Plain-language reference

The basketball glossary

Learn the words coaches, teammates, officials, and broadcasts use—without needing another definition to understand the first one.

Definitions here explain common usage. Exact rule language and statistics can differ by league, so use your competition’s current rulebook when a call or eligibility question matters.

Reference

Court and scoring

Backboard: The rectangular surface behind the rim. Players may use it to guide bank shots and layups.
Baseline: The boundary line behind each basket. It is also called the end line.
Elbow: The area where the free-throw line meets the side of the lane.
Free-throw line: The line used for uncontested foul shots and a common reference point for offensive spacing.
Key or lane: The painted rectangular area in front of the basket. Timing restrictions in this area vary by rule set.
Paint: A common name for the key or lane, even when the court area is not actually painted.
Three-point line: The arc beyond which a legal made field goal counts for three points. Its distance varies by league.
Wing: An area on either side of the court between the corner and the top of the key.

Reference

Offense

Assist: A pass that directly helps a teammate score. Exact statistical judgment varies by league.
Backdoor cut: A sharp cut behind a defender who is overplaying the passing lane.
Closeout: The defender’s controlled approach to a player who has just received the ball, especially a shooter.
Dribble handoff: An action where a ball handler transfers the ball directly to a moving teammate.
Pick and roll: A two-player action: one player screens the defender, then moves toward the basket as the ball handler attacks.
Pivot: Keeping one foot anchored while stepping with the other to protect the ball, pass, or create an angle.
Screen: A legal stationary position used to delay a defender and create space for a teammate.
Spacing: How offensive players position themselves to create useful passing and driving lanes.

Reference

Defense and rebounding

Box out: Making legal body contact and holding position between an opponent and the basket before pursuing a rebound.
Deflection: A defender touching a pass or dribble without necessarily gaining possession.
Drop coverage: A ball-screen defense where the screener’s defender stays closer to the basket to protect the paint.
Help defense: Leaving your assigned player temporarily to stop a more immediate scoring threat.
On-ball defense: Guarding the player who currently controls the ball.
Rebound: Gaining possession after a missed field goal or free throw.
Switch: Two defenders exchange assignments during an offensive action such as a screen.
Weak side: The side of the court away from the ball, where defenders must balance help and recovery.

Reference

Rules and game flow

And-one: A made field goal on which the scorer is fouled and receives one additional free throw.
Bonus: A team-foul situation that awards free throws for certain non-shooting fouls. Thresholds vary by league.
Double dribble: A violation usually called when a player ends a dribble and illegally starts another.
Jump ball: A method for beginning or restarting play. Some leagues use alternating possession after the opening tip.
Possession: The period during which one team controls the ball until a shot, turnover, or other change of control.
Shot clock: A timer limiting how long an offense may control the ball before attempting a qualifying shot.
Traveling: Illegal movement of the feet while controlling the ball without a legal dribble.
Turnover: Any play that gives the other team possession before the offense scores.