BASKETBALL GLOSSARY

A play where the ball handler lobs a pass near the basket and a cutting teammate catches it above the rim and dunks or lays it in before landing. Requires precise timing between passer and cutter.

The primary rim protector in a defensive scheme — typically the center — whose role is to protect the paint, deter drives, and alter shots at the basket. The anchor is the last line of defense.

An off-ball movement where a player changes direction at a specific angle to create separation from a defender. The angle sharpens the cut and maximizes the window for a catch.

The offensive action of reading a defender's closeout and driving past them rather than shooting. A defender who sprints and does not chop their steps is vulnerable to an attack on the closeout.

A designed play triggered by a specific defensive look without a timeout or signal from the bench — an ingrained read that the team executes in the flow of the game.

An off-ball screen set behind a defender to free a cutter to the basket for a lob or catch. Back screens are most effective against aggressive defenders who chase the screener's player.

The intentional passing of the basketball to shift the defense, create rotation gaps, and generate open shots. Teams with elite ball movement force defenses to communicate and shift faster than they can organize.

Active, physical on-ball defensive pressure applied to disrupt the ball handler's vision, timing, and passing lanes. Ball pressure is the first line of a pressure-based defensive system.

Rapidly swinging the ball from one side of the floor to the other through passing to force the defense to shift. Ball reversal exploits slow rotation and creates catch-and-shoot opportunities on the weak side.

A screen set for the player in possession of the ball, forcing the defense into a coverage decision: hedge, drop, switch, or blitz. The most frequently executed action in all of basketball.

A hard cut from the perimeter directly to the basket after making a pass, reading a pass back from the recipient. Also called a give-and-go. The basket cut is the most fundamental off-ball action in basketball.

A designed play where the ball handler passes to a post player and immediately cuts backdoor without looking — relying on the post player to recognize and deliver the pass. Named for the misdirection element.

An aggressive ball-screen defensive technique where two defenders trap the ball handler off the screen, forcing a quick decision. Effective against poor passing ball handlers but vulnerable to skip passes.

A designed play executed from a baseline out-of-bounds situation. BLOB plays are among the most efficient scoring designs in basketball because the defense must account for all five offensive players simultaneously.

The act of positioning the body between an opponent and the basket after a shot to secure the rebound. Proper box-out technique uses the lower body, not the arms, to establish and maintain position.

A style of offensive basketball that emphasizes physical post play, offensive rebounding, and drawing fouls. Teams using bully ball often slow the pace and exploit size mismatches in the paint.

A shooting action where a player catches a pass already set in shooting position, minimizing the time between catch and release to prevent defensive recovery. The foundation of spacing-based offenses.

An action where four offensive players spread the floor to one side, clearing space for a two-man game or isolation action on the other side. The cleared space removes help defenders.

The defensive sprint from a help position to an offensive player who has received a pass, with the goal of contesting a shot. Elite closeouts use a two-phase approach: sprint the first 70%, chop the last 30%.

Any shot taken with a defender within arm's length of the shooter, disrupting rhythm and sightlines. Defensive systems measure quality by the percentage of shots they force that are contested.

A three-point attempt from the corner of the court — the shortest three-point shot on the floor (approximately 22 feet). Corner threes are the most efficient shot in basketball after layups.

The ability to see the entire floor and anticipate teammates and defenders out of direct line of sight. Court vision is the cognitive skill that enables elite passers to make no-look passes and skip reads.

An off-ball screen set horizontally across the paint to free a post player for a catch on the block. Cross screens create post-up opportunities against switching defenses.

An off-ball screen usage technique where the cutter curves tightly around the screener's body toward the basket rather than flaring away. Used when the defender chases the cutter over the screen.

Any purposeful off-ball movement by an offensive player to get open, create spacing, or attack the basket. Cuts are the backbone of all passing-game offenses and can be reads or designed.

The defensive positioning and pressure applied on out-of-bounds situations, before inbounding. Dead-ball defense sets up the half-court scheme before possession begins.

The real-time process of selecting the correct offensive or defensive action based on reads, spacing, and game state. Decision-making speed and accuracy define basketball IQ.

The fundamental body position for on-ball defense: feet wider than shoulders, knees bent, hips low, hands active. The stance determines a defender's ability to slide, close out, and contest shots.

An aggressive defensive technique of preventing a specific player from catching the ball by positioning between them and the passer. Denial is most effective against top offensive threats but creates backdoor vulnerability.

A perfect assist pass that puts the receiver in an ideal scoring position with no need for adjustment. The term originated in streetball and has entered mainstream basketball vocabulary.

A defensive action where two players converge on the ball handler simultaneously, trapping them and forcing a quick decision. Double teams are high-risk/high-reward and create open players if the handler escapes.

A screen set by a player moving toward the basket for a teammate at a lower position, freeing them to pop to the three-point line or the wing for a catch. Common in off-ball action to free shooters.

A ball screen set in the middle of a fast break or early offense push by a trailer — typically the center — before the defense fully sets. The drag screen creates the earliest possible P&R advantage.

An offensive system pioneered by Vance Walberg in which all five players are positioned on or near the three-point line, maximizing driving lanes for the ball handler. The foundation of the modern motion offense.

An action where the ball handler dribbles toward a stationary teammate who takes the ball from them in a hand-off, creating an on-ball screen action. The DHO is used as a pick-and-roll alternative when the screener is a shooting threat.

The action of driving to the basket and kicking the ball out to an open perimeter shooter when help defenders collapse. The drive-and-kick is the primary shot-creation mechanism in five-out motion offenses.

A ball-screen defensive technique where the defending big drops below the level of the screen into the paint, conceding the mid-range pull-up while protecting the rim and the corner. Most effective against non-shooting roll men.

A post move where the post player catches on the block, reads the defender's position, and drops their foot opposite the defender to seal them and attack the basket with a power move.

The first half-court offensive action initiated before the defense fully organizes — typically a quick pick-and-roll, screen-away, or quick hitter executed as the team crosses half-court.

The area at the junction of the free-throw line and the lane line — one of the two elbows on the floor. The elbow is a high-value catch spot because it provides angles to the paint, wing, and top of the key.

A designed play where two players set screens on either side of a gap and the cutter times their sprint through the closing gap, creating a momentary open catch. Named for the motion of the "doors closing."

A two-step finishing move where the ball handler takes one step in one direction and then a second step in the opposite direction to avoid the shot blocker. Popularized by Manu Ginóbili.

An off-ball screen usage technique where the cutter fades away from the basket to the three-point line rather than curling toward the rim. Most effective when the defender anticipates the curl.

A transition offense where the attacking team outnumbers the retreating defense, creating a clear numbers advantage — 2-on-1, 3-on-2, or 4-on-3. The primary fast break is initiated immediately off a turnover or defensive rebound.

An offensive formation where all five players are positioned on or beyond the three-point line, creating maximum driving lanes and spacing. The most common modern NBA offensive formation.

A screen set to push the cutter away from the ball and toward the three-point line or corner. Flare screens free shooters by using the screener's body to prevent the defender from recovering.

A shooting action where a ball handler in the mid-range drives and releases a high-arc shot over the outstretched hand of a shot-blocker. Shorter players use the float to finish in the paint without contact.

A high-arc mid-range shot released before reaching the basket to shoot over shot blockers. Floaters are most common from the free-throw lane area and require a soft touch to exploit the high arc.

An uncontested shot taken from the free-throw line (15 feet from the basket) awarded after a foul. Free throws are one of the most efficient shots in basketball and are won through aggressiveness and foul drawing.

A defensive positioning principle where off-ball defenders split their coverage between two offensive threats, staying between the ball and their player to provide help while threatening a pass.

A defender positioned between two offensive threats to deter both passes and drives simultaneously. Gap defenders give up one step of on-ball pressure to preserve help-side rotation capability.

A play where the cutter rejects (ignores) a set screen and cuts backdoor instead when their defender cheats over the screen in anticipation. One of the most advanced off-ball reads in basketball.

The most basic two-man action: player A passes to player B and immediately cuts to the basket for a return pass. The give-and-go exploits defenders who ball-watch after the initial pass.

The ability of a player's shooting threat to pull defenders away from their natural defensive positions, creating space and opportunities for teammates. Stephen Curry's gravity is the extreme example.

An aggressive ball-screen coverage where the defending big steps out to cut off the ball handler's driving lane after the screen, while the on-ball defender recovers. Creates recovery risk if the big cannot get back.

A ball-screen coverage where the defending big steps up to temporarily slow the ball handler after the screen, buying time for the on-ball defender to recover. A hedge can be soft or hard depending on the threat level.

The system of off-ball defensive positioning and rotation rules that supports the on-ball defender. Help defense converts individual defense into team defense by pre-positioning all five players according to ball location.

The side of the floor away from the ball, where off-ball defenders position themselves in the paint or near the lane to support ball-side defense. Help-side defenders are one step in the lane, able to see both their player and the ball.

The area at the top of the lane near the free-throw line and elbows. The high post is a key catch location for players who can pass, shoot, or attack in the mid-range — Nikola Jokić's primary operating zone.

An offensive action where a player at the high post (elbow) catches and dumps to a cutter or post player at the low post (block). High-low is the primary action for attacking zone defenses and switching man-to-man.

A post player's action of using their hip and lower body to prevent a defender from moving to a preferred defensive position. The hip seal establishes deep post position before the ball arrives.

An offensive formation with two players (typically bigs) at the elbows and the point guard at the top — named for the horn-like shape. From Horns, the ball handler can initiate pick-and-roll with either big or pass to the elbow for high-low.

A ball-screen defensive scheme (also called "Blue") where the on-ball defender pushes the ball handler baseline, away from the screen, while the defending big drops to protect the paint. Particularly effective against wing ball screens.

An offensive play where one player is given space to attack a single defender with the ball, typically with teammates spread wide to remove help defenders. Iso is the least efficient play in modern basketball analytics.

A short, sharp step toward the defender by a player with a live dribble, used to test the defender's reaction and create a decision — if the defender retreats, shoot; if they hold, drive past the jab.

Ending a dribble drive by landing on both feet simultaneously, giving the player the option of either foot as a pivot foot. The jump stop is preferred for power layups and post-move sequences.

A pass made by a driving ball handler to a perimeter shooter when help defense collapses in the paint. The kick-out pass is the primary shot-creation mechanism in drive-and-kick offenses.

A cut through the lane toward the basket, typically triggered by a pass to the wing. Lane cuts create direct scoring opportunities and force help defenders to choose between the cut and their offensive player.

A high-arc pass thrown toward the basket for a cutting or rolling teammate to catch above the rim. Lob passes require precise timing and reading the defender's position to prevent interceptions.

The first defensive player to rotate and stop a ball handler who has beaten their primary defender. The "low man" rule dictates the nearest help defender takes the drive, and all others rotate accordingly.

The area on the block near the baseline and the lane line — the primary location for post play. The low post provides the shortest path to the basket and the most favorable angles for scoring moves.

A defensive scheme where each defender is assigned a specific offensive player to guard. Man-to-man is the most common defensive system in basketball and requires strong individual and help-side discipline.

Any shot between the paint and the three-point arc — typically a pull-up jumper, post-up shot, or floater. Mid-range shooting fell out of favor in analytics but remains valuable for unpredictable offensive players.

A defensive assignment pairing that creates an unfavorable matchup for the defense — a small guard on a large forward or a slower big on an agile guard. Teams engineer mismatches through screens and switches.

A principles-based offensive system where players execute reads (pass-and-cut, screen-away, fill) rather than scripted plays, creating continuous, unpredictable action based on defensive reactions.

The defensive position at the middle of the free-throw lane when the ball is on the wing — so named because the defender is "nailed" at that spot. The nail defender can help on drives and rotate to the corner simultaneously.

A pass thrown without looking at the intended receiver, using peripheral vision to deceive the defense into thinking the ball is going elsewhere. The no-look pass requires elite court vision and spatial awareness.

Player movement away from the ball — cuts, screens, and repositioning — that creates scoring opportunities, forces defensive decisions, and opens passing lanes. Great off-ball movers make the entire offense more effective.

A screen set away from the ball for a player who does not have possession, creating a catch-and-shoot or cut opportunity. Off-ball screens include down screens, back screens, flare screens, and cross screens.

The defensive skills and positioning used when guarding the player with the ball — stance, foot movement, hand placement, and containment. On-ball defense is the individual foundation of all team defensive systems.

A screen set for the player currently in possession of the ball, initiating a pick-and-roll or dribble-handoff action. Also called a ball screen.

An offensive system played with five players on the perimeter and no player stationed in the post, maximizing driving lanes and spacing. The open-post is the structural parent of five-out motion offense.

The first pass after a defensive rebound, thrown to the point guard or a wing to initiate transition offense. The outlet pass is the most important pass in transition — its speed and accuracy determine whether a fast break advantage exists.

A defensive technique of positioning the body to one side of the offensive player to deny a specific pass or drive direction, forcing the offensive player to their weaker hand or away from their preferred spot.

A dribble drive that breaks into the paint, attacking the defense and collapsing help defenders. Penetration creates kick-out opportunities for shooters and draw-and-kick actions that are the backbone of modern offenses.

A pick-and-roll variation where the screener pops out to the three-point line rather than rolling to the rim after setting the screen. Most effective when the screener is a shooting threat the defense must chase.

The most executed action in basketball: a player sets a screen (the pick) for the ball handler, who uses it to create a scoring opportunity, while the screener rolls to the basket (or pops to the perimeter) as a second option.

A down screen set toward the baseline for a player at a lower spot, pinning the defender below as the cutter curls toward the three-point line. Pin downs are among the most common off-ball actions for freeing shooters.

An offensive action combining a dribble handoff at the top of the key with a pick-and-roll. The pistol creates two sequential two-man actions and is difficult to scout because the read points are fluid.

The defensive pressure applied directly to the ball handler — the first line of a team's defensive system. Strong point-of-attack defense forces slower decisions and constrains the ball handler's angles.

The action of a screener moving to the three-point line after setting a pick, rather than rolling to the basket. The pop-out is the standard action in a pick-and-pop and creates a long two or three-point catch for shooting bigs.

The action of using the lower body and hip to establish and maintain a catching position between the defender and the basket on the block. A proper post seal prevents the defender from reaching around for a steal.

The act of a player positioning themselves on the low block to receive a pass and score from a close-range position. Post-up scoring relies on footwork, body positioning, and reads of the defender.

The system of passes, cuts, and spacing used to advance the ball against a full-court press. Press breaks exploit the gaps left by extended defensive pressure and are a scripted response to trapping defenses.

The first-wave fast break opportunity immediately following a turnover or defensive rebound, when the attacking team has a clear numbers advantage before the defense retreats.

A jump shot taken off the dribble after a drive, stopping to shoot before reaching the paint. The pull-up is the primary counter to a "drop" coverage in pick-and-roll and a key weapon for shooting ball handlers.

A designed play intended to generate a high-quality shot quickly — typically in the first 5 seconds of a possession. Quick hitters are used at the end of quarters, in transition, and as secondary break triggers.

A specific motion offense system (developed by Rick Torbett) using ten layers of rule-based reads. More broadly, any offense that prioritizes reactive decision-making over scripted plays.

The act of a ball handler going away from a ball screen (rejecting it) rather than using it, typically because the defense is set up to take away the screen and space opens on the other side.

The movement of a shooter to a new spot on the floor after the ball handler drives or passes, anticipating a pass to a better shooting position. Elite relocators (e.g., Klay Thompson) move before the pass, not after.

A sprint toward the basket from a big man in transition or early offense to get a head start on rim-running opportunities — catching lobs, offensive rebounds, or creating paint-touch passes. The rim run is the most efficient transition action for centers.

The movement of the screener to the basket after setting a screen in a pick-and-roll, creating a scoring opportunity on a lob or dump-off pass. The roll is the second action of the P&R and punishes a defense that over-helps on the ball handler.

Coordinated defensive movement where multiple players shift to cover for a teammate who has been beaten by a drive or pass. Rotations are triggered by specific cues and require communication to execute correctly.

The first organized offensive action initiated as a team crosses half-court in transition — before the half-court defense is fully set. The secondary break bridges primary fast break opportunities and half-court offense.

The discipline of choosing high-percentage shots (layups, open threes, free throws) over lower-percentage ones. Shot selection is one of the most impact-measurable aspects of offensive basketball IQ.

A long pass that skips across the court — typically over the defense — from one side of the floor to the other, hitting a weak-side shooter before the defense can shift. The skip pass is the primary counter to help-heavy defenses.

The action of a screener cutting to the basket before making contact with the defender on a ball screen, based on the read that the defender is already cheating over the top. The slip punishes over-aggressive screen navigation.

A designed play run from a sideline out-of-bounds situation. SLOBs are used for designed scoring at the end of halves or after timeouts, taking advantage of the defense having to account for all five players.

The offensive positioning of all five players to maximize driving lanes and prevent defensive help. Proper spacing means no two offensive players are close enough together that one defender can guard both.

A pick-and-roll action with a back screen added on the screener's defender, preventing a "drop" coverage by eliminating the defending big's drop option. Popularized by the Spanish national team.

Two consecutive off-ball screens set in sequence for the same cutter, multiplying the options (curl off first, curl off second, reject the first and curl the second) and making it nearly impossible to defend without switching.

A ball screen set for the ball handler after they have already used the dribble — creating a new advantage point that resets the defensive decision. Step-up screens are critical for bigs who can set multiple screens in a half-court possession.

A forward or center who can shoot consistently from the three-point arc, forcing the defending big to guard them on the perimeter. The stretch big opens the paint for drives and creates pick-and-pop opportunities.

A ball-screen coverage where the two defenders trade assignments — the on-ball defender takes the screener and the screener's defender takes the ball handler. Switches eliminate all coverage gaps but create mismatch vulnerabilities.

A player capable of effectively guarding multiple positions — typically positions 1-4 or 2-5. Switchable defenders enable teams to run full switching schemes without creating exploitable mismatches.

A defensive technique of establishing a legal guarding position before a driving ball handler arrives, absorbing contact to draw an offensive foul. The take charge requires precise timing and legal position (outside the restricted arc).

The analytical-driven shift in NBA strategy, accelerated by Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors, that prioritized three-point attempts and layups over mid-range shots based on points-per-shot efficiency data.

A ball-screen coverage technique where the on-ball defender positions over the top of the screen before it is set, preventing the ball handler from using the screen at all. Most effective against non-shooting ball handlers.

The last player to advance in transition — typically the center — who fills behind the initial fast break group. The trailer sets drag screens, creates offensive rebounds, and sets up secondary break actions.

The defensive principles and positioning used as the team retreats after a turnover or made basket to prevent the opponent from running an effective fast break. Transition defense is the highest-leverage defensive discipline.

The system of scoring opportunities created by pushing the ball before the defense sets. Transition offense includes primary breaks, secondary breaks, early offense, and drag screens — all before the defense is organized.

A double-team applied in a corner, along the sideline, or at half-court to force a turnover or difficult pass. Traps are high-risk actions that leave open players if the ball handler can escape.

A collaborative offensive sequence between two players — typically a ball handler and a post player — using screens, passes, and reads to exploit the coverage. The pick-and-roll is the most common two-man game.

A three-point attempt with no defender within contest range — one of the highest-value shots in basketball. Creating uncontested threes through ball movement, screens, and drive-and-kick is the primary goal of spacing-based offenses.

An off-ball movement where the cutter walks their defender toward the basket, plants, and sharply redirects to the ball — creating a "V" shape. The V-cut is a foundational open-court technique for beating denial defense.

A defensive ball-screen coverage where the on-ball defender "veers" (angles) through the screen rather than going over or under it, maintaining tight pressure on the ball handler while the big drops.

A shot-contest technique where the defender goes straight up with both hands without reaching or leaning into the shooter. The vertical principle is legally sound because a shooter cannot draw a foul against a vertically-set defender.

The side of the floor away from the ball. Weak-side defenders are positioned in help and weak-side cuts can produce easy baskets when the defense over-helps on the strong side.

A ball-handler's drive initiated from the wing position (approximately the three-point arc, one pass from the top) — one of the most effective attack angles because it accesses both the mid-range pull-up and the driving lane.

A defensive scheme where players guard designated areas of the court rather than individual opponents. Common zone formations include the 2-3, 1-3-1, and 3-2. Zone defense is most effective against teams with poor spacing or a dominant interior scorer.

The collection of actions and principles used to attack zone defenses: high-low, skip passes, ball reversal, dribble penetration into gaps, and perimeter movement to find seams between zone defenders.