ScoutIQ / Glossary
The ScoutIQ Glossary
The plain-English dictionary of basketball and football terms that coaches, players and parents hear in practice, on film and on game day.
- LayupBasketball · Shot Types
A shot taken right at the rim, laid softly off the backboard or over the front of the rim, usually after a drive or cut.
- Reverse LayupBasketball · Shot Types
A layup finished on the far side of the basket, using the rim to keep the ball away from the shot blocker.
- FloaterBasketball · Shot Types
A soft, high-arcing shot released early in the lane so it floats over taller defenders before they can reach it.
- Hook ShotBasketball · Shot Types
A one-handed shot taken sideways to the basket, with the body shielding the ball from the defender.
- DunkBasketball · Shot Types
A shot where the player jumps and pushes the ball down through the rim with one or both hands.
- Tip-InBasketball · Shot Types
A missed shot tapped back into the basket while the player is still in the air, without catching it first.
- Alley-OopBasketball · Shot Types
A pass thrown up near the rim that a teammate catches in the air and scores before landing.
- Jump ShotBasketball · Shot Types
A shot released at the top of a straight-up jump. On the Practice Board it means a two-point jumper.
- Pull-Up JumperBasketball · Shot Types
A two-point jump shot taken straight off the dribble, stopping short instead of driving all the way to the rim.
- Three-PointerBasketball · Shot Types
A shot from behind the three-point line, worth three points. On the Practice Board it means a catch-and-shoot three.
- Pull-Up 3Basketball · Shot Types
A three-pointer taken right off the dribble instead of off a pass.
- Free ThrowBasketball · Shot Types
An unguarded shot from the free-throw line, worth one point, awarded after certain fouls.
- Other ShotBasketball · Shot Types
Any shot that doesn't fit another type, such as a half-court heave or a scoop shot.
- Bank ShotBasketball · Shot Types
A shot aimed off the backboard so it bounces into the basket, most useful from the angles beside the rim.
- FadeawayBasketball · Shot Types
A jump shot taken while leaning or jumping backward, away from the defender and the basket.
- Step-BackBasketball · Shot Types
A shot set up by a hard step backward, away from the defender, just before rising to shoot.
- PutbackBasketball · Shot Types
A shot made by grabbing an offensive rebound and scoring right away, before the defense can recover.
- Euro StepBasketball · Shot Types
A layup move with two steps in different directions to get around a defender before finishing.
- Corner 3Basketball · Shot Types
A three-pointer taken from either corner along the baseline, the shortest three on most college and pro courts.
- Pick and RollBasketball · Play Types
A teammate sets a screen on the ball handler's defender, then rolls toward the basket for a pass.
- Pick and PopBasketball · Play Types
Like a pick and roll, but the screener steps out for a jump shot instead of rolling to the rim.
- IsolationBasketball · Play Types
One player goes one-on-one against a defender while teammates spread out to give room.
- Post UpBasketball · Play Types
A player sets up close to the basket with their back to it, gets the ball and scores or passes from there.
- Spot UpBasketball · Play Types
A player waits in an open spot, catches a pass and shoots or attacks a closeout right away.
- TransitionBasketball · Play Types
Pushing the ball up the floor quickly after a steal, rebound or make, before the defense gets set.
- HandoffBasketball · Play Types
One player hands the ball to a teammate running past, and their body acts as a screen on the defender.
- Off ScreenBasketball · Play Types
A player without the ball runs off a teammate's screen to get open for a catch and shot.
- CutBasketball · Play Types
A sharp move toward the basket or an open space by a player without the ball, to get a pass.
- Putback PlayBasketball · Play Types
A possession that ends with an offensive rebound and a quick score or shot attempt right at the rim.
- BackdoorBasketball · Play Types
A cut behind a defender who is overplaying the passing lane, toward the basket for an easy pass.
- Drive and KickBasketball · Play Types
A player drives at the basket to pull defenders in, then passes out to an open shooter on the perimeter.
- Man-to-ManBasketball · Team Defense
A defense where each player is responsible for guarding one specific opponent.
- 2-3 ZoneBasketball · Team Defense
A zone defense with two players up top and three across the baseline, built to protect the paint.
- 3-2 ZoneBasketball · Team Defense
A zone defense with three players on the perimeter and two near the basket, built to guard shooters.
- 1-3-1 ZoneBasketball · Team Defense
A zone with one defender up top, three across the middle and one along the baseline, often used to trap.
- Box and OneBasketball · Team Defense
A mixed defense: four players play a box-shaped zone while one defender guards the other team's best scorer.
- Full-Court PressBasketball · Team Defense
Guarding the other team the whole length of the court, starting from the inbounds pass, to force turnovers.
- SwitchBasketball · Team Defense
When two defenders trade the players they're guarding, usually because of a screen.
- HedgeBasketball · Team Defense
On a ball screen, the screener's defender steps out to slow the ball handler, then recovers back.
- IceBasketball · Team Defense
On a side ball screen, defenders keep the ball handler from using it and push them toward the baseline.
- Drop CoverageBasketball · Team Defense
On a ball screen, the screener's defender backs off toward the paint to protect the rim.
- Help SideBasketball · Team Defense
The side of the court away from the ball, where defenders sag in to help stop drives.
- CloseoutBasketball · Team Defense
Running at a shooter who just caught the ball to contest the shot without giving up a drive.
- Field Goal PercentageBasketball · Stats
Made shots divided by attempted shots, not counting free throws.
- Three-Point PercentageBasketball · Stats
Made threes divided by three-point attempts.
- Free Throw PercentageBasketball · Stats
Made free throws divided by free throw attempts.
- Effective Field Goal PercentageBasketball · Stats
Field goal percentage that gives extra credit for threes, since they're worth more points.
- True Shooting PercentageBasketball · Stats
A scoring-efficiency number that counts twos, threes and free throws together.
- Points Per PossessionBasketball · Stats
Points scored divided by the number of possessions. It shows how well a team or action scores.
- Assist-to-Turnover RatioBasketball · Stats
Assists divided by turnovers. A quick check on how well a player takes care of the ball.
- Offensive Rebound PercentageBasketball · Stats
The share of your team's missed shots that you grab back.
- Plus-MinusBasketball · Stats
The score difference while a player is on the floor.
- Usage RateBasketball · Stats
The share of team possessions a player finishes with a shot, free throws or a turnover while on the floor.
- Point GuardBasketball · Positions
The player who brings the ball up the floor and runs the offense.
- Shooting GuardBasketball · Positions
A guard whose main job is scoring, often from the perimeter.
- Small ForwardBasketball · Positions
A versatile player who can score inside and outside and guard several positions.
- Power ForwardBasketball · Positions
A frontcourt player who rebounds, defends inside and scores near the basket or from mid-range.
- CenterBasketball · Positions
Usually the tallest player, who protects the rim, rebounds and scores close to the basket.
- Combo GuardBasketball · Positions
A guard who can play both point guard and shooting guard.
- WingBasketball · Positions
A player who plays on the sides of the court, usually a shooting guard or small forward.
- Stretch FourBasketball · Positions
A power forward who can shoot from three, pulling a big defender away from the basket.
- TravelingBasketball · Violations
Moving your feet illegally while holding the ball, like taking extra steps without dribbling.
- Double DribbleBasketball · Violations
Dribbling with both hands at once, or starting to dribble again after stopping.
- Shot Clock ViolationBasketball · Violations
Failing to get a shot to hit the rim before the shot clock runs out.
- 3 SecondsBasketball · Violations
An offensive player staying in the painted lane for more than three seconds in a row.
- 5-Second Closely GuardedBasketball · Violations
Holding the ball for five seconds while a defender is guarding you closely.
- Backcourt ViolationBasketball · Violations
Taking the ball back across half court after your team has already brought it into the frontcourt.
- GoaltendingBasketball · Violations
Blocking a shot on its way down toward the basket, or touching the ball while it's over the rim.
- QuarterbackFootball · Positions
The offensive player who takes the snap, then hands off, passes or runs.
- Running BackFootball · Positions
The main ball carrier in the backfield who also blocks and catches passes.
- FullbackFootball · Positions
A backfield player who mostly blocks for the running back and sometimes carries or catches the ball.
- Wide ReceiverFootball · Positions
A pass catcher lined up near the sideline or in the slot. X, Z and Slot are common receiver spots.
- Tight EndFootball · Positions
A player who lines up next to the offensive line and both blocks and catches passes.
- Offensive LineFootball · Positions
The five blockers up front: a center, two guards and two tackles.
- Defensive LineFootball · Positions
The defenders lined up across from the offensive line: tackles, a nose tackle and ends.
- LinebackerFootball · Positions
Defenders behind the line who stop the run, cover and blitz. Mike, Will and Sam name the three spots.
- CornerbackFootball · Positions
A defensive back who usually covers the wide receivers near the sideline.
- NickelFootball · Positions
A fifth defensive back who comes in to cover a slot receiver, usually replacing a linebacker.
- SafetyFootball · Positions
The deepest defenders. The free safety guards the deep middle; the strong safety plays closer and helps on the run.
- KickerFootball · Positions
The specialist who kicks field goals, extra points and kickoffs.
- PunterFootball · Positions
The specialist who punts the ball to the other team, usually on fourth down.
- Long SnapperFootball · Positions
The specialist who snaps the ball to the holder on kicks and to the punter on punts.
- ShotgunFootball · Formations
The quarterback lines up several yards behind the center and catches a short snap.
- PistolFootball · Formations
The quarterback stands a few yards behind the center, with the running back lined up directly behind them.
- Under CenterFootball · Formations
The quarterback lines up directly behind the center and takes the snap hand to hand.
- I-FormationFootball · Formations
The quarterback under center, with a fullback and running back lined up in a straight line behind.
- SinglebackFootball · Formations
One running back lined up behind the quarterback, with no fullback.
- TripsFootball · Formations
Three receivers lined up on the same side of the formation.
- BunchFootball · Formations
Three receivers lined up close together in a tight triangle on one side.
- EmptyFootball · Formations
No running back in the backfield. Five players are spread out as receivers.
- WildcatFootball · Formations
The snap goes directly to a non-quarterback, often a running back, who runs or hands off.
- FlatFootball · Route Tree
A short route straight out toward the sideline, close to the line of scrimmage.
- SlantFootball · Route Tree
A quick route where the receiver takes a few steps upfield, then cuts at an angle across the middle.
- ComebackFootball · Route Tree
The receiver runs deep, then stops and comes back toward the sideline to catch the ball.
- CurlFootball · Route Tree
The receiver runs upfield, stops, and turns back toward the quarterback to make the catch.
- OutFootball · Route Tree
The receiver runs upfield, then cuts sharply toward the sideline.
- DigFootball · Route Tree
The receiver runs upfield, then cuts sharply across the middle of the field.
- CornerFootball · Route Tree
The receiver runs upfield, then angles deep toward the back corner of the field.
- PostFootball · Route Tree
The receiver runs upfield, then angles deep toward the middle of the field and the goalposts.
- GoFootball · Route Tree
The receiver runs straight down the field as fast as possible. A fade drifts toward the sideline.
- WheelFootball · Route Tree
A route that starts toward the sideline like a flat, then turns straight up the field.
- SeamFootball · Route Tree
A route straight up the field between zone defenders, usually by a tight end or slot receiver.
- DragFootball · Route Tree
A shallow route straight across the field, a few yards past the line of scrimmage.
- HitchFootball · Route Tree
A very short route where the receiver runs a few steps upfield, stops and turns back for a quick throw.
- Cover 0Football · Coverages
All-out man coverage with no deep safety help, usually paired with a big blitz.
- Cover 1Football · Coverages
Man coverage underneath with one safety deep in the middle to help.
- Cover 2Football · Coverages
Two safeties split the deep field in halves while five defenders cover short zones.
- Tampa 2Football · Coverages
A Cover 2 where the middle linebacker drops deep down the middle to close the gap between the safeties.
- Cover 3Football · Coverages
Three defenders split the deep field in thirds while four cover short zones.
- Cover 4Football · Coverages
Four defenders split the deep field into quarters, with safeties also reading the run.
- Cover 6Football · Coverages
Quarters on one side of the field and Cover 2 on the other.
- Man FreeFootball · Coverages
Another name for Cover 1: man coverage on every receiver with one safety free in the deep middle.
- PressFootball · Coverages
A defender lines up right on the receiver at the snap to jam them and throw off the route's timing.
- Off CoverageFootball · Coverages
A defender lines up several yards off the receiver to keep everything in front and prevent deep plays.
- Inside ZoneFootball · Run Concepts
Linemen step together to block an area, and the back reads the blocks to find a crease inside.
- Outside ZoneFootball · Run Concepts
Linemen run sideways to reach defenders, and the back aims outside, then cuts up or bends back.
- PowerFootball · Run Concepts
A gap run with double teams at the point of attack and a backside guard pulling to lead through the hole.
- CounterFootball · Run Concepts
The back fakes one way, then runs the other, behind two pulling blockers.
- TrapFootball · Run Concepts
A defensive lineman is left unblocked on purpose, then hit from the side by a pulling lineman.
- DuoFootball · Run Concepts
A downhill inside run with double teams on the defensive linemen and no pulling blockers.
- SweepFootball · Run Concepts
A run to the outside where blockers lead the back around the edge.
- DrawFootball · Run Concepts
A run disguised as a pass: linemen pass-block, then the back gets a delayed handoff.
- OptionFootball · Run Concepts
The quarterback reads one defender after the snap and decides whether to hand off, keep or pitch the ball.
- RPOFootball · Run Concepts
A play that combines a run and a quick pass; the quarterback reads a defender and picks one after the snap.
- BlitzFootball · Pressure
Sending extra rushers, like linebackers or defensive backs, at the quarterback.
- Zone BlitzFootball · Pressure
A blitz where a lineman drops into coverage while a linebacker or defensive back rushes instead.
- Fire ZoneFootball · Pressure
A five-man pressure behind three deep defenders and three short defenders in zone coverage.
- StuntFootball · Pressure
Defensive linemen change rush lanes after the snap to confuse blockers.
- TwistFootball · Pressure
A stunt where two pass rushers cross paths, one going first and the other looping around behind.
- Edge RushFootball · Pressure
A pass rush from the outside, around the offensive tackle, toward the quarterback.
- False StartFootball · Penalties
An offensive player moves before the snap after getting set. It's a 5-yard penalty.
- OffsidesFootball · Penalties
A defensive player is past the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. It's a 5-yard penalty.
- HoldingFootball · Penalties
Illegally grabbing or hooking a player to keep them from making a play.
- Pass InterferenceFootball · Penalties
Illegal contact that stops a player from catching a catchable pass. It can be called on either team.
- Roughing the PasserFootball · Penalties
An illegal or late hit on the quarterback after the ball is thrown. It's a 15-yard penalty at most levels.
- TargetingFootball · Penalties
Forcible contact to an opponent's head or neck area, or leading with the crown of the helmet.
- Illegal FormationFootball · Penalties
The offense lines up wrong at the snap, such as having too few players on the line of scrimmage.
- Delay of GameFootball · Penalties
The offense doesn't snap the ball before the play clock runs out. It's a 5-yard penalty.
No terms match. Try a shorter word, like "zone" or "screen".
68 Terms
Basketball
The words coaches use on the bench and in film sessions, explained in plain English.