Basic Basketball Terminology Quiz

Basketball Terminology

• Assist: the last pass to a teammate leading directly to a field goal.
• Backboard: the rectangular structure attached to the basket.
• Backcourt: the area from the midcourt line to the end line furthest from the offense's basket.

Gameplay

• Blocking: using body position to prevent an opponent's advance; opposite of charging.
• Charging: an offensive foul when an offensive player runs into a defender who has established position.
• Crossover dribble: dribbling the ball across the body from one hand to the other.

Scoring and Rebounds

• Basket: attached to the backboard, corded net, used to refer to a successful field goal.
• Dunk: when a player close to the basket jumps and strongly throws the ball down into it.
• Defensive rebound: a rebound of an opponent's missed shot.
• End line: the boundary line behind each basket.

Defense and Fouls

• Defense: the act of preventing the offense from scoring; the team without the ball.
• Flagrant foul: unnecessary or excessive contact against an opponent.
• Floor violation: a player's action that violates the rules but does not prevent an opponent's movement or cause harm.
• Foul: actions by players that break the rules but are not floor violations.

Gameplay Stoppage and Restarts

• Dead ball: any ball that is not live, stopping play, resumed by a jump ball.
• Jump ball: used to start the game, all overtime periods, and sometimes to restart play.
• Loose ball: a ball that is alive, not in possession of either team.

Game Officials and Rules

• Officials: table officials, referee, and umpire who control the game, stop and start play, and impose penalties for violations and fouls.
• Out of bounds: the area outside of and including the end lines and sidelines.
• Overtime (OT): the extra period(s) played after a regulation game ends tied.

Game Concepts

• Fast break: begins with a defensive rebound, immediately sending an outlet pass toward midcourt to waiting teammates.
• High post: an imaginary area outside of the foul lane.
• Perimeter: the area beyond the foul circle, away from the basket.
• Possession: to be holding or in control of the ball.
• Rebound: when a player grabs a ball coming off the rim or backboard after a shot attempt.
• Shot clock: a clock that limits the time a team with the ball has to shoot it.