Andrew Pace
In basketball, a dime is a term used to describe a pass that leads to an assist. An assist is recorded when a player passes the ball to a teammate, who then scores a basket. The term dropping dimes in basketball refers to a player who does a lot of hard work, drawing multiple defenders to themselves, and then passes the ball to a teammate for an easy score. The origin of the term is not readily known, but it is believed to have come from the cost of a payphone call, which was a dime. The term is also associated with dropping a dime on someone, meaning to inform on them to the police. In basketball, dimes are important because they help the team's offense to score and foster a collaborative environment.
Windex, on the other hand, refers to a player's ability to block shots, particularly those at the rim. It is often used to describe a player's defensive prowess and their ability to deny shots. The term likely comes from the Windex brand of glass cleaner, implying that the player is cleaning the glass (the backboard) by blocking shots.
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What You'll Learn
'Dimes' refer to assists in basketball
In basketball, a dime is a term used to refer to a pass that leads to an assist. An assist is recorded when a player passes the ball to a teammate, who then scores a basket. The dime pass is an effective way of setting up teammates so they can score easily. To play a dime in basketball, the player must be able to make an accurate and timely pass to a teammate who is in a position to score. The pass should be made in such a way that the teammate can catch the ball and shoot in one fluid motion, without having to adjust their position. This requires good court vision, as well as the ability to read the defence and anticipate the movements of both teammates and opponents.
There are several theories about the origin of the term "dime" to refer to assists in basketball. One theory suggests that it comes from the cost of a payphone call, which was $0.10 or a dime. Dropping a dime or giving someone a dime was assisting someone in making a phone call. This phrase transitioned to the basketball court, where assisting a teammate in making a basket was likened to assisting someone in making a phone call. Another related theory suggests that the term comes from the phrase "passing on a dime", which refers to a pass so accurate that the passer could bounce the ball off a dime on the ground into their teammate's hands.
Another theory suggests that the term originated from the idea of 'dropping dimes' to homeless people to make a phone call, as payphones at the time cost 10 cents. This form of charity was often done in a derogatory manner as 911 calls are free. Someone started to refer to high-quality assists in basketball as "dropping" teammates "dimes", or high-quality passes leading to easy scores.
Some other popular theories suggest that the term comes from phrases like "dropping it on a dime", "turning on a dime", "at the drop of a dime", and "stopping on a dime", which all refer to precision, quick action, and accuracy—all characteristics of most assists in basketball.
There are also some less serious theories about the origin of the term. One such theory, likely made up in jest, suggests that the term was created by the New York Knicks in 1983. At the time, there was a $300 bonus for each assist a player made, which was enough money to purchase a single "dime" bag of cocaine.
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The origin of the term 'dimes'
The exact origin of the term "dimes" in basketball is not known. However, there are several theories that attempt to explain its usage. One popular theory suggests that the term originated from the cost of using payphones in the United States, which was ten cents or a dime. The phrase "dropping a dime" was commonly used to refer to assisting someone in making a phone call by providing them with a dime. This phrase is believed to have been adopted in basketball to describe assisting a teammate in making a basket.
Another theory suggests that the term may have originated from the phrase "passing on a dime," which describes a pass so accurate that it could bounce off a dime, the smallest US-minted coin. This phrase emphasizes the precision and accuracy required in making successful passes during a basketball game.
Some sources also suggest that the term may have originated from urban slang used on the East Coast, particularly in Philadelphia. In this context, "dropping a dime" referred to assisting the police in an investigation by making an anonymous call using a payphone.
While the exact origin remains unclear, these theories highlight the potential connections between the cost of payphone calls, the value of a dime as the smallest coin, and the concept of assisting or "dropping a dime" in both everyday conversations and basketball terminology.
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'Windex' refers to good court vision
Windex, in basketball slang, refers to good court vision. Court vision is the ability to read the movements of teammates and opponents to anticipate where the ball needs to go. This is a crucial skill for setting up teammates for an easy basket and racking up assists.
The term "Windex" is often used to describe players with exceptional court vision who can accurately and timely pass the ball to their teammates in a position to score. These players are often referred to as having "20/20 vision" on the court, similar to how Windex is used to improve visibility through a window.
Developing good court vision requires a deep understanding of the game and the ability to anticipate the actions of both teammates and opponents. It involves being able to quickly process information such as the positioning of players, the movement of the defence, and the availability of passing lanes.
Players with good court vision can make precise passes that lead to scoring opportunities for their team. They can also make split-second decisions on the best course of action, whether it's passing, shooting, or driving to the basket. Court vision is an essential skill for players who want to improve their playmaking abilities and become more valuable teammates.
While the exact origin of the term "Windex" in basketball is unclear, it is likely derived from the brand name of a popular glass and surface cleaner. The association with good court vision may come from the idea of "cleaning the court" or having a clear view of the court, similar to how Windex provides a clear view through a window.
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How to play a 'dime' in basketball
In basketball, a dime is a term used to refer to a type of pass that leads to an assist. An assist is recorded when a player passes the ball to a teammate, who then scores a basket. The dime pass is an effective way of setting up teammates for an easy basket. To play a dime in basketball, several techniques and skills are required.
Firstly, focus on the fundamentals of passing. This includes techniques such as keeping the ball low and using the proper technique to generate enough power and accuracy to make a strong pass. For instance, a no-look pass is a more creative type of dime pass that can lead to an easy score for a teammate.
Secondly, it is important to develop good court vision and the ability to read the movements of both teammates and opponents. This anticipation allows players to make accurate and timely passes to teammates in a position to score. The pass should be made so that the receiving teammate can catch the ball and shoot it in one fluid motion, without needing to dribble or adjust their position.
Overall, anyone can learn to play a dime through practice and dedication. By mastering these techniques, players can improve their passing skills and become better at setting up their teammates for successful plays.
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Theories on the origin of the term 'dimes'
The exact origin of the term "dime" in basketball is unclear, but there are several theories. The most common theory is that the term comes from the days when payphones were widely used and cost a dime (10 cents) to make a call. In this context, “dropping a dime” meant giving someone a dime to make a phone call, or assisting them. This phrase eventually made its way into basketball terminology, where it refers to assisting a teammate in making a basket.
Another theory suggests that the term "dime" in basketball is derived from phrases like "dropping it on a dime," "turning on a dime," "at the drop of a dime," and "stopping on a dime." These phrases emphasise precision and quick action, which are essential characteristics of assists in basketball. A precise and well-timed pass to a teammate can help them score.
Some people also believe that the term may have originated from the idea of “dropping dimes” to homeless people to make a phone call, as pay phone calls often cost 10 cents. This act of charity was sometimes done in a derogatory manner, and the phrase was adopted to refer to high-quality assists in basketball.
Additionally, there is a theory that the term "dime" in basketball is related to the size of the coin. A dime is a small coin, and making a precise pass through a small space on the court to a teammate can be likened to throwing a dime. This theory suggests a direct connection between the physical coin and the skill involved in making an accurate pass.
While the exact origin of the term "dime" in basketball remains a mystery, these theories provide interesting insights into the potential connections between language, culture, and sports.
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