I
Inbound: To pass the ball to a teammate on the court from out-of-bounds. 
Intentional foul: A foul that occurs when a player makes illegal contact with an opposing player without intending to get the ball. 

J
Jump ball: A procedure used to begin a game. The referee tosses up the ball in the center circle between two opposing players, who jump up and try to tip it to a teammate. Also called the "opening tip." 
Jump hook: A variation of the traditional hook shot in which the shooter takes the shot with both feet in the air. 
Jump shot: A shot in which the shooter faces the basket and releases the ball after jumping into the air. 

L
Lane: The rectangular painted area between the baseline, the lane lines, and the free throw line. Also called the "paint." 
Layup: A shot taken next to the basket in which the shooter extends their arm, lifts their same-side knee, and aims the ball at the upper corner of the painted square on the backboard. 
Loose-ball foul: A foul committed when neither team has possession of the ball. 
Low post: The area on one side of the basket around the block. 

M
Man offense: See man-to-man offense. 
Man-to-man defense: A team defense in which each defender guards a specific player or man. Also called "player-to-player defense." 
Man-to-man offense: A team offense used against man-to-man defense. Also called "man offense." 
Midcourt line: See half-court line. 

O
Offensive rebound: A rebound at the basket a team is attacking. 
Overhead pass: A two-handed pass thrown from above the player's head. 
Overtime: A 5-minute extra period played when the game is tied at the end of regulation play.

P
Paint: See lane. 
Palming: See carrying the ball. 
Passing lane: An imaginary line from the player with the ball to a teammate. If a defender is in the way, the passing lane is closed. 
Personal foul: A penalty assessed on a player who commits an illegal action. 
Pick-and-roll: A two-person play in which on offensive player sets a screen (pick) on the ball handler's defender and cuts (rolls) to the basket after the ball handler drives by the screen. Also called a "screen and roll." A common play in college and the pros. 
Pivot: The action when the player with the ball spins on one foot and steps with their other foot to protect the ball from a defender. 
Pivot foot: The foot that the offensive player spins on while pivoting. 
Point guard: (1) A position played by a team's primary ball handler, the player who brings the ball up the court and begins the offense. Also called the "1." (2) The player who plays that position. 
Post: (1) A player who plays in and around the lane area. A center or forward (a "4" or a "5"). (2) An area of the court, as in the low post or the high post. 
Power forward: A position played by the larger of the forwards on the floor, usually a good scorer and rebounder. Also called the "4." (2) The player who plays that position. 
Power layup: A two-footed layup. 
Push pass: A one-handed air pass.

R
Rebound: (1) A missed shot that comes off the backboard or rim. (2) To fight for and gain control of a missed shot that comes off the backboard or rim. 
Rejection: A blocked shot. 
Running clock: When the clock in a game isn't stopped every time the referee blows the whistle to ensure that the game ends on time and the next game can begin when scheduled.

S
Safety: The offensive player at the top of the circle. 
Screen: A play in which an offensive player runs over and stands in a stationary position next to a teammate's defender to free up the teammate to dribble or to receive a pass. Also called a pick.

Screen away: To pass in one direction and set a screen for a teammate in the opposite direction. 
Screener: A player who sets a screen. 
Shooting foul: A violation that happens when a defender fouls the shooter and the shot scores. The shooter is awarded 2 points and a free throw. 
Shooting guard: (1) A position played by a perimeter player who is usually the team's best outside shooter. Also called the "2." (2) The person playing this position. 
Shooting hand: The hand used to shoot the ball. See also guide hand. 
Sideline: The line at each side of the court that marks the boundary of the playing surface. 
Steal: (1) To intercept a pass and gain possession of the ball. (2) The name for the action. 
Substitute: A player who comes in the game to replace another player. Also called a "sub." 

T
Technical foul: A violation, such as a player or coach using profanity, that results in the other team getting free throws and possession of the ball. Also called a "T," as in "T him up." 
Tip-off: The opening jump ball at the center circle that begins a game. 
Transition: A movement that occurs when a team changes from offense to defense (defensive transition) or from defense to offense (offensive transition). 
Traveling: A violation that occurs when the player with the ball takes two many steps without dribbling. This is a common occurrence with young players. 
Turnover: A loss of possession of the ball caused by a steal, an offensive foul, a held ball, or a poor pass. 
Two-shot foul: A violation that occurs when a defender fouls the shooter, and the shot misses. The shooter is awarded two free throws.

Z
Zone defense: A team defense in which players are assigned to guard specific areas of the court, rather than layers. 
Most popular zone alignments: 2-3, 3-2, 1-3-1, 1-1-3, 2-1-2
Zone offense: A team offense used against a zone defense.