A player who starts the game on the bench but can be substituted in
Coach
Starter
Bench player or sub
The countdown timer that limits the amount of time a team has to attempt a shot.
Scoreboard
Buzzer
Shot clock
The rectangular board behind the rim where players aim their shots to score points.
Rim
Backboard
Scoreboard
Typically a strong shooter and scorer.
Small forward
Shooting guard
Power forward
To move the basketball by bouncing it repeatedly with one hand while moving around the court.
Steal the ball
Dribble the ball
Drive to the basket
Swat a shot
A foul committed for taunting, trash-talking, or excessive celebration.
Offensive foul
Flagrant foul
Defensive foul
Unsportsmanlike foul
To take possession of the basketball from an opponent without fouling.
Block a shot
Drive to the basket
Set a screen
Steal the ball
The circular metal hoop through which the basketball must pass to score points.
Backboard
Paint
Rim
A personal foul committed by a defensive player against an offensive player in the act of shooting.
Defensive foul
Offensive foul
Unsportsmanlike foul
Shooting foul
To retrieve the basketball after a missed shot, either offensively or defensively.
Commit a foul
Rebound the ball
Set a screen
Score a three-pointer
A strong and athletic player who plays near the basket, responsible for rebounding and inside scoring.
Center
Shooting guard
Small forward
Power forward
To position oneself to impede the movement of a defender guarding a teammate.
Swat a shot
Commit a foul
Block a shot
Set a screen
One of the five players who begins the game on the court.
Substitute (or sub)
Starter
Assistant coach
_____ a three-pointer
execute
do
create
shoot
______ a foul
commit
complete
shoot
dribble
Usually the tallest player, playing near the basket, focusing on blocking shots, rebounding, and scoring in the paint.
Shooting guard
Center
Small forward
Power forward
The playing surface for the game, usually made of wood, with markings for the different zones and lines.
Baseline
Paint
Court
Backboard
______ a layup
steal
score
shoot
make
______ to the basket
steal
shoot
drive
execute
The painted area under the basket
Basket
Three-point line
Paint
The primary ball-handler and playmaker
Small forward
Shooting guard
Point guard
_____ a jump shot
commit
dribble
steal
make
A foul committed with excessive force or intent to injure an opponent.
Intentional foul
Blocking foul
Flagrant foul
Defensive foul
To score by shooting the basketball while jumping.
Rebound the ball
Score a layup
Make a jump shot
A versatile player who can score from both inside and outside, and also play defense against multiple positions.
Small forward
Center
Shooting guard
Power forward
The official who enforces the rules of the game.
Referee
Timekeeper
Assistant coach
To defend against an opponent's shot attempt by jumping and swatting the ball away.
Score a layup
Commit a foul
Shoot a basket
Block a shot
_____ the ball
dribble
execute
drive
block
To break a rule by making illegal physical contact with an opponent, resulting in a penalty for the team.
Score a layup
Drive to the basket
Commit a foul
Block a shot
A foul committed by a player involving illegal physical contact with an opponent. This includes pushing, holding, charging, and illegal use of hands or arms.
Offensive foul
Defensive foul
Shooting foul
Personal foul
To provide a pass to a teammate that directly leads to a made basket.
Assist on a basket
Score a layup
Shoot a basket
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