Glossary of Basketball Terms - T

T

technical foul

A foul assessed for unsportsmanlike non-contact behavior and for some procedural violations (for example, having too many players on the floor or calling timeout when none remain). Penalized by loss of possession after a free throw which may be taken by any member of the opposing team. Frequently abbreviated as "technical" or "T."

three-point field goal

A shot, worth three points, attempted with both feet behind the three-point line.

three-pointer

A three-point field goal

trey

A three-point field goal

three-point play

(1) A play in which a shooter is fouled while making a two-point shot and then makes the resulting free throw. See also and one. (2) (rarely) When a shooter is fouled while taking but missing a three-point shot and then makes all three free throws.

toilet bowl

When the ball hits the rim on a certain angle and then circles around it, can go in or out.

transition defense

The portion of a team's defensive play conducted when the other team has first gained possession and is moving up the court, before both teams have established positions. Includes defense against fast breaks. See also halfcourt defense.

transition offense

The portion of a team's offensive play conducted when first obtaining possession from the other team and moving up the court, before both teams have established positions. Includes fast breaks. See also halfcourt offense.

travel

To move one's pivot foot illegally or to fall to the floor without maintaining a pivot foot (exact rules vary — see Traveling (basketball))or takes 3 step.only 1 or 2 steps are allowed but after you take three steps with not dribbling the ball it is called traveling.

triangle offense

An offensive strategy with the goal of exchanging three (sometimes all five) positions, creating spacing among players and allowing each one to pass to four teammates.

triple-double

Double-digit figures in three positive statistical categories (example: 12 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists)

turnover

A loss of possession.