player forces a turnover from an
opponent by taking the basketball from them or deflecting a pass.
Stride Stop - A variation of the jump stop. But instead of both feet touching the ground
simultaneously, in a stride stop one foot hits the ground before the other.
Substitution - When a player who was off the court swaps with a player on the court, it's
called a substitution. A 'sub' for short.
Swish - The term swish is used when a player makes a shot that doesn't hit anything
except the net.
Switch - A defensive strategy usually occurring when a screen is set that involves two
defensive players swapping which player they're guarding.
-- T --
Technical Foul - A technical foul is called when a coach or player brings the game of
basketball into disrepute and is not made in relation to contact. This could be actions like
yelling at a referee, flopping, kicking a basketball, using inappropriate language, holding
onto the rim after a dunk, etc.
Three-Pointer - As the name suggests, a three-pointer is worth three points and is a
field goal from behind the three-point line.
Three-Point Line - The three-point line is an arc at each end of a basketball court
surrounding each hoop. The distance of this line will vary depending on the level of
basketball played (between 19 and 24 feet) but all shots taken from behind the three-
point line are worth three points.
Three-Point Play - A three-point play is when a player scores a two-point basket while
being fouled. They then go to the free-throw line and if they make the bonus free-throw
it's called a three-point play.
Through-the-Legs Dribble - An advanced dribbling move involving a player moving the
basketball from one hand to the other by bouncing it between their legs. This is a great
way to keep the basketball protected from your opponent while changing directions.
Throw In - The process of passing the basketball from out of bounds into the court.
Timeout - Coaches have a certain number of timeouts per quarter or half depending on
the league their coaching in. Timeouts are used to rest players, motivate the team, make
substitutions, change strategy, etc.
Transition - The term 'transition' is used to describe the movement from offense to
defense or defense to offense after a change of possession.
Travel - A traveling violation is difficult to describe in writing, but is in place to prevent
players from taking more than one step while holding the basketball. This rule also
prevents players from moving or changing their pivot foot once it’s been established.
Triangle and Two - A defensive strategy used against teams with two dominant players.
This defense involves playing two defenders man-to-man and then creating a triangle
zone with the three other defenders.
Triangle Offense - The triangle offense is a continuity basketball offense that combines
perfect spacing with a series of actions based on player decisions resulting in a beautiful
basketball offensive system.
Triple Double - The word 'triple-double' is used when a player scores in double-digits in
three positive statistical categories. For example, 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 10
assists.
Turnover - A turnover occurs when a players loses possession of the basketball before
a shot attempt. This most often occurs due to a poor pass or a violation.
-- U --
UCLA Cut - A UCLA cut involves a player on the perimeter making a pass to the wing
and then cutting to the strong-side block off a screen on the high post (elbow).
UCLA Screen - The UCLA screen is the back screen that allows a perimeter player to
perform a UCLA cut. This screen is set on the elbow of the high post.
Up-and-Under - An offensive low post move involving a post player with their back to
the basket faking a turnaround jump shot and then stepping in for the layup when the
defender leaves their feet.
-- V --
V-Cut - A v-cut is the most common type of cut used to get open on the perimeter. It
involves a player cutting inside the three-point line, planting their foot, and then
exploding back out to the perimeter to receive a pass or fill an open spot.
Violation - An infraction of the rules that isn't a foul. This will usually be called against
the team on offense and results in a loss of possession. For example, a double-dribble
violation or a 5-second violation.
-- W --
Weak Side - The side of the court opposite of where the basketball is currently located.
Wing - An area of the court located at the intersection of free-throw line extended and
the three-point line.
-- Z --
Zipper Cut - A 'zipper cut' is a cut made by a player from the low block straight up to the
slot area behind the three-point line.
Zone - A defensive strategy coaches will use that require defenders to guard specific
areas of the court instead of opposition players.
Reference:
https://www.basketballforcoaches.com/basketball-terms/