Basketball Terminology Quiz

Basketball Terms and Definitions

• To pass: The act of throwing or bouncing the ball to a teammate, crucial for offensive plays.
• To dribble: Bouncing the ball while walking or running; essential for maintaining possession and maneuvering on the court.
• To travel: A violation occurring when a player takes too many steps without dribbling the ball, resulting in a turnover.
• To shoot: Attempting to score by throwing the ball at the hoop; can include different styles like layups and jump shots.
• A turnover: When a team loses possession of the ball, often due to violations or defensive plays by the opposing team.
• A foul: An infraction involving illegal physical contact with an opponent; results in free throws or loss of possession.
• To be ejected: A player is removed from the game, usually due to a serious foul or unsportsmanlike conduct; often occurs after a player fouls out.
• The player fouled out: When a player accumulates a specific number of fouls (usually five or six), forcing their exit from the game.
• To assist: A pass that directly leads to a score, showcasing teamwork and offensive strategy.
• To steal: Gaining possession of the ball from an opponent, typically through good defensive timing and skill.
• To rebound: Collecting the ball after a missed shot, essential for gaining possession and initiating new plays.
• Give and go: An offensive play where a player passes the ball and immediately moves towards the basket to receive a return pass.
• Hook shoot: A one-handed shot taken while the player is facing away from the basket, often used by taller players.
• Jump shoot: A shot taken while jumping in the air, allowing for better angle and elevation to score.
• Field goal shoot: Any shot that counts for points (not free throws); can be worth two or three points.
• Slam dunk: A powerful shot where a player jumps and scores by forcefully putting the ball through the hoop; typically very exciting and visually impressive.
• Lay up: A close-range shot taken while moving toward the basket, often executed with little defensive pressure.
• Out of bounds: A state where the ball or player has crossed the boundary lines of the court, resulting in a stoppage of play.