Ultimate Guide for Youth Basketball Terminology

Why is an essential list of basketball terms important? One of the most popular sports in the world, basketball is loved around the globe. Sometimes referred to as football, “The Beautiful Game” is a great introduction to the world of sports for youth athletes.

Basketball Vocabulary

If you’re a first-time basketball player or youth sports parent, a basic understanding of basketball terminology will go a long way in enhancing your knowledge of the sport. Here is a quick guide of essential basketball terms. 

Basketball Terminology

Jump Shot

A common type of shot in basketball, or method of scoring, in which a player jumps into the air and releases the ball to the basket near the peak of their jump. Jump shots can be awarded 2 or 3 points. 

Three-Point Line

An arc drawn on either side of the court and basket, which informs referees when a jump shot should be awarded 2 or 3 points. Shots behind the three-point line are worth 3 points. 

Free-Throw Line

A line drawn closer to each basket, signaling where a player shoots “penalty” shots from after a foul. 

Slam Dunk or Dunk

Another method in which players score 2 points. The player jumps into the air and shoves the ball through the basket while jumping in mid-air. 

Field Goal

The official name for a scored basket in basketball. Worth 2 or 3 points. 

Assist

A statistic awarded to a single player, who provides a pass to another player on their team that leads to a field goal. 

Rebound

Statistic awarded to a player who controls the ball after a missed field goal attempt. 

Steal

A statistic awarded to a player on defense when they dislodge the ball from the opposing team and control possession, switching their team to offense. 

Dribble

Common way that players control the basketball, dribbling is defined as the “movement of the ball, caused by a player in control, who throws or taps the ball to the floor,” according to NBA.com. 

The Paint

The painted area directly under each basket, connected to each free-throw line. There are certain restrictions about the amount of time offensive and defensive players can spend standing in the paint on possessions. 

Jump Ball

Signals the start of each game and after certain moments, a ball put in play by the referee, who throws it up between two opposing players.

Double Dribble

A player cannot pick up their act of dribbling, pause, and then begin to dribble again. They must pass or shoot the ball after picking up a dribble. Double dribble is the action of dribbling again and results in a turnover. 

Double-Double

A statistical feat in which a single player records 10 or more two statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks). 

Triple-Double

The same feat as above, but when recorded 10 or more in three categories. 

Traveling

A violation in basketball, a player cannot take more than two steps without dribbling the basketball. 

Basketball Slang

Air Ball

When a player attempts a field goal that completely misses the rim or net of the basket. 

And One

When a player successfully converts a basket in the process of being fouled. They will then shoot one shot from the free-throw line. 

Brick

Another term for a badly missed field goal attempt. 

Dropping Dimes

A creative way to describe offensive players who are making impressive and precise passes to their teammates, leading to assists and field goals. 

Hops

A way to describe a player with elite jumping ability. 

Buzzer Beater

When a player makes a last-second basket or field goal before the end of a quarter, half, or game. 

TeamSnap for Basketball Teams & Clubs

Hit the court with a full understanding of this beautiful game now that you’re geared up with a great starting list of essential basketball terms. 

Lots of youth basketball clubs are taking advantage of the right youth sports technology to enhance their ability to enjoy the game we all love. Basketball coaches, parents, and players rely on the TeamSnap mobile app, while youth basketball administrators turn to TeamSnap for Business to run all their administrative tasks from one easy-to-use platform.