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English is a term used in basketball to describe the sidespin applied to the ball when going for layups. It is believed that the term originated from the game of billiards, with the earliest use of the phrase dating back to 1860. The phrase is also commonly used in other sports such as bowling, tennis, and baseball to describe the spin of the ball. In basketball, understanding the concept of English allows players to make more controlled and craftier moves by manipulating the physics of the ball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Etymology | The phrase "put English on it" is believed to have originated from the game of billiards in 1860. |
| It may be a reference to "Old English," a brand of furniture polish. | |
| It could also be attributed to NBA player Alex English, who played from 1976-1991, but this is unlikely as the phrase has been used since the 19th century. | |
| Definition | "English" refers to the spin of the basketball when going up for layups. |
| It is also known as "body English," which refers to the movement of the player's body after the ball is in motion. | |
| "English" is achieved by striking the ball slightly off-center, imparting a sidespin that allows the ball to curve or change direction. | |
| Application | When taking a layup on the left side of the rim, a right-handed player would flip the ball clockwise at a high angle off the backboard to add "English." |
| Conversely, when taking a layup on the right side of the rim, the ball would be flipped counter-clockwise. | |
| Benefits | Understanding and utilizing "English" can improve a player's maneuverability and craftiness on the court. |
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What You'll Learn
The origin of the phrase
The phrase "put English on it" is believed to have originated from the game of billiards, with the earliest use of the phrase dating back to 1860. It refers to putting spin on a ball, usually a billiard ball, but also used in other sports such as basketball, baseball, and tennis. The spin is achieved by striking the ball slightly off-center, allowing it to curve, hide behind other balls, or disappear entirely.
While the exact origin of the phrase remains unclear, there are several speculations and theories. One theory suggests that the phrase may be related to the hall-of-fame basketball player Alex English, known for his scoring technique. Another theory suggests that it may be a reference to "Old English," a brand of furniture polish. Additionally, some believe that the phrase originated from the French word "anglé," which means "angled," and is similar to the word "Anglais," meaning "English."
The phrase has been used in various forms over the years, including “English off the backboard” in basketball, referring to the spin of the ball against the backboard during a layup. In basketball, putting English on the ball allows players to control the ball's movement, making craftier moves and improving their maneuverability on the floor.
The term "English" is used to describe the motion put on the ball by its spin, while "body English" refers to the movements and contortions a player makes after the ball is in motion to avoid a charge or an injury.
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How to put english on a basketball
"English" is a term used in basketball to describe sidespin on a basketball. It is also sometimes referred to as "body English", which is the movement of the player's body after the ball is in motion. The term "English" is reserved for the spin put on the ball.
The phrase "put some English on it" is believed to have originated from the game of billiards in 1860. It is said that the phrase came about when an English gentleman travelled to the United States and demonstrated the effect of 'side' on pool or billiard balls. The British call the same effect "side", because it is accomplished by striking the ball slightly off-center, thus imparting the spin.
In basketball, English is used when going up for layups. If you are on the right side but extend for a layup on the left side, sidespin must be added so that the ball boomerangs back into the basket. The sidespin comes from your fingers, so it is important to train only your thumb, index, and middle fingers. The English can also be used to avoid a charge, an odd landing injury, or to follow through on the shot to ensure it goes in.
To put English on a basketball, you can use a twist of the wrist on your release, as if you were turning a lightbulb. When removing a lightbulb, it is turned counter-clockwise, and when installing one, it is turned clockwise. If you are a right-handed player taking a layup on the left side of the rim, you would flip the ball clockwise at a high angle off the backboard. If taking a layup on the right side of the rim, you would flip the ball counter-clockwise.
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The physics of english
The physics of putting "English" on a basketball involves applying sidespin to the ball during a layup. The spin is generated by the player's wrist action, similar to the motion of turning a lightbulb, with the side spin originating from the fingers. This technique allows players to manoeuvre the ball in specific ways, such as curving it or making it disappear behind other balls.
When a player is on the right side and extends for a layup on the left, sidespin is added to ensure the ball returns to the basket. Similarly, when a right-handed player takes a layup on the left side of the rim, they apply a clockwise flip to the ball, and for a layup on the right side, a counter-clockwise flip is used.
The physics of "English" also relates to body English, which refers to the player's movements after the ball is in motion. These movements can include contorting, dodging, or sidestepping to avoid a charge, prevent an injury, or follow through on the shot.
The term "English" in this context is speculated to have originated from the game of billiards, dating back to at least the 19th century. It may be derived from the French word "anglé," meaning "angled," or the term Old English, a brand of furniture polish.
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English in other sports
The term "English" is used to describe the spin put on a ball, usually a billiard ball, but also baseballs, tennis balls, and golf balls. The British call this effect "side" because it is achieved by striking the ball slightly off-center, which imparts the spin. According to billiard experts, this spin allows the ball to curve, hide behind other balls, and even disappear entirely.
The phrase "put some English on it" is thought to have originated from the 19th century, with some speculating that it was introduced to the U.S. by English players. It is also commonly attributed to Alex English, a hall-of-fame basketball player known for his technique, although this is unlikely as the phrase predates his career.
English plays a pivotal role in international sports, enhancing communication, media coverage, and global interaction. English-language sports journalism provides detailed analysis, feature articles, and player interviews, offering depth that may not be available in local languages. For athletes, English is often a necessary skill that can significantly impact their careers. Interviews, press conferences, endorsements, and social media interactions often occur in English, and many training manuals and sports science resources are primarily available in English.
English slang and idiomatic expressions related to sports have also permeated everyday language, with phrases like "the ball's in your court," "game plan," and "off the back foot" commonly used in business and casual conversation. As the world continues to globalize, English will likely remain the lingua franca of sports, fostering a shared understanding and passion across diverse linguistic landscapes.
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Body english
The phrase "body English" refers to the movements a player makes after the ball is in motion. These movements can include contorting, dodging, and sidestepping in order to avoid a charge, an odd landing injury, or to follow through on the shot to ensure it goes in. Understanding the physics of the ball and how it moves allows players to make craftier moves and better manoeuvre on the floor.
The term "English" is used to describe the spin put on a ball, usually a billiard ball, but also baseballs, tennis balls, and golf balls. It is also used in basketball, particularly when laying the ball up against the backboard with spin. This move is sometimes attributed to Alex English, who played in the NBA from 1976 to 1991, but this is probably incorrect as the phrase has been used since at least the 19th century.
To put "English" on a basketball, you apply sidespin when going up for layups. If you are on the right side but extend for a layup on the left, you need to add sidespin so the ball boomerangs back into the basket. This can be done with a twist of the wrist on release, as if turning a lightbulb. If you are right-handed and taking a layup on the left side, you would flip the ball clockwise at a high angle off the backboard. On the right side of the rim, you would flip the ball counter-clockwise. The sidespin comes from your fingers, so it is important to train only your thumb, index, and middle fingers when shooting.
The phrase "put some English on it" may have originated from the French word "anglé", meaning "angled", or "Anglais", meaning "English". It is also speculated that the phrase originated because English players introduced the technique to the U.S.
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Frequently asked questions
Putting English on a basketball means putting sidespin on the ball. This is usually done when going for layups.
The phrase "put English on it" has been speculated to have originated from the 19th century. It is believed to have come from the French word "anglé" which means angled and is similar to "anglais" which means English.
To put English on a basketball, you need to add sidespin to the ball so that it boomerangs back into the basket. The side spin comes from your fingers, so it's important to train your thumb, index, and middle fingers when shooting.
Body English refers to the movements you make after putting English on the ball. This could include contorting, dodging, or sidestepping to avoid a charge, an odd landing injury, or to follow through on the shot to ensure it goes in.
