Glossary of terms

Press, 15 May 1987, Page 18

Glossary of terms

Jargon is part of basketball. However, It has probably more than any other sport and is usually to describe certain aspects of playing the game.

Often a number of different terms are given to the same action and, of course, many terms have their origin in the rules of the game. Most of the terms originating from the rules have been omitted and where they are given, the fact that the term comes from the rules has been noted. When more than one term is used the most popular one has been defined. Assist: A pass to an open team-mate that results in an immediate score. Back door: A term used to

describe a cut by an offensive player towards the basket to the side of the defensive player away from the ball. It is mainly used when the offensive player is being overplayed or when the defence turns to look at the ball or in another direction. Blocking: "Is personal contact which impedes the progress of an opponent who is not in possession of the ball.” (Rules). f22Blocking out, blocking off, boxing out, cutting out: The positioning of the defensive player in such a manner as to prevent an offensive player from moving to the basket to gain a rebound. Charging: A personal foul caused by a player making

bodily contact by running into an opponent. Usually committed by an offensive player.

Double team: When two defensive players mark one opponent with the ball.. Usually a temporary measure.

Drive: The movement of an offensive player while aggressively dribbling towards the basket in an attempt to score.

Dunk: A shot in which a jumping player puts the ball down into the opponent’s basket from above.

Fall away: A method of performing certain shots and passes in which the player with the ball moves in one

direction as the ball moves in another.

Fast break (quick break): A fast offence that attempts to advance the ball to the front court before the defence is organised, with the object of achieving numerical superiority to give a good shot. Freezing the ball (stall): The action of a team in possession of a ball which attempt to regain possession without an attempt to score. Limited to 30 seconds and often used late in the game in an effort to protect a slight lead. Full court press: A pressing defence which works through the whole court not merely in. the defenders’ back court. See press. Half court press: A pressing defence which works in a teams’ back court.

Held ball: Is declared when two players of opposing

teams have one or both hands firmly on the ball.

High: A position played by an offensive player who plays in the area of court away from the end line near the free throw line.

Key (keyhole): The restricted area including the circle, derived from the original keyhole shape. Low: A position held by an offensive player operating in the area of court near to the end line or basket.

Man-to-man defence: A style of defence where each player is assigned to guard a specific opponent regardless, of where the player runs In his offensive manoeuvres.

Press: A defensive attempt to force the opposing team into making some kind of error and thus losing possession of the ball. It is accomplished usually by aggressive defence, double teaming, or harassing the ball handler with attempts to tie up the

ball. The press can be applied full court, half court or any other fractional part of the playing area and can be based on either man-to-man or zone principles.

Screen: A screen occurs when an offensive player attempts to prevent a defender from reaching a desired position or maintaining his defensive position. The screen is intended to impede the progress of the defender so that the offensive player he is marking has an unimpeded shot or a clear path to the basket. Trap: A "double team” in which two defenders attempt to stop a dribbler and prevent him from making a successful pass.