Glossary of Basketball Terms - P

P

pack

To roughly hit down a ball that an opposing player has just released for a shot. (See also, swat.)

paint

the key.

pass

(v) To throw the ball to a teammate. (n) The act of passing.

penalty

once a team reaches a set number of team fouls in a playing period, varying by governing body, the fouled team gets free throws instead of possession of the ball. The fouling team is "over the limit." See also bonus and double bonus.

perimeter

the area outside the key but well inside the three-point arc.

pivot

(1) The pivot center.

pivot foot

The foot that must remain touching the floor to avoid traveling

point forward

A forward with strong ballhandling and passing skills who can be called on to direct the team's offense.

points in the paint

Field goals made in the painted area below the free-throw line

post up

To go in or near the key, turn so that you are facing away from the basket but towards a teammate who has the ball, and try to establish position to receive a pass.

prayer

A shot that has very little probability of being made.