NFL Odds | BCS College Football Odds | World Series 2006 Free live Lines | Sports Betting Information | Gambling Information | Casino Games | Poker Gaming | Sports Forum

Basketball Terminology | A - B - C

A

Alive

A ball is alive when it is released by a shooter or thrower, or legally tapped by a jumper during a jump ball; the game clock starts only when the ball becomes alive; compare with live.

Alternating-possession rule

In college, the possession arrow changes direction after each subsequent jump ball situation, alternating which team gets possession for the throw-in.

Assist

The last pass to a teammate that leads directly to a field goal; the scorer must move immediately toward the basket for the passer to be credited with an assist; only 1 assist can be credited per field goal.

B

Backboard

The rectangular structure, 6' x 3 1/2', to which the basket is attached

Backcourt

The area from the midcourt line to the end line furthest from the offense's basket.

Ball handler

The player with the ball; usually the point guard at the start of a play.

Bank shot

A shot where the ball is first bounced (or banked) off the backboard at such an angle that it then drops into the basket.

Baseline

See end line.

Basket

Attached to the backboard, it consists of a metal rim 18" in diameter suspended 10' from the floor, from which a 15-18" corded net hangs, and through which points are scored; also used to refer to a successful field goal.

Beat the defender

When an offensive player, with or without the ball, is able to get past an opponent who is guarding him.

Blind pass

A pass from a ball handler who does not see his receiver, but is estimating where he should be.

Blocked shot

The successful deflection of a shot by touching part of the ball on its way to the basket, thereby preventing a field goal.

Blocking

The use of a defender's body position to illegally prevent an opponent's advance; the opposite of charging.

Boosters

Alumni supporters of college teams.

Boxing out

A player's attempt to position his body between his opponents and the basket to get rebounds and prevent the opponents from doing so.

Break

see fast break.

C

Center circle

The circular area at midcourt from which jump balls are taken.

Charging

An offensive foul which occurs when an offensive player runs into a defender who has established position.

Clear out

See one-on-one showdown.

Commissioner

The president of the NBA.

Court

The 94' x 50' area bounded by 2 sidelines and 2 end lines containing a basket at each end, on which a basketball game is played.

Court vision

A player's ability to see everything on the court during play - such as where his teammates and defenders are set up - which enables him to make better choices in passing; the best point guards possess this.

Crossover dribble

When a ball handler dribbles the ball across his body from one hand to the other.

Cylinder

The imaginary area directly above the basket where goaltending or basket interference can occur.