Air Ball – A shot that misses both the rim and the backboard completely.

Alley-oop – An assisted shot between two players. The first player throws a high pass which the second player catches midair and scores before landing on the floor.

And-One – When a player makes a shot and is fouled simultaneously.

Backcourt – The area of the court behind the half-court line, including the defensive side.

Bank Shot – A shot that bounces off the backboard before going into the hoop.

Basket Cut – A movement by an offensive player directly towards the basket.

Big Man – Typically the tallest and strongest player on the team, often playing near the basket on both offense and defense. They are usually responsible for rebounding and interior scoring/defense.

Box And One – When 4 defensive players play a zone and the 5th player plays man-to-man. A strategy to combat a star player.

Box Out – A technique where the body is used to prevent an opponent from getting a rebound.

Buzzer Beater – When the buzzer sounds to signify the game clock expiring and the ball is still in the air; if it successfully enters the hoop after the buzzer sounds – it’s a Buzzer Beater.

Closeout – A defensive technique where a player quickly moves to contest a shooter.

Coast to Coast – When a player moves the ball from their defensive end down to the opposition’s basket.

Crunch Time – The final minutes of the game.

Dead Ball – When play is stopped due to a whistle, foul, or violation and no points can be scored.

Double Double – When a player records a total of ten or more in two categories out of points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks.

Double Team – Two defenders guarding one offensive player.

Dunk – When a player powerfully pushes the ball down through the rim of the hoop with one or both hands.

Downtown – Shots taken from beyond the three point line.

Entry Pass – A pass that opens an offensive play.

Face-up – When a player pivots to face the basket.

Flagrant Foul – A foul deemed excessive or unnecessary, which results in free throws and possession of the ball for the opposing team.

Garbage Time – The final minutes of a game with a point difference between the teams too large to overcome.

Overtime – If the score is tied at the end of regulation play, an extra period of time is played to determine the winner.

Rebound – When a team is able to take possession of a ball after it bounces off the rim or backboard.

Traveling – When a player moves one or both of their feet illegally with the ball.

Triple Double – When a player records a total of ten or more of in three categories out of points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks.