- Alley-Oop: A play where one player throws the ball near the basket, and another player jumps, catches it, and scores in one motion.
- And-One: A situation where a player makes a basket while being fouled and is awarded a free throw.
- Assist (AST): A pass that leads directly to a score.
- Backcourt: The half of the court where a team’s offensive plays start, opposite the opponent’s basket.
- Basket: The hoop and net through which points are scored; can also refer to a successful shot.
- Box Out: Positioning oneself between an opponent and the basket to secure a rebound.
- Crossover: A dribbling move where a player quickly shifts the ball from one hand to the other to change direction.
- Defensive Rebound: A rebound secured by the defending team after a missed shot.
- Dunk: A shot where a player jumps and scores by putting the ball directly through the hoop.
- Fast Break: An offensive strategy where a team attempts to score quickly before the defense can set up.
- Field Goal (FG): A basket made from anywhere on the court, excluding free throws.
- Flagrant Foul: A severe personal foul that involves excessive or intentional contact.
- Free Throw (FT): A shot awarded after a foul, taken from the free-throw line without opposition.
- In the Paint: The area near the basket, often associated with post play.
- Iso (Isolation): An offensive play where a player is given space to create their own shot in a one-on-one situation.
- Jump Shot: A shot taken while jumping, typically from a standing position.
- Layup: A shot taken close to the basket, often banked off the backboard.
- Mid-range: Shots taken from the area between the three-point line and the paint.
- Offensive Rebound: A rebound secured by the offensive team after a missed shot.
- On-Ball Defense: Defensive pressure applied directly to the player with the ball.
- Pick and Roll: An offensive play where one player sets a screen for another and then rolls toward the basket for a pass.
- Point Guard (PG): The player responsible for directing the team’s offense, often the primary ball-handler.
- Power Forward (PF): A forward position that typically plays close to the basket and is strong on rebounds.
- Press Defense: A defensive strategy that applies pressure to the opposing team full-court.
- Rebound: The act of retrieving the ball after a missed shot attempt.
- Screen: A stationary player blocking a defender to free up a teammate.
- Sixth Man: A key player who comes off the bench to contribute significantly to the team.
- Shot Clock: A timer that counts down from 24 seconds (in the NBA) within which a team must attempt a shot.
- Shooting Guard (SG): A position typically responsible for scoring and shooting from the perimeter.
- Small Forward (SF): A versatile player who can score and defend, often a mix between guards and forwards.
- Swish: A shot that goes through the basket without touching the rim or backboard.
- Technical Foul: A foul involving unsportsmanlike conduct or violations of game rules that does not involve physical contact.
- Three-Point Line: The arc beyond which a shot is worth three points.
- Turnover (TO): When a team loses possession of the ball to the opposing team, often through mistakes.
- Triple-Double: A performance where a player achieves double digits in three statistical categories (e.g., points, rebounds, assists) in a single game.
- Zone Defense: A defensive strategy where players are responsible for guarding specific areas rather than individual opponents.
- Buzzer Beater: A shot taken just before the game or quarter buzzer sounds, which counts if it goes in.
- Transition: The phase of play where a team moves quickly from defense to offense.
- Half-Court: The midline of the court; can refer to plays or shots taken from this area.
- Post Up: A move where a player positions themselves near the basket to receive the ball and score.
- Turnaround Jumper: A shot taken while spinning away from a defender, typically from the post position.
- Defense: The actions taken by a team to prevent the opposing team from scoring.
- Fast Break: An offensive play where a team pushes the ball up the court quickly to score before the defense is set.
- Hook Shot: A one-handed shot taken while moving toward the basket, often with a sweeping motion.
- NBA: National Basketball Association, the premier professional basketball league in the U.S.
- Transition Defense: The defensive strategy employed when transitioning from offense to defense.
- Pump Fake: A move where a player fakes a shot to get the defender to jump, then drives or shoots.
- Cut: A quick movement by a player without the ball to get open for a pass.
- Backdoor Cut: A move where an offensive player cuts behind a defender to receive a pass near the basket.
- Dribble: The act of bouncing the ball on the floor while moving or stationary.
This list includes a wide range of terms used in basketball, covering various aspects of the game.