BASKETBALL

            This series of definitions is not meant to be comprehensive but rather an aid to help fiction writers make their characters’ dialog sound “authentic.” Some are occupational slang. Recording studio musicians for example hate “clams” (sour notes). Others are basic terms. To a sailor a hold is where cargo is stowed aboard a ship. To a gambler a hold is the bet percentage held back by a casino.

            In 1891 James A. Naismith of the Y.M.C.A. College in Springfield, Massachusetts came up with the idea for a new game. Played indoors or out it required no more equipment than a large bouncing ball and two peach baskets attached to walls on a rectangular court. He called it Basketball.

            The peach baskets have long since been replaced by nets but most of the rules laid down by Naismith are followed to this day. And whether your hoops are big league or pickup, hope your players are good at boxing out and foul shots but no palming allowed and that’s not just talking trash.

                                                                        Michael Mckeever

BASKETBALL:

boxing out:    stepping in front of opposing player to keep them from getting ball.

double-teaming: guarding single defensive player with two defenders.

dribbling:       moving ball forward by rapid bouncing.

foul shot:       unchallenged free throw.

hoops:                        another name for basketball.

jumper:           tossing ball while jumping.

palming:         illegally scooping up ball with a hand before dribbling.

set shot:         tossing ball through hoop while standing.

shooting:       tossing ball through hoop.

talking trash: trying to rattle another player by yelling, jeering, etc.

traveling:        walking or running with the ball.