Glossary of Basketball Terms - B

B

backdoor cut

An offensive play in which a player on the perimeter steps away from the basket, drawing the defender along, then suddenly cuts to the basket behind the defender for a pass. The opposite of a V cut.

ball hog

A player who does not pass the ball

backboard

The rectangular platform behind the rim in which supports it

backcourt

(1) The half of the court a team is defending. The opposite of the frontcourt. (2) A team's guards.

backcourt violation

(1) Touching the ball in the backcourt after it has entered the frontcourt and was not last touched by the other team. (2) failure to bring the ball from the backcourt into the frontcourt within the allotted time of 8 seconds in the NBA or FIBA (previously 10) and 10 seconds in Men's NCAA. The timing violation does not exist in NCAA Women's basketball.

back screen

An offensive play in which a player comes from the low post to set a screen for a player on the perimeter.

ball fake

A sudden movement by the player with the ball intended to cause the defender to move in one direction, allowing the passer to pass in another direction. Also called "pass fake."

ball reversal

Passing of the ball from one side of the court to the other.

ball screen

An offensive play in which a player sets a screen on the defender guarding the player with the ball.

ball side

The half of the court (divided lengthwise) that the ball is on. Also called the "strong side." The opposite of the help side.

banana cut

A wide, curving cut, as opposed to a cut that is a straight line. Also known as a 'C' cut

bank shot

A shot that hits the backboard before hitting the rim or going through the net.

baseball pass

Passing the basketball using an overhand throw with one hand similar to a baseball pitch.

baseline

The line that marks the playing boundary at either end of the court. Also called the "end line."

baseline out-of-bounds play

The play used to return the ball to the court from outside the baseline along the opponent's basket.

basket cut

A cut toward the basket.

BEEF

Balance, Eyes, Elbow, Follow Through

bench

(1) Substitutes sitting on the sideline, (2) The bench or chairs they sit on.

benchwarmer

A player who sits on the bench for most if not all of the game.

big man

A low post player who is typically physically large for a basketball player and generally either a center or power forward.

blindside screen

A screen set directly behind a defender where the player can't see it.

block

(1) A violation in which a defender steps in front of a dribbler but is still moving when they collide. Also called a "blocking foul." (2) To tip or deflect a shooter's shot, altering its flight so the shot misses. (3) The small painted square on the floor next to the basket just outside the lane.

block out

To maintain better rebounding position than an opposing player by widening your stance and arms and using your body as a barrier. Also called "box out."

board

A rebound

bonus

under NCAA and NFHS rules, a team is "in the bonus" when its opponent has seven, eight or nine team fouls in a half and so gains a one and one opportunity on each non-shooting foul. The opposing team is "over the limit." See also double bonus and penalty.

bounce pass

A pass that bounces once before reaching the receiver.

box-and-one

A combination defense in which four defenders play zone in a box formation and the fifth defender guards one player man-to-man.

box out

See block out.

box set

A formation in which four players align themselves as the four corners of a box. Often used for baseline out-of-bounds plays.

brick

A bad shot that bounces off the backboard or rim without a chance of going in.

bricklayer

One who repeatedly shoots bricks.

bump the cutter

To step in the way of a player who is trying to cut to the ball for a pass.

buzzer beater

A basket in the final seconds of a game (right before the buzzer sounds) that in itself results in a win or overtime.