Basketball Terminology & Officiating Glossary
Codified reference glossary covering technical statutory terms, officiating jargon, and tactical phrases.
Alley-Oop
An offensive play in which a player throws the ball near the basket for a leaping teammate to catch in mid-air and immediately dunk or lay up.
And-One
When a player is fouled while making a field goal and is subsequently awarded one additional free throw.
Backcourt Violation
When the offensive team brings the ball across the midcourt line into the frontcourt and then unlawfully touches or returns the ball to the backcourt.
Box Out
Positioning one's body between an opposing player and the basket to secure a rebounding angle on a missed shot.
Charging
An offensive foul committed when a player with the ball makes illegal contact with a defender who has established legal guarding position.
Flagrant Foul
Severe, excessive, or unnecessary physical contact categorized as Flagrant 1 (penalty free throws + ball) or Flagrant 2 (automatic ejection).
Pick and Roll
A foundational two-player offensive action where a player sets a screen (pick) for the ball-handler and then slips (rolls) toward the basket.
Technical Foul
A non-contact foul assessed for behavioral misconduct, unsportsmanlike conduct, or administrative rules infractions.