Glossary of Basketball Terms - S

S

screen, set a screen

(v) To attempt to prevent a defender from guarding a teammate by standing in the defender's way. The screening player must remain stationary; a moving screen is an offensive foul. (n) The tactic of setting a screen. Also called a "pick".

secondary break

An offensive phase after a fast break is initially stopped, but before the opponent can enter into its set defense.

set shot

A shot taken without leaving the floor.

shot clock

A timer designed to increase the pace (and subsequently, the score) by requiring the ball to either touch the rim or enter the basket before the timer expires, resulting in a loss of possession. The time limit is 24 seconds in the NBA, WNBA, and FIBA play; 30 in NCAA women's play; and 35 in NCAA men's play. See also airball.

sixth man (or sixth woman)

A player who does not start, but is generally the first person off the bench, and often has statistics comparable to those of starters.

stretch 4

A subtype of the cornerman—specifically, a power forward ("4") capable of "stretching" a defense with his or her outside shooting ability.

swingman

A player capable of playing either shooting guard or small forward.

swat

To hit a ball that an opposing player just shot off course so that it misses completely. (See also, pack.)

swish

(n) A shot which goes through the net without hitting the backboard or rim. (v) To make a swish.