MARCH MADNESS GLOSSARY
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game clock:
shows how much time remains in each of the four 12-minute quarters of an NBA game or two 20-minute halves of a college game.
guards:
the 2 players on each team who are the smallest on the court; they usually handle setting up plays and passing to teammates closer to the basket.
guarding:
the act of following an opponent around the court to prevent him from getting close to the basket, taking an open shot or making easy an pass, while avoiding illegal contact.
half-court or set offense:
when a team takes the time to develop a play in its frontcourt, such as the give-and-go or a screening play; opposite of fast break.
high percentage shot:
a shot that is likely to go in the basket, such as a layup.
high post:
an imaginary area outside either side of the foul lane at the free-throw line extended.
in the paint:
being in the foul lane area which is painted a different color.
inbounds:
the area within the end lines and sidelines of the court; also the act of bringing the ball into this area by means of a throw-in.
incidental contact:
minor contact usually overlooked by officials.
inside shooting:
shots taken by a player near or under the basket.
jump ball:
2 opposing players jump for a ball an official tosses above and between them, to tap it to their teammates and gain possession; used to start the game ( tip-off) and all overtime periods, and sometimes to restart play.
keepaway game:
a tactic used by the team that is leading near the end of the game to keep the ball from its opponents to prevent them from scoring while using up time off the game clock; also called freezing.
key or keyhole:
the area at each end of the court consisting of the foul circle, foul lane and free-throw line; named for the shape it had years ago.
layup or layin:
a shot taken after driving to the basket by leaping up under the basket and using one hand to drop the ball directly into the basket (layin) or to bank the ball off the backboard into it (layup).
leading the receiver:
when a passer throws the ball where he thinks a receiver is headed.
live ball:
as soon as a ball is given to a free-throw shooter or a thrower on a throw-in, it is live, but the game clock does not restart until the ball is alive.
loose ball:
a ball that is alive but not in the possession of either team.
low post:
an imaginary area outside either side of the foul lane close to the basket.
lower percentage shot:
a shot that is less likely to go in the basket, such as one thrown by a player who is off balance or outside his shooting range.
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