Strongside and Weakside

The strong side of the court is the one on the side of the ball.

The weakside is the side of the floor away from the ball.(also called helpside)

Elbow:

The "elbow," another basketball term, is the internsection of the free throw line and the side of the "key." The key is also known as the free throw lane, the 12 foot area into which the basketball player cannot go when taking a free throw shot.

High Post, Mid Post and Low Post

High Post: The free throw area at "elbow" is called the high post.

Mid Post: The area between the low and high post is the mid-post.

Low Post: The low post is on the block at the edge of the key, even with the front of the rim.

Baseline

The baseline is the line beneath both baskets that delineates the "out of bounds" line at each end of the court. This is another basketball term with multiple names and is also known as the endline or baseline.

Wing

The wing is located at the intersection of the three point line and where the free throw line extended would meet it.

Point

The "point" is at the top of the key in a 1 guard front.

Red Zone

The "red zone" is actually a basketball term that can mean two different things. The red zone can be an 8-foot to 10-foot imaginary semi-circle on the floor around the basket. When playing defense, a team should not allow a player to catch and shoot in the red zone, because its a fairly easy shot for you opponent to get. The red zone can also be the determinate minutes of the game.

Split Line

The "split line" is an imaginary line running from basket to basket, splitting the court in half.

Origins of Basketball Terminology

Dr. James Naismith was the Athletic Director for McGill University in Montreal. He invented the game of basketball around 1891 when he was working at a Massachusetts YMCA. He developed the game so athletes could play a sport indoors during the long New England winters. The first game was played with a soccer ball and two peach baskets as the goals. Basketball's terminology has been growing and evolving ever since those humble beginnings.

Block

The block is the painted box at the bottom of the free throw lane.

Corner and Short Corner

The corner is where the baseline and sideline meet.

About halfway between the block and the corner is the short corner.

Safety:

The area above the point guard, preparing to get back on defense when a shot goes up would be the safety.

Outlet:

The outlet is at the free throw line extended on the defensive end of the floor. After the defensive rebound players should prepare to recieve a pass at the outlet to start a fast break.

"The Smile"

There are many basketball terms that sound like they have nothing to do with the game, but are actually very specific basketball terminology used as "lingo" in the game.

"The smile," for instance, is a 10-foot to 14-foot imaginary crescent on the basketball floor, outside the red zone. You can play defense behind a post player in the smile.

The Definition of Basketball

Basketball is defined as a game of two teams of five men each who run up and down a court and score points by throwing a ball through a hoop. However, basketball is much more than that. It's a game with devoted fans and players who know the terms, the definitions, and the very soul of the game.

Basketball Terms and Definitions

There are so many definitions and terms in the game of basketball, it is impossible to list them all. There are many glossaries online where you can brush up on your knowledge of the game's most important terms and definitions. These glossaries will help as you watch your favorite team play on television!