Basketball Terminologies Quiz

Basketball Terminologies

• Air ball: A missed shot that does not touch the rim or backboard.
• Alive: Player with the ball who hasn't dribbled yet.
• Alternating Possession Rule: Possession arrow changes direction after each jump ball or held ball, impacting who gets the throw-in.
• Assist: A pass leading directly to a made basket by a teammate.

Core Components

• Backboard: The flat surface positioned behind the basket, connected to the rim.
• Backdoor: Offensive play where a player cuts behind defenders to receive a pass.
• Ball Handler: The player currently possessing the ball, typically regarding play initiation.
• Bank Shot: A shot that uses the backboard to bounce the ball into the basket.
• Basket: Refers to the rim and net; commonly known as “the hoop.”
• Basketball: A round ball made of rubber, leather, or synthetic material, available in three sizes (5, 6, or 7).

Fouls and Violations

• Charging: An offensive foul called when a player runs into a defender with established position.
• Double Dribble: A player dribbles, stops, and begins dribbling again, resulting in a turnover.
• Flagrant Foul: Excessive or unnecessary contact against an opponent.
• Foul: Breaks game rules leading to free throw opportunities or possession changes.
• Fouled Out: A player ejected from the game after accumulating five fouls.

Gameplay Dynamics

• Fastbreak: Quick ball movement down the court by the offensive team.
• Give and Go: Offensive play involving a pass followed by the passer cutting towards the basket.
• Goaltending: Interference with the shot while the ball is at or above the rim.
• In the Paint: Refers to the area under the basket, also called "the key."
• Outlet Pass: First pass made after a defensive rebound, initiating a fastbreak.

Shooting Techniques

• High Percentage Shot: Likely to score, generally taken closer to the basket.
• Jump Shot: A field-goal attempt with both feet off the floor to shoot over a defender.
• Lay-up or Lay in: A shot taken close to the basket, utilizing the backboard after driving to the basket.
• Lower Percentage Shot: Less likely to score, typically taken from a greater distance from the hoop.

Player Movements and Strategies

• Crossover Dribble: Moving the ball across the body from one hand to another.
• Cut: Quick movement by an offensive player to create scoring opportunities.
• Defensive Strategies: Involves guarding opponents to prevent scoring; "Sag" refers to a defender moving towards the basket.
• Squaring Up: Positioning the shoulders towards the basket for a successful shot release.

Game Control Terms

• Possession: Control of the ball by a player or team.
• Rebound: Retrieving the ball after a missed shot.
• Steal: Taking the ball away from an opponent.
• Technical Foul: Called for unsportsmanlike conduct or disregard for game spirit.

Additional Terms

• Half time: The break between two game halves, generally lasting about 5 minutes.
• Scrimmage: Practice game situation between team members.
• Substitute: A player entering the game to replace an active player.
• Switch: Defensive players exchange their assigned opponents during active play.