Sports Lingo

Basketball

Alley-oop: A high pass near the basket that a teammate jumps to catch and scores in one motion.

And-one: When a player is fouled while making a basket and gets a free throw.

Triple-double: When a player achieves double digits in three statistical categories (eg, points, rebounds, assists).

Crossover: A dribbling move where the ball is quickly switched from one hand to the other to confuse a defender.

Full-court press: Defensive strategy applying pressure across the entire court.

Fast break: Quick offensive play after gaining possession.

Buzzer-beater: A shot made just before the buzzer sounds, ending the quarter or game.

Football (Soccer)

Offside: A rule violation when an attacking player is too close to the opponent's goal without enough defenders.

Hat trick: When a player scores three goals in one match.

Nutmeg: Passing the ball through an opponent's legs.

Free kick: Awarded after a foul; the player can take a direct or indirect kick.

Clean sheet: When a goalkeeper prevents the opposing team from scoring.

Tackle: Attempting to take the ball from an opponent.

dribbling: Skillfully moving the ball past opponents while maintaining control.

Tennis

Ace: A serve that the opponent cannot return.

Love: A score of zero.

Deuce: A tied score of 40-40.

Rally: A prolonged exchange of shots.

Break: Winning a game when the opponent is serving.

Volley: Hitting the ball before it bounces.

Backhand: A stroke where the back of the hand faces the ball.

Badminton

Smash: A powerful downward shot aimed at scoring.

Drop shot: A soft shot that barely clears the net and falls close to it.

Clear: A high shot that sends the shuttle to the back of the opponent's court.

Drive: A flat and fast shot traveling close to the net.

Net shot: A delicate shot played close to the net.

Rally: The sequence of shots between the serve and the point being won.

Lift: A defensive shot that sends the shuttle high and to the back of the court.

Volleyball

Spike: A forceful downward hit aimed at scoring.

Dig: A defensive move to prevent the ball from touching the ground after an opponent's spike.

Set: A controlled pass to a hitter for an attack.

Block: Jumping near the net to prevent a spike from crossing.

Ace: A serve that lands directly in the opponent's court without being touched.

Libero: A specialized defensive player who wears a different-colored jersey.

Kill: A  spike that results in a point.