2-for-1 A strategy used within the last minute of a period or quarter, in which the team with possession times its shot to ensure that it will regain possession with enough time to shoot again before time runs out. … See more

advance step A step in which the defender's lead foot steps toward his man and the back foot slides forward. air ball An unblocked shot that fails to hit the rim or backboard. alley-oop An offensive play in which a … See more

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. ball hog A player who frequently chooses not to pass the ball to their … See more

carrying Also called palming. A violation in formal play which occurs when an offensive player holds the ball excessively at the ball's apex while dribbling. In formal play, this penalty is considered either a "carry" or a double dribble. center (C) One of three standard … See more

dagger Also called a dagger shot. A made shot, sometimes a three-pointer, in a pivotal part of the game; e.g. a shot that silences a rowdy crowd, puts the team ahead in the closing moments of a game, discourages the opposing team, or kills their confidence. … See more

Elam Ending A method of ending basketball games by reaching a specified target score, devised by Ball State University professor Nick Elam and currently used in The Basketball Tournament, the NBA All-Star Game, the Canadian Elite … See more

fadeaway A fadeaway or fall-away in basketball is a jump shot taken while jumping backwards, away from the basket but still facing it. The goal is to create space between the shooter and the defender, making the shot much harder to block. fast break An … See more