Top Basketball Terms and Phrases Everyone Should Know (2024)

Even if you're new to basketball, it's likely that you know a bit about the basics of this classic sport. You dribble the ball, shoot the ball, and (hopefully) score. One challenge you may face is learning all the terms and phrases associated with it. That said, you can learn plenty of them in no time and relate more to other basketball players, couches, and fans. If you're truly interested in basketball, then it's about time you got to know these common basketball terms and phrases.

Knowing common basketball terms means you'll have more to offer than a blank stare the next time your friend asks you to set them up for an alley-oop. Basketball terms are a fundamental part of understanding basketball since each term is related to a different part of the game. Players and coaches alike get to know the most common basketball terms so they can better communicate with their team. Terms that are specific to basketball help players and coaches save time since they don't need to fully explain what they mean.

Here are the most important basketball terms and their definitions:

Airball: When you miss everything, including the rim, net, and backboard.

Alley-oop: A maneuver when a player passes the basketball high above the basketball rim. Then another player can catch the ball and do a slam dunk or drop the ball into the net in one motion.

And one: When a player is fouled as they are shooting. If the referee calls a foul on the defensive player who is guarding them, their shot counts and they receive a free throw.

Assist: When one player passes the basketball to another player and it directly leads to a basket.

Backboard: A rectangular board that the rim is connected to. It can be made of wood, Plexiglas, or tempered glass. Players typically aim for the box in the backboard when making a shot.

Backdoor: An offensive move where a player without the ball cuts behind a defender player to go to the basket.

Bank shot: When a player does a jump shot and it hits the backboard without hitting the rim, before going into the basket.

Block: When a player gets in the way of another player as they're shooting. They usually prevent the player from shooting by blocking with their hands.

Box out: When players widen their arms and stance when a shot goes up, so they have a better chance of getting the rebound.

Carry: When a player moves the ball without dribbling it properly.

Charge: An offensive foul that happens when an offensive player runs into a defensive player who already has an established position.

Drop Pass: When one player drops the ball to the floor so that it bounces about knee-high and their teammate can grab it.

Flop: When a player attempts to draw a foul on an opposing player by acting, fabricating or over-exaggerating the extent of contact.

Man-to-Man: When each player on defense chooses one person to guard on the other team.

Paint: The painted area that makes up the free throw lane. Also referred to as the key.

Post: The area outside of the paint or key where rectangular blocks are painted. This can be called the block.

Rebound: When a basketball player gets possession of the ball after a shot is missed.

Screen: An offensive move where a player without possession of the ball stands in front of a defensive player to get in their way. In order to avoid an offensive foul, called a moving screen, the offensive player has to be stationary during this strategy.

Swish: When a player makes a basket without the ball hitting the rim or anything else. Some refer to it as "nothing but net."

Three in the Key: A penalty that causes a turnover. It happens when an offensive player remains in the key for over three seconds.

Traveling: Is when a player takes too many steps without dribbling. It can also be called walking.

Turnover: When offense loses possession of the basketball and the other team gets it. This typically happens when offense passes the ball out of bounds or if they get a floor violation.

Zone Defense: A defensive strategy in which players guard a specific zone or area of the court instead of a specific player on the opposing team.

Common basketball slang

Whether you're on the court or watching from the comfort of your sofa, knowing basketball slang makes the game so much more enjoyable. It's a way to show your love for the game rather than looking like a fair-weather fan. Get to know these common phrases so you can keep up:

• Block city: When a player is able to consistently block their opponents.

• Dagger: This is a shot that a player takes at a pivotal part of the game, typically in the last few seconds. It often silences an otherwise rowdy crowd.

• Dropping dimes: This is when a player uses fancy passes.

• Granny shot: Taking your shot underarm rather than above the head.

• Making it rain: When a player constantly scores.

• Wedgie: When the basketball gets stuck between the basket and the backboard.

Now that you know some common basketball terms, phrases, and slang, you'll have an easier time communicating about the game. Start using these terms each time you talk about basketball to become more familiar with them.