BASKETBALL LINGO

Basketball has unique game-play lingo. Here are some terms to help you enjoy the sport:

• air ball: a shot at the basket in which the ball doesn’t touch the backboard, net, or rim
• assist: a pass to a teammate who then shoots and scores
• fast break: a quick offensive drive to the basket, attempting to beat the defense down the court
• free throw: also known as a foul shot, free throws are awarded after a player is fouled by someone on the opposing team; each free throw is worth one point
• jump ball: a method of putting a basketball into play; the referee throws the basketball into the air between two opposing players, who jump up and attempt to direct the ball to a teammate
• jump shot: a shot made while jumping and releasing the ball at the peak of the jump
• layup: a two-point shot made from very close to the basket, usually by bouncing the ball off the backboard
• rim: the metal circle on a basketball hoop
• starting five: the group of players who are on the court at the beginning and most of the game
• three-pointer: a successful shot from outside the designated arc of the three-point line on a basketball court