SPORTS LINGO.

BASKETBALL

Air ball -A SHOT attempt that didn't even hit the rim of the BASKET. Usually used as a
ditch last minute buzzer beating Shot.
Alley-oops -When a player catches a basketball from a team mate in the air and DUNKS or
LAYS IN the ball before he lands. A more commonly used basketball phrase.
Anticipation -An ability to quickly reason ahead what or when the next shot, move, or
action of an opponent player will be.
Assist -A PASS that leads directly to a successful BASKET. Usually the key focus of a point
guard. A more commonly used basketball phrase.
B
Backcourt -The Backcourt is the half-court where a team defends
-OR-
The Backcourt could refer to the point guard and the shooting guard combined. For example
the two players starting in the back court for a certain team.
Back door -Right after a player PASSES to a team-mate in the HIGH POST and draws
defenders, an open team-mate on the wing comes to the open side (the back door) to catch
the PASS and attempt a SHOT.
Ball control -Skillful ball handlng, DRIBBLING, and PASSING until in the best position to
shoot. A skill that can always be practised.
Bank shot -A SHOT that is aimed at the backboard so it "banks" into the BASKET. This shot
is used when close to the basket and usually face on and not to the sides of the court.
Baseline -The line that is at each end of the basketball court. Commentators often use this
Basketball Phrase.
Baseline drive -A move where an offensive player DRIBBLES along the BASELINE to get
along side of the BASKET and shoots usually with a LAY-UP or REVERSE LAY-UP.
Basket -The net and rim attached to the backboard where the ball is aimed atOR
a successful goal.A more commonly used basketball phrase.
Bench players -Non-starters for a team also known as subs. When Basketball Phrases such
as "Bench points" are mentioned, it means the amount of points scored from players on the
Bench.
Big man-The "big man" usually refers to the team's center or centre. A rather confusing
Basketball Phrase as most players are quite big but usually refers to players over 6'10 For
example Dwight Howard and Kevin Garnett.
Block -When a player hits or blocks the ball on it's way towards the basket. A GOAL
TENDING violation is called if the ball was already on it's way down towards the basket for
example from a 3 pointer shot, the tall defenders cannot interfere with the ball until and
unless it hits the rim and bounces off. A more commonly used basketball phrase.
Bomb -A shot made from a long distance, usually a 3-POINTER made in a last ditch effort
to beat the buzzer usually.
Bonus (shot) -An extra FREE-THROW penalty, given in certain situations.

Box out -When a defender gets into a better position by using his body to stay between an
opponent and the BASKET. Usually leads to a DUNK or LAY-UP.
Breakaway -When an unguarded offensive player runs down court to catch a PASS with no
defenders in the way usually resulting in a Dunk to safely put the ball away.
Break the ice -When a Player Finally scores after not scoring on many possessionsOR
to make the first BASKET of the game or quarter.OR
to shoot a tie-breaker and beat the buzzer.
Brick -If a player "bricks" the shot, it means he shoots it too hard and bounces it off the
rim or backboard wildly, missing the BASKET. Usually done when rushed or pressured.
Bucket -A BASKET or a SHOT that went in. Not Commonly used as much.
Bunny -An open shot which isn't challenged by a defender, usually a LAYUP or DUNK when
the offensive player has a BREAK-AWAY.
Bury -A "swoosh" (a successful SHOT that only touches the net after it leaves the hands of
a player). Otherwise known as a perfect shot.You will hear people use the Basketball Phrase
"Nothin' but Net!" which is the same as a bury!C
Center -The STARTER for a team that starts the game (with the other team's center) by
doing the opening TIP-OFF, usually the tallest player of the team with the largest vertical
jump height.
Charging -When an offensive player with the ball runs into a stable defensive player
leading to a foul.
Cherry picking -If a player is "cherry picking", it means he is grabbing a REBOUND above
the rim. This can happen if an ALLY-OOP is not initiated quickly enough.OR
is staying back at the far end of the court in order to to be in a better position to score
easily.
Coast-to-coast -Going from one side of the court to the other. This can sometimes be the
case in a BREAKAWAY. A more commonly used basketball phrase.
Cold -If a player is "cold", it means that he has attempted many SHOTS, but has failed to
put them in the BASKET.
Crash the boards -When a player aggressively REBOUNDs the ball.
Cross over -When an offensive player dives one direction and stops and goes another in
quick secession to fool and confuse a defender.
Cut -An quick offensive move, usually towards the BASKET, to get into a position to shoot.
This can usually be seen in combination with a CROSS OVER.
D
Dead ball -When there's a dead ball, the ball is not in play. There is a dead ball right after
the referee makes a whistle, a TIMEOUT or FOUL is called, or if a SHOT is made. Basically
when the clock is stopped the ball is dead.
Death Valley -A place on the basketball court where the chances of a BASKET being scored
are very small which can be anywhere from beyond the 3 point line all the way back to the
opposite BASELINE.
Deny the ball -A defensive stratagy where a player guards an opponent closely and stays
between him and the player with the ball to keep him from getting the ball.
Dipsy-doo -Fancy ball handling. Usually associated with street ball.
Dishing it off -To PASS the basketball to someone else is to "dish it off".
Disqualification -When a player gets a disqualification, he must leave the game because
he has committed his 6th PERSONAL FOUL or his 2nd TECHNICAL FOUL/FLAGRANT FOUL.
This is the same as getting a Red Card in Football/Soccer.
Double dribble -A violation called if a player with the ball DRIBBLES, then stops, and
dribbles again. Although it happens very rarely, double dribble can also be called when a
player has dribbled with both hands.
Double figures -When a player reaches double digits in one category such as the amount
of points scored in one game or assists in one game.
Double pump -To go up in a shooting motion but quickly coming back down and up again
and finally shooting. This is also known as a PUMP FAKE, which is used to fool the other
team. When the offensive player goes up the first time, the player guarding him might jump
up. If he does, he won't have time to block the actual shot.
Double team -Two defensive players guarding one offensive player. Can be a bad idea if all
5 offensive players are in the opposite teams half as there will be an open player
somewhere.
Double violation -When both teams commit a violation at the same time, there is a double
violation.
Down the lane -Getting the ball from the FREE-THROW LINE to the area in front of the
BASKET.
Downtown -The area far from the basket, usually referring to beyond the 3-POINT line. A
Favourite basketball phrase with NBA commentators
Draft -An annual NBA event where NBA teams select players to play on their team. These
players are picked from college, universities, other basketball leagues, other teams, and
elsewhere. A Basketball Phrase commonly found on NBA.com
Draw the foul -A move that causes a FOUL on the opponent. Great to combine this with a
LAY-UP or DUNK as you get a free throw as well and can score up to 3-4 points
Dribble -When a player bounces the ball.

Drive -A Quick Energetic move towards the BASKET with the ball.
Dunk -To score by taking the ball and pushing down the net by two or one hands(s). (Also
known as a FLUSH, JAM, SLAM, SLAM-DUNK, STUFF) Probably one of the most well known
basketball phrases.
E
Ejected -When a player or coach is ejected, the referee(s) sends him to the locker room
and out for the rest of the game. Someone gets ejected if he has two technicals or has tried
to hurt another person.
End line -See BASELINE.
F
Fadeaway jumper -A JUMP SHOT taken while the shooter is moving away from the
BASKET.
Fake -An action made to fool the opponent.
Fast break -When the team in possesion takes the ball quickly up the court and attemps a
shot before the other team can get there and set up on defense, it's called a fast break. A
fast break often happens after a REBOUND or STEAL.
Fast break points -Points scored on a FAST BREAK. Usually a 2 pointer.
Feed -A PASS.
Field goal -A shot that happens during play. FREE THROWS don't count as field goals. Each
field goal can be worth 2 or 3 points, depending on where it was shot. Usually just called
baskets.
Flagrant Foul -A foul with excessive or unnecessary contact. Two FOUL shots are awarded
to the player fouled. If an offensive player is pushed away while Dunking a 2 pointer they
have the chance to score up to 4 points.
Flashing -Quick movements of an offensive player from one side of the PAINT to the other.
Flush -See DUNK.
Forward -A player that covers the corners of the court and around the BASKET. There are
usually 2 forwards on the court at a time.
Foul -There is (usually) a foul called right after illegal contact happens between two players
of opposing teams.
Foul line -See FREE-THROW LINE.
Foul out -When a player has committed his sixth personal foul, he has been taken out of
the game, in other words, has "fouled out".
Foul shot -A basket shot from the FREE-THROW LINE, rewarded to a player if he was
fouled on a SHOT attempt or if the other team is in the penalty. Each foul shot that goes in
is worth 1 point. One or two foul shots are rewarded for each foul unless the player was
fouled on a 3-POINT attemt.
Foul trouble -When a player is in foul trouble, he has close to 6 personal FOULS.
Free-throw -A Basketball Phrase used often instead of FOUL SHOT. See FOUL SHOT.
Free-throw line -The line where FOUL SHOTS are taken from.
Front court -The half court where the team's on offence and is closest to the BASKET they
need to SCORE onOR
Two guards and the centre create the front court.
Full court press -Right when the offensive team gets the basketball in their BACKCOURT,
the other team aggressively goes after them to try and force a TURNOVER instead of
waiting at the other end.
G
Give & go -An offensive play where a player with the ball PASSES to a teammate and cuts
to the BASKET to receive the ball again for a GOOD LOOK.
Glass cleaner -An excellent rebounder who can swipe the ball off the backboard.
Get inside -To position between the opponent and the BASKET.
Goaltending -Goaltending is a violation where a defender tries to BLOCK the ball from
going into the BASKET, but the ball was on it's way down. It can also mean interferring with
the ball when it's on the rim of the BASKET. If goal tending is called against the defensive
team, then the offensive team automatically gets the points for the SHOT, regardless if it
would go in or not. But when goaltending is called on the offensive team, the shot doesn't
count and the other team gets to inbound the ball.
Good look -A good look means good SHOT attempt.
Guard -Guard is a position that some players play. The guard's job is to inbound and bring
the ball upcourt, direct play, and "guard" the opponent closely to try and force a
TURNOVER. There are two different guard positions on each team, the point guard (also
known as the "Number 1" position on the floor) and the shooting guard (also known as the
"Number 2" position).

H
Hang time -The amount of time a player stays in the air to shoot the ball is called "hang
time". A Basketball Phrase used often with players such as Michael Jordan who were said to
have long Dunk hang time.
High postThe area around the free throw line.
3-in the key -When a player on offence has 1 or 2 of his feet in KEY (or paint) for 3
seconds or more.
J
J -"J" is short for a JUMPER.
Jumper -A SHOT taken while the player is in the air.
Jam-See DUNK.
K
Kiss of the window-If a player kissed the ball of the window (or backboard), then it
means that he got a basket by bouncing it off the backboard.
L
Long bomb-A shot taken from outside the 3-point line or just a little inside it.
Low postThe area close to the hoop, on both sides of the basket.
O
O.B.-OUT OF BOUNDS.
On the bench-If a player is "on the bench", it means the coach is currently not using him
or that he was taken out of the game.
Out of bounds-When the ball touches the ground outside of the sideline and baseline
during play or when the player with the ball steps on or over the baseline or sideline.
P
Pass-An action when a player throws or bounces the ball to a teammate.
Pick-An action where a stationary offensive player stops a defensive player from defending
a player with the ball.
PivotWhen a player is standing with the ball and has dribbled, he has to keep a foot on the
floor until he passes or shoots the ball. He can't lift the foot, but he can turn. This is called
pivoting.
Pivot FootThe foot a player uses to PIVOT with.
3-Pointer -A field goal from beyond the 22-feet line. A Basketball Phrase used a lot in NBA
Commentary.
3-Point play -When a player is fouled on a successful shot attempt, he is rewarded a foul
shot. If the foul shot is also successful, then is called a 3-point play.

Possession-When a team has the ball.

R
Rainbow shot-A shot that has a high arc is sometimes called a "rainbow shot".
Rain maker-A rain maker is a 3-POINTER.
Rebound-An action where a player catches or picks up the ball from an unseccessful shot
attempt. A Basketball Phrase commonly shouted by players on a team.
Rejected-If a shot attempt was rejected, it means that a defender blocked the shot.
S
Screen-The same thing as a PICK. A Basketball Phrase usually shouted out along with "left"
or "right" by the defence to make the defender in question aware of someone screening
them.
Second chance points-The points scored when a team gets and offensive rebound are fast
break points.
3-Second violation -See 3-IN THE KEY.
STEAL-A steal is an action where a defensive team takes the ball away from the defensive
team. A steal can also lead to a fast break.
Stripped-To have the ball taken away from by an apponent.
Strong side-The area on the court where the ball is.
T
The key-Usually the painted area, from the free throw line to the basket.
The paintThe KEY is a more commonly used basketball phrase than the paint. See THE
KEY.
Ticky-tacky foul -A ticky-tacky foul is a foul called by the referees against a player if he
made very little contact or no contact at all. If a foul is considered "ticky-tacky", then it
means it shouldn't have been called.
Time out-A time out lasts one minute (unless it's a 20-second time out), and can be called
by a coach or a player. Time outs are usually called to make plays, if the coach is unhappy
with how his team is playing, if a player has the ball and is being guarded very closely by
another player, or if a player just got hurt. A basketball phrase usually shouted out by
coaches to make the referee aware they want a time out as well as making a T shape with
their hands.
Top of the mountain-When a player is on/at the top of the mountain, he is at the top of
the 3-point line.
Travel-To take more than one step without dribbling or to lift the PIVOT FOOT off the
ground. A player can take 2 steps while running and catching the ball from a pass.
Triple-double -When a player reaches double digits in three categories. Such as 10+
BASKETS, ASSISTS, and BLOCKS.
Turnover-A team has a turnover when the ball is stolen from them, if there is a 3-IN THE
KEY violation on them, or if they knock the ball OUT OF BOUNDS.
W
Walk-See TRAVEL.
Weak side-The area away from the ball.

General terms[VOLLEYBALL

An overhand dig.
A joust.
 Ace : A serve which lands in the receiving team's court without being touched by the receiving team,
or one that is touched by only one member of the receiving team, and is not passed legally back over
the net.
 Assist : Usually the second of a teams three contacts, an assist is awarded for any set ball that
results in a kill on the ensuing attack.
 Attack : Usually the third of a teams three contacts, an attack is any attempt by the offense to score
a point against the defense (this does not include free balls or over-passes).
 Cut / Cut shot : attack with an extreme angle (nearly parallel to the net).
 Dig : A defensive contact following an opponent's attack resulting in a playable ball.
 Double contact / Double : A fault in which a player contacts the ball with two body parts
consecutively.
 D.S. : The abbreviation for "defensive specialist", a position player similar to the libero.
 Dump : A surprise attack usually executed by a front row setter to catch the defense off guard; many
times executed with the left hand, sometimes with the right, aimed at the donut or area 4 on the court.
 Five-One : Six player offensive system where a single designated setter sets regardless of court
position. He or she is responsible for the second touch on every reception of serve, and ideally every
defensive play.
 Free ball : A ball that is passed over the net because an attack wasn't possible.
 Four-Two : Six player offense where there are two designated setters and the front row setter sets.
 Goofy : When a player jumps with wrong foot first (while attacking)
 Joust : when the ball is falling directly on top of the net, two opposing players jump and push against
the ball, trying to push it onto the other's side.
 Kill : successful, legal, point-scoring play. It can be from a spike attack, tip or dump.
 Mis-hit : A hit in which a player swings but does not contact the ball as intended, giving it a different
speed, direction, and spin than the player intended.
 On-Two : When the player making the second contact on the ball decides to play the ball over the
net instead of setting up his or her team mate. Most often used in court volleyball by the setter, it is
often called a 'setter dump' or a 'turn and burn', but on the beach it is colloquially referred to as an
'on-two'.
 One-Two-Two Coverage : Attack coverage system where one player covers directly under the
block, two players cover 1–3 meters away, and two players cover 4–5 meters away.
 Opposite : The player which plays in the rotation opposite the setter and usually attacks from the
right side.
 Pepper : A drill in which players hit a ball back and forth in a pass, set, spike, pass, set, spike, etc.
pattern, without a net.
 Seam : When serving, the spot between passers; when attacking, the spot between blockers.
 Set : The setter, located in the center front, hits the ball high above the net so that a spiker can spike
it across. The setter always takes the second hit, if possible.
 Shank : When a player unintentionally passes a ball in a wild manner, rendering it unplayable to his
or her teammates.
 Shot : An offensive play in which a set ball, rather than being spiked hard, is directed to an open area
of the court.
 Side out : When the team that served the ball loses the rally, causing the other team to serve the
next point.
 Six-Two : Six player offense where there are two designated setters and the back row setter sets.
Called six-two because there are two setters and six other players (two outsides, two middle hitters,
and two right-side hitters)
 Six-back : Defensive system where the player in 'six' (the middle position in the back-court) plays
deep in the court covering attacks through the seam in the block, attacks over top of the block, and
attacks that go high off the block. With certain blocking schemes the player in 'six' might also be
responsible for deep line roll shots.
 Six-up : Defensive system where the player in 'six' (the middle position in the back-court) plays up
behind the block with the responsibility of defending against a tip attack.
 Six-zero : Six player offense where there are no designated positions. Instead, the designated setter
is just the player in position 3 (or sometimes 2).
 Spike : When an offensive player attacks the ball with a one-arm motion done over the head,
attempting to get a kill.
 Spatch : When a player contacts the ball incorrectly during a hit causing the ball to propel unlike how
the hitter intended.
 Strong side : The left side of the court, so-called because it is usually the easier side for right-
handed players to attack from. Also referred to as the "On-hand" side.
 "The Gap" : A spike between area two and area three that the middle hits. It’s always the same
distance from the setter no matter where the setter is positioned on the set.
 The "W" : A common serve receive formation at lower levels where 5 players prepare to pass with 1
designated setter. So named because from above, the 5 passers are assembled on the five points of
a "W". (Alternatively, possibly a Serve Screening formation by the serving team, also named for
resembling a W)
 Two-Three Coverage : Attack coverage system where two players cover 1–2 meters away from the
block, and three players cover 2–4 meters away.
 Weak Side : The right side of the court, so-called because it is generally easier for right-handed
players to attack from the left ('strong') side. Also known "off-hand" side.
Types of sets[edit]
There is no absolute standard for naming sets, so there can be several different names for any one type
of set.
 A : A back row set aimed at the left side of the court [A|B||C|D]. Also could be a quick set to the
middle.
 B : A back row set aimed to the left side of the middle of the court [A|B||C|D].
 Back-Two: A ball set relatively high and to the middle or to the right side hitter, directly behind the
setter.
 Back-One: A ball set relatively low (or quick) to the middle hitter or to the right side hitter, directly
behind the setter.
 Bick : Similar to the "Pipe", but set very low
 C : A back row set aimed to the right side of the middle of the court [A|B||C|D].
 Chaos: An outside in which the middle runs a one, the outside comes for a two off the middle's
shoulder, and the weak side runs around the back to hit an outside 3.
 D : A back row set aimed at the right side of the court [A|B||C|D].
 Five / Back : Same as a four set, but to the weak-side.
 Four : A high set to the outside hitter.
 Hut / Loop : A lower set to the outsider hitter. Higher than a shoot.
 Jones : A variation of "Chaos" where the middle runs a one, the outside comes for a "back 2," and
the weakside comes around to hit an "outside 3." The setter may choose to set the ball to any of the
three hitting options. This play is designed so that the setter is able to accommodate the set
according to where the block is positioned.
 One / Quick / Fifty One : A type of middle hit when the middle jumps before the setter sets, with the
ball being set directly to the middle hitter's hand.
 Pipe : A back row set aimed at the middle of the court between a B and a C-ball [A|B|^|C|D].
 Shocker: A attack in which the Middle runs a one, the Opposite comes for a two off the middle's
shoulder, and the Outside runs/slides around to hit a back-two.
 Shoot : A variation on the quick set except instead of setting the ball to the middle the ball is set to
the outside hitter.
 Step / Slide : An attack where the hitter fakes a quick-set (one) approach with his/her first step and
subsequently chases the ball behind the setter and parallel to the net, jumps off one foot and hits the
ball close to the antenna on the weak-side.
 Ten : A ball set for a back row attack.
 Three / Thirty-Three : A quick lower set to the outside.
 Thirty-Two: An attack where the hitter fakes a quick-set (one) approach with his/her first step and
subsequently chases the ball in front of the setter and parallel to the net, jumps off one foot and hits
the ball in the outside 3 position. Generally used as adapted version of the Slide for left-handed
hitters.
 Two : A ball set to the middle hitter. Also, a "back two" is the same set set behind the setter.
 Cross (X) : A play in which the middle hitter jumps for a one, and the weak-side hitter, having moved
to the middle of the court, takes an approach for a two at the same location.
 Thirty One / Inside Shoot : A play in which the middle hitter runs a one ball 5 to 10 feet away from
the setter.
 Stack / Tandem : Similar to the "cross" but the outside hitter hits the two ball.
 Thirty Stack : A play in which the middle hitter runs a Thirty One and the Outside Hitter runs a Thirty
Two
 Shaft : A deep pipe set, generally set high.
 Middle-finger Ball : When the libero takes an approach and jumps as if to hit a one ball, making as
much noise as possible to distract the other team. This will hopefully cause blockers to jump with the
libero, despite there being no threat of attack. Usually used by a team winning by a significant
margin.
While there is no absolute standard, the most common set naming system is a two number system where
the first number corresponds to a zone on the net, and the second number corresponds to the height of
the set at its apex (in feet). Zones are named 1 through 7 from left to right along the net with the setter
occupying the line between Zone 5 and Zone 6; and the most common set heights are 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10
(represented by a 0 in the notation). For example, a 10 set is a high ball to the left side, a 53 is a 3 foot
high set just to the right of the middle of the court (in front of the setter), and a 61 is a 1 foot high set right
behind the setter. Additionally, Zones 4, 5, and 6 float along the net with the setter.
Methods of contacting the ball[edit]

A player "tips" the ball over.

 Beach dig : A dig made using both hands and fingers to surround the ball, squeeze and actually
slightly lift the ball. Allowed when defending against a hard hit on the beach.
 Bump : Similar in motion to a pass, but used to set a ball for an attack.
 Chicken wing : When a defending player is forced to react very quickly to a ball coming at their
upper torso, the player may lift a bent arm in the shape of a chicken wing to dig the ball.
 Chop Shot : A type of attack usually executed on the beach, instead of contacting behind the ball the
player turns their hand sideways and chops the side of the ball, creating side spin and a sharp
sideways trajectory along the net. Most easily done with the right hand on the right side, and the left
hand on the left side.
 Cobra : With the fingers extended straight and stiff, the ball is poked with the fingertips.
 Crepe : When a player digs the ball by extending his or her foot flat on the floor, letting the ball
bounce off the top of the foot.
 Dinosaur-Dig : When one attempts to block a ball but it falls down between them and the net, so
they bring their arms down in front of them like a T-Rex and play the ball up with the backs of their
wrists.
 Dump: When on second contact the ball is purposely returned over the net instead of set to a hitter,
which may result in a kill when the defense in unaware. Usually enacted by the setter.
 Flipper : A reaching contact made with the outstretched back of the hand in a flipping motion.
Popularized by beach player Andy Fishburn.
 Floater/Float : A non-spinning serve characterized by unpredictable, erratic movement during flight
caused by airflow interacting with the seams of the ball. Similar to a knuckleball in baseball.
 Gator : A defensive digging technique used on the beach in the defense of a hard hit ball. The hands
are formed into the shape of 2 gator jaws. The maneuver involves digging the ball with the bottom
hand and then directing it with the upper hand.
 J-Stroke : an emergency play made either running or diving, often with one hand, where a player has
to reach well in front of them to contact the ball and follow through in a 'J' motion in order to send the
ball back over their head.
 Jay-pass : a forearm or overhead pass that places the setter in a position to only be able to set the
passer who initiated the pass. Generally passed low to the ground and immediately in front of the
passer.
 Jump float : A float serve with a small hop/jump.
 Jump Serve / Jump spin : a serve made famous by Karch Kiraly; the server tosses the ball high into
the air about 3~5 feet away from himself, flicking the wrist making top spin on the ball then taking a
spike approach and contacting the ball while in mid air snapping the wrist to cause great forward spin
to allow the ball to suddenly drop when the opponent is going to pass the ball.
 Kong : A one-handed block, usually because the blocker is late. Initially popularized by Randy
Stoklos.
 Pancake : When a player digs the ball by extending his or her hand flat on the floor, palm facing
down, letting the ball bounce off the back of the hand.
 Pokey : A ball contacted with the knuckles especially on the beach.
 Roll Shot : An attacker hits the set softly putting extreme topspin on the ball so that it will clear the
block and drop quickly and directly over the block.
 Sprawl : A type of dig in which the player does not dive forward, but rather places his hands on the
ground and pushes his body forward and down. Similar to diving for a ball, but not actually leaving
the ground.
 Sky ball : A unique underhand serve in which the ball is shot unusually high into the air above the
opposing team's court in the attempt to confuse the receiver.
 Thunder: A spike or attack that requires a lot of force from the arm, and a very high jump. The ball is
hit steeply downwards from the point of contact, and is very difficult to receive.
 Tip : A softer or off-speed finesse attack, usually committed with more of the fingers and fingertips
than the whole hand as used in an attack.
 Wipe / Swipe : When one player pushes the ball against the opponents block and physically wipes
the ball out of bounds. Similar to a tool.
 Steino : A 3 Knuckle pokey shot in beach Volleyball made famous by AVP Pro and USA Olympian
Stein Metzger. Stein Metzger gives credit to the introduction of the shot on the AVP Pro tour to
Eduardo Jorge "Anjinho" Bacil Filho better known as Anjinho Bacil.

BADMINTON
o Alley - side-extension of the court by l½ feet on both sides that is used for doubles play.
o Back Alley - Area between the back boundary line and the long service line for doubles.
o Backcourt - the back third of the court, in the area of the back boundary lines.
o Baseline - Back boundary line at each end of the court, that runs parallel to the net.
o Bird or birdie - another name for the shuttlecock
o Carry - An illegal tactic, also called a sling or throw, in which the shuttle is caught and held on the
racket and then slung during the execution of a stroke.
o Center Line - Line perpendicular to the net that separates the left and right service courts.
 o Clear - A shot hit deep to the opponent’s back court.
o Court - Area of play, as defined by the outer boundary lines.
o Drive - A fast and low shot that makes a horizontal flight over the net.
o Drop - A shot hit sohly and with finesse to fall rapidly and close to the net on the opponent’s side.
o Fault - A violation of the playing rules, either in serving, receiving, or during play (see common
faults listed below).
o Flick - A quick wrist and forearm rotation that surprises an opponent by changing an apparently
soft shot into a faster passing one; used primarily on the serve and at the net.
o Forecourt - Front third of the court, between the net and the short service line.
o Hairpin Net Shot - Shot made from below and very close to the net with the shuttle rising, just
clearing the net, and then dropping sharply down the other side. The shuttle’s flight approximates
the shape of a hairpin.
o Halfcourt Shot - A shot hit low and to midcourt, used effectively in doubles against the up-and-
back formation.
o Kill - Fast, downward shot that cannot be returned; a "putaway."
o Let - A legitimate cessation of play to allow a rally to be replayed.
o Long Service Line - In singles, the back boundary line. In doubles a line 2 l/2 feet inside the
back boundary line. The serve may not go past this line.
o Match - A series of games (at U.S. Olympic Festival-’93 it is three out of five), to determine a
winner. Midcourt - The middle third of the court, halfway between the net and the back boundary
line.
o Net Shot - Shot hit from the forecourt that just clears the net and drops sharply.
o Push Shot - Gentle shot played by pushing the shuttle with little wrist motion, usually from net or
midcourt to the opponent’s midcourt.
o Racket - Instrument used by playerto hit shuttlecock Weight:About3 ounces. Length: 27 inches.
Made of: Ceramic, graphite, or boron frame; beef-gut string. Cost: $60-$175 (unstrung).
o Rally – this occurs when the players hit the bird back and forth several times before one side
scores a point
o Serve or Service – players put the shuttlecock into play for points by “serving” it to opponents,
hitting it over the net into a special part of the court near their opponent
o Service Court - Area into which the serve must be delivered. Different for singles and doubles
play.
o Short Service Line - The line 6 l/2 feet from the net which a serve must reach to be legal.
o Shuttlecock - thje name for the object that players hit, made of a ball of cork or rubber with a
crown of feathers in an open conical shape.
o Smash – when a shuttle is floated high into the air, a player has time to unleash a powerful
overhand shot straight to the floor of the opposing court
o Wood Shot - Shot that results when the base of the shuttle is hit by the frame of the racket. Once
illegal, this shot was ruled acceptable by the International Badminton Federation in 1963.

Table Tennis Terms

 Anti-topspin - a rubber type that deactivates spin and speed, returning a "dead"
ball
 Backhand - a stroke done directly in front of the body, with the racket turned so
that the back of the hand faces the opponent
 Backspin - a type of spin where, if struck with a normal racket position, the ball
would not make it over the net
 Block - a defensive shot done mostly against loops and smashes, where the racket
is in a closed position to keep the ball on the table
 Chop - a defensive shot that carries a tremendous amount of backspin
 Closed - a racket angle that allows the top of the ball to be struck
 Dead ball - a ball returned without any spin. Very difficult to execute, read, and
return
 Doubles - a format in table tennis where two people play on each side and must
alternate turns at striking the ball
 Drive - an offensive shot used mostly as a setup or in rallies, where the racket is in
a normal position and the ball is struck at a medium pace
 Drop shot - a surprise shot where the ball is placed precisely near the net
 Expedite rule - after a time limit (10 minutes) has expired during a single game,
the receiver automatically wins the point if he/she returns the ball successfully 13
times in a row. This forces the server to change his rallying tactics.
 Forehand - a stroke done to the right-front (for right-handers) of the body, with the
racket in a normal position (palm of hand facing opponent)
 International Table Tennis Federation - the international governing body for the
sport of table tennis
 Inverted - See pips-in
 Let - a stoppage of play as a result of a serve hitting the net or interference from
outside the playing court
 Lob - a defensive shot used against high-speed balls, where the ball (usually with
unpredictable spin) is returned very high in the air, causing difficulty in timing and
technique
 Long pips - a rubber type whose surface consists of fairly long pimples. Produces
unpredictable spin.
 Loop - an offensive shot that carries a tremendous amount of topspin
 Match - a competition format with the winner winning two of three or three of five
games
 Medium-long - a serve whose second bounce, given the opportunity, would bounce
near the very end or just off the table. Difficult because the opponent cannot execute
a good attacking stroke
 Open - a racket angle that allows the bottom of the ball to be struck
 Penhold - a grip where the racket is held exactly as it sounds, with the racket
handle held straight up and down
 Pips-in - a rubber type whose surface is smooth yet gripping. Produces much spin
and in many cases better speed. Also known as inverted rubber
 Pips-out - a rubber type whose surface consists of many tiny pimples. Produces
much control and speed, but little spin
 Push - a defensive shot used to successfully return backspin shots, where the racket
is open to lift the backspin over the net
 Receive - return of service, usually done tactically to set up an attack
 Seemiller - Name of 5 time US champion Dan Seemiller. Also the name of a table
tennis grip
 Serve - the beginning of a point where one player strikes the ball after tossing it.
Usually used tactically to set up a strong attack
 Set - one game to 21 points in a match
 Shakehands - a grip where the racket is held exactly as it sounds but with the
middle, ring, and pinky fingers wrapped around the handle
 Short - a serve that, given the opportunity, would bounce at least twice on the
table. Difficult because the opponent cannot execute a good attacking stroke
 Sidespin - a type of spin where, if struck with a normal racket position, the ball
would travel either to the right or left without landing on the table
 Skunk - an informal rule in table tennis that says that a player wins a game at a
score of 7-0 or 11-1
 Smash - an offensive, high-speed shot used against high balls, where the racket is
in a normal position to generate the most speed possible. Also called a kill
 Topspin - a type of spin where, if struck with a normal racket position, the ball
would travel over the opposite side of the table without hitting the surface