Andrew Pace
Basketball is a fast-paced, high-scoring sport with a unique vocabulary to describe the action. When a player scores, it's generally called a 'basket', or more specifically, a ''two-pointer' or 'three-pointer', depending on the distance of the shot. There is no equivalent term in basketball to soccer's 'goal', but 'scoop!' or 'swish' are sometimes used, especially by broadcasters, to convey the excitement of a successful shot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to say the score | "One thirty to one ten" or "one thirty-one ten" |
| "Ninety-five to ninety-five" or "ninety-five all" | |
| "Tied at ninety-five" or "ninety-five ninety-five tie" | |
| "One oh five to one hundred" | |
| "Twenty to nine" | |
| Term for scoring | "Basket" or "2-pointer" or "3-pointer" |
| "Three" (shortened from "three-pointer") | |
| "Field goal" | |
| "Scoooorre" or "she/he scooooorres" | |
| Style of scoring | "Swish" (when the ball goes through the hoop without touching the rim or backboard) |
| "Splash" (slang for a swish) | |
| "Dunk", "slam", "jam", or "stuff" (when the ball is forcefully put into the basket) |
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What You'll Learn
Scoring terminology: 'basket', '2-pointer', '3-pointer'
Basketball has a wide range of scoring terms and strategies, and understanding the terminology is essential for players, coaches, and fans alike. Here is a detailed explanation of some common scoring terms: "basket", "2-pointer", and "3-pointer".
Basket
The term "basket" refers to a successful shot that results in a score. It is the fundamental unit of scoring in basketball. A basket is worth two points in most cases, but the value can vary depending on the specific rules and competition. The act of scoring a basket involves putting the ball through the hoop or basket, and it is considered a success when the ball passes through from above, regardless of contact with the hoop or backboard.
2-Pointer
A "2-pointer" is a term used to describe a successful field goal made within the three-point line. Field goals are attempts to score a basket during the normal flow of the game, excluding free throws. A 2-pointer is the most common type of scoring play in basketball, and it encompasses a variety of shooting techniques such as layups, jump shots, and dunks.
3-Pointer
A "3-pointer" or "three-point field goal" is a shot made from beyond the three-point line, which is a designated arc surrounding the basket. The three-point line's distance from the basket varies depending on the competition level. For example, in the National Basketball Association (NBA), the arc is 23 feet 9 inches (7.24 m) from the centre of the basket, while in other competitions like the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the distance is 6.75 m (22 ft 1.75 in). A successful 3-pointer is worth three points, as opposed to the two points awarded for a 2-pointer. The 3-pointer adds an exciting element to the game, rewarding players for shooting from longer distances and encouraging more dynamic offensive strategies.
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How to read scores: 'one thirty to one ten'
When reading a basketball score of 1:30 to 1:10, you would say "one thirty to one ten". The "to" can be left out, so it can also be read as "one thirty, one ten". This is different from how you would read a score in soccer, where you would not say "to".
When reading a basketball score, it is also important to note that you would use a hyphen between the numbers, rather than a colon, so the score would be written as 1-30 to 1-10.
Additionally, when pronouncing the numbers, you would leave out the word "hundred". So, for a score of 105-100, you would say "one oh five to one hundred", rather than "one hundred five to one hundred hundred".
When the score includes a number under twenty, you would usually include the "to". For example, a score of 20-9 would be read as "twenty to nine". Leaving out the "to" in this case could be confusing, as it could be misinterpreted as "twenty nine".
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Free throws: awarded when fouled
Free throws, or foul shots, are an important part of basketball, giving teams the chance to score extra points when a player is fouled. They are an unguarded scoring attempt, uncontested by the opposing team, and are taken from the free-throw line, or foul line, at the end of the restricted area.
Free throws are awarded when a player is fouled by an opposing team member, or when a foul is committed against the player's team or an official. They are also awarded for technical fouls, and when the fouling team has entered the bonus/penalty situation, after a requisite number of fouls. The number of free throws awarded depends on the nature of the foul, with players receiving between one and three attempts. Each successful free throw is worth one point.
There are four types of fouls that generate free throws: personal, technical, team, and flagrant. Personal fouls involve blocking or striking a player while shooting, and team fouls occur when a team exceeds its allotted number of fouls per game. A flagrant foul is an aggressive foul that could potentially harm a player, and the fouled player receives two free throws. In NCAA men's basketball, one free throw is awarded starting with the seventh foul of the half, and two free throws are awarded starting with the tenth foul.
Practising free throws is crucial, as they can be a deciding factor in the outcome of a game. It is important to establish a routine and stick to it, and to simulate game-time scenarios during practice. The power of a free throw shot comes from the legs, and it is important to keep your knees bent and weight on your toes, while balancing the ball with your non-dominant hand.
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Layups: 'laying' ball against backboard
Layups are considered the easiest shot in basketball because they are taken very close to the basket, so you'll likely score every time. They are also one of the most important skills to master. When doing a layup, you will lay the ball gently against the backboard to bounce it into the hoop.
The first step you make as you pick up the basketball should be with your "outside" foot (closest to the sideline). For right-handed layups, this is the right foot, and for left-handed layups, it's the left foot. You want to gain distance with this first step, so take a long stride. Then, take one dribble with your right hand. As you catch the ball, take your first layup step with your right foot (outside foot) and your second step with your left foot (inside foot). Jump off your left foot and shoot a layup off the backboard.
It's better to aim for the backboard instead of trying to tip the ball over the rim. The backboard allows more room for error, but if you hit the rim, the ball could bounce out. The target you aim for will depend on your angle and speed, and you will get used to this with experience. Every hoop has a "sweet spot," a rectangle on the backboard that is 24 inches wide and 18 inches tall. Aiming for this rectangle with good form will make scoring likely.
To improve your layup skills, practice finishing with a swish and off the backboard from all angles and at all speeds. The more finishes you can do, the more options you'll have when faced with a defender during a game. Additionally, practice approaching the basket at different speeds and angles, and with competition or obstacles, to challenge your shot.
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Dunking: 'slam dunk', 'dunk', 'jam', 'stuff'
Dunking is a type of basketball shot where a player jumps in the air, controls the ball above the horizontal plane of the rim, and scores by pushing the ball directly through the basket with one or both hands. This is a field goal that is worth two points. The term "slam dunk" was coined by former Los Angeles Lakers announcer Chick Hearn, although it is now commonly referred to as a "dunk". Other terms include "jam" and "stuff".
Dunking is a dramatic and exciting move that can be a crowd-pleaser and turn the momentum of a game around. It can also be used to vault over an opponent's block attempts and is a way to earn respect from both your team and the opposing team. However, it does come with a higher risk of injury, especially if you hang on to the rim after dunking, which is also a technical foul.
There are different types of dunks, such as the reverse, windmill, and 360, and they can be modified by appending other moves. For example, a "self-pass off the backboard, double pump" is when a player passes the ball off the backboard, catches it in the air, and then executes a double-pump dunk. The "alley-oop" is when a player catches a high-arcing pass and dunks it in one motion before landing.
Some players, such as JaVale McGee and Zach LaVine, have become famous for their dunking abilities, competing in dunk contests and setting records. Learning to dunk can be challenging, especially for shorter players, and it requires a lot of practice and coordination. It is recommended to start practising with a lowered basket and gradually increase the height until you reach the standard 10 feet (3.05m). Using smaller balls at first can also help with learning the technique before progressing to a regulation-size basketball.
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Frequently asked questions
When someone scores in basketball, it is generally called a "basket", a 2-pointer, or a 3-pointer, depending on the distance from which the shot was made. You might also hear people say "s/he scores!" or "score!".
A shot that goes through the hoop without touching the rim or backboard is called a swish or nothing but net. The slang word "splash" is sometimes used as an interjection when these shots are made. A "three-pointer" can also be referred to as a trey, a triple, or simply a three.
Basketball scores are typically read out as individual digits, such as "one thirty to one ten" for a score of 130-110. The word "to" can be omitted in some cases, such as "ninety-five ninety-five" for a score of 95-95. When the score is tied, you can say "it's tied at [score]" or " [score] all".
