Glossary

360 (Basketball)

To elude a defender by doing a complete spin, making a 360-degree turn.

Ace (Baseball)

A team's best pitcher, usually the first pitcher in starting rotation.

Air Ball (Basketball)

Sarcastic term to describe a shot that doesn't touch the rim.

All-Star Game (Hockey)

A mid-season exhibition game pitting selected stars of North American origin against selected stars from the rest of the world; from 1969 to 1997, the game was played between representatives from the NHL's two conferences.

Alley (Baseball)

Also called "gap"; the outfield area between the outfielders.

Alley-oop Pass (Basketball)

A pass thrown to a player who is running toward the basket. The second player leaps, catches the ball in midair, and dunks it or lays it in before he lands.

Around the Horn (Baseball)

A play run from third, to second, to first base.

Assist (Baseball)

An outfielder helps put an offensive player out, crediting the outfielder with an "assist".

Assist (Basketball)

A pass that leads directly to a basket.

Assist (Hockey)

The pass or passes which immediately precede a successful scoring attempt; a maximum of two assists are credited for one goal.

Astroturf (Football)

An artificial surface used instead of grass on some football fields.

At Bat (Baseball)

An offensive player is up to bat. The batter is allowed three outs. Also a baseball stat (AB). 

Attacking Zone (Hockey)

The area between the opponents’ blue line and their goal.

Audible (Football)

A play called by the quarterback at the line of scrimmage to make a last minute change from the play that was originally called in the huddle. 

Automatic First Down (Football)

For several of the most severe fouls against the defensive team, a first down is awarded to the offensive team even if the result of the penalty does not advance the ball beyond the line to gain. The offense now has 4 more chances to get 10 yards, regardless of where their field position was prior to the penalty.  In the NFL and College Football (NCAA), the fouls that warrant an automatic first down include pass interference and all personal fouls. 

Backcheck (Hockey)

An attempt by a player, on his way back to his defensive zone, to regain the puck from the opposition by checking or harassing an opponent who has the puck.

Backcourt (Basketball)

A team's defensive half of the court. As it refers to players, a team's guards.

Backdoor Play (Basketball)

A fundamental basketball play in which one player passes to a teammate in the high post, and when the defenders follow the ball, another player cuts to the basket from the opposite side of the court to take a pass for an open shot.

Backdoor Slider (Baseball)

A pitch thought to be out of strike zone crosses the plate.

Backfield (Football)

The group of offensive players who line up behind the line of scrimmage.  The area behind the offensive linemen.

Backhand Shot (Hockey)

A shot or pass made with the stick from the left side by a right-handed player or from the right side by a left-handed player.

Backstop (Baseball)

The barrier behind the home plate.

Backward Pass (Football)

A pass thrown to the side or backward. There is no limit to the number of backward passes or where they may be thrown from. Sometimes incorrectly referred to as a “lateral”. 

Balk (Baseball)

An illegal motion made by the pitcher intended to deceive runners at base, to the runners' credit who then get to advance to the next base

Ball Carrier (Football)

Any player who attempts to advance the ball during a rushing play or any player in possession of the ball and attempting to advance it on the ground. 

Ballist (Baseball)

A vintage baseball term for "ballplayer".

Baltimore Chop (Baseball)

A hitting technique used by batters during the "dead-ball" period and named after the Baltimore Orioles. The batter strikes the ball downward toward home plate, causing it to bounce off the ground and fly high enough for the batter to flee to first base.

Bank Shot (Basketball)

A shot that is aimed at a spot on the backboard so that it caroms, or "banks," into the basket.

Base (Baseball)

One of four points on the baseball diamond that players must run through to reach the home plate.

Base Coach (Baseball)

A coach that stands on bases and signals the players.

Base Hit (Baseball)

A hit that reaches at least first base without error.

Base Line (Baseline)

A white chalk line drawn on the field to designate fair from foul territory.

Base on Balls (Baseball)

Also called "walk"; an advance awarded a batter against a pitcher. The batter is delivered four pitches declared "ball" by the umpire for going outside the strike zone. The batter gets to walk to first base.

Base-tender (Baseball)

A vintage baseball term referring to a baseman.

Baseline (Basketball)

The line at each end of the court, under each basket. Also: endline.

Bases Empty (Baseball)

Bases contain no runners.

Bases Loaded (Baseball)

Bases contain runners.

Bat (Baseball)

Equipment the batter uses to strike the ball.

Batter (Baseball)

Offensive player in the batting box who will attempt to strike the ball.

Batter's Box (Baseball)

Area next to home plate designated for the batter.

Battery (Baseball)

A pitcher-catcher combination.

Batting Order (Baseball)

The official order, as determined by the umpire, of players who will step up to bat.

Beat the Defense (Hockey)

To get by one or both of the defensemen.

Beat the Goalie (Hockey)

To outwit the goalie and score a goal.

Behind the Net (Hockey)

The area of ice behind the goal cage is legal territory.

Bench (Basketball)

Reserves.  Players who do not start, but are placed in the game as alternatives to the starters.  The “bench” is used to describe the alternates. 

Blind Pass (Hockey)

To pass the puck without looking.

Blitz (Football)

A defensive maneuver in which one or more linebackers or defensive backs, who normally remain behind the line of scrimmage, instead charge into the opponents’ backfield with the intention of sacking the quarterback.  

Blocking (Football)

When a player obstructs another player’s path with his body. Examples/lingo: Cut block, Zone block, Trap block, Pull block, Screen block, Pass block, Double-team block. 

Blue Lines (Hockey)

Two, blue, 12-inch wide lines running parallel across the ice, each 60 feet from the goal; they divide the rink into three zones called the attacking, defending and neutral (or center) zones; defending blue line is the line closer to a player’s own net; attacking blue line is the one farther from his net; used in determining offsides.

Boarding or Board-Checking (Hockey)

A minor penalty which occurs when a player uses any method (body checking, elbowing or tripping) to throw an opponent violently into the boards; if an injury is caused, it becomes a major penalty.

Boards (Basketball)

Lingo for Rebounds. 

Boards or Board Wall (Hockey)

A wooden or fiberglass wall 3 1/2 to 4 feet high which surrounds the rink to keep the puck and players from accidentally leaving the rink and injuring spectators; all rinks have shatterproof glass that rises above the boards to provide additional protection.

Body Check (Hockey)

When a hockey player bumps or slams into an opponent with either his hip or shoulder (the only legal moves) to block his progress or throw him off-balance; it is only allowed against an opponent in control of the puck or against the last player to control it.

Bomb (Football)

A long pass thrown in the air by the quarterback. 

Bounce Pass (Basketball)

A pass thrown by a player to a teammate that bounces on the floor.

Box Out (Basketball)

Use your body to stay between an opponent and the basket and thus get into better position for a rebound.

Box Score (Baseball)

Important inning information an official keeps track of by checking a series of boxes.

Break (Hockey)

A chance to start a rush when the opposing forwards are caught out of position.

Breakaway (Hockey)

A fast break in which an attacker with the puck skates in alone on the goalie, having gotten past or clear of the defensemen, trapping the opponents behind the play.

Breaking Ball (Baseball)

A curve ball that breaks speed.

Breaking Pass (Hockey)

A pass to a teammate who is trying for a breakaway.

Brick (Basketball)

A hard, errant shot that caroms wildly off the basket or backboard.

Bronx Cheer (Baseball)

The sound of "boos" from the crowd during a game.

Brush-back (Baseball)

A pitched ball comes close to hitting the batter.

Bullpen (Baseball)

The actual warm-up area for relief pitchers before entering the game. Also used as a term to describe all of the relievers of a team. 

Bunny (Basketball)

An open, uncontested shot, usually a layup or dunk. Also: snowbird.

Bunt (Baseball)

The ball is not swung at, but contacts the bat within the infield.

Bury (Basketball)

Sink (a shot), as in "bury a jumper."

Bust (Football)

Term often used to refer to a player, usually one drafted in the first day of the NFL Draft, who failed to meet the expectations of the drafting team. (Examples of BUSTS : Ryan Leaf, Akili Smith, Tim Couch) 

Butt-Ending (Hockey)

A major penalty which occurs when a player jabs an opponent with the shaft of his hockey stick.

buzzer-beater (basketball)

When a basket is made during the final seconds of a tied game to win the game. 

Called Game (Baseball)

The umpire temporarily stops the game.

Campbell Conference (Hockey)

Was one of the two conferences in the NHL that contained the Norris and Smythe Divisions until 1992-93; renamed the Western Conference in 1993.

Can of Corn (Baseball)

An easy fly-ball catch by an outfielder.

Carom (Hockey)

A rebound of the puck off the boards or any other object.

Carry (Carries) (Football)

A statistic referring to the number of times a offensive player, typically the running back (RB), attempts to advance the ball. A ball carrier can be any player that attempts to advance the ball during an offensive play, regardless of position. 

Catcher (Baseball)

The player poised behind home plate to catch balls missed by the batter.

Caught Looking (Baseball)

The batter does not swing at a pitch but a third strike is called.

Cellar (Baseball)

A team is in last place.

Center (C) (Football)

A player position on offense. The center usually snaps the ball to the quarterback. 

Center (Hockey)

The center player in the forward line who usually leads his team’s attack when they are trying to score a goal; he takes part in most of the face-offs; he controls the puck and tries to score or pass it to a teammate who is in a better position to score a goal.

Center Face-Off Circle (Hockey)

A circle, measuring 30 feet in diameter, at the center of the ice where the puck is dropped in a face-off to start the game and to restart the game after a goal has been scored.

Center Ice (Hockey)

The area between the two blue lines, also called the neutral zone.

Center Line (Hockey)

A red, 12-inch wide line across the ice midway between the two goals.

Centering Pass (Hockey)

A pass from an attacking player towards the middle of the ice to a teammate with a better angle at the goal.

Chain (Football)

The 10-yard long chain that is used by the chain crew (aka “chain gang”) to measure for a new series of downs. 

Change Up (Baseball)

A slow-ball pitch intended to deceive the batter into thinking it is a fastball.

Charging (Basketball)

A violation in which an offensive player runs into a stationary opponent.

Charging (Hockey)

A minor penalty which occurs when a player makes a deliberate move of more than two steps when body checking an opponent; if serious injury is caused or blood is drawn it becomes a major penalty.

Check or Checking (Hockey)

Any contact initiated by a defending player against an opponent to get the puck away from him or slow him down; there are two main types of checks: stick check and body check; these are only allowed against a player in control of the puck or against the last player to control it immediately after he gives it up; checking after too many steps or strides becomes charging.

Checked Swing (Baseball)

A swing by the pitcher that rotates halfway around or less.

Chin Music (Baseball)

A pitch that comes close to a batter's face.

Choke-up (Baseball)

A batter grips the bat too far up from the knob.

Chucker (Basketball)

A player who never met a shot he didn't like.

Circus Catch (Baseball)

A great catch by an outfielder.

Clean-up Hitter (Baseball)

The fourth player up to bat.

Clearing The Puck (Hockey)

Getting the puck out of one’s own defensive zone.

Clearing The Zone (Hockey)

When a defending player sends the puck out of the opponent's attacking zone, all the attacking players must leave or clear the zone to avoid being called offsides when the puck reenters the zone.

Clipping (Football)

When a defensive player blocks coming from behind where the offensive player cannot see him coming.  Clipping can also be a block at or below the waist. Punished with 10-yard penalties. 

Closer (Baseball)

Relief pitcher who finishes out the game. 

Coast-to-Coast (Basketball)

From one end of the court to the other.

Collective Bargaining Agreement (Basketball)

The agreement between the NBA and the Players Association that governs all terms and conditions of employment of NBA players by NBA teams.

Comeback Route (Football)

A receiver or tight end route where the player runs straight up field a specified number of yards (could be a short or medium route), plants hard, and turns and runs back towards the sideline at a 45 degree angle. Often confusingly named, a wide receiver doesn’t come back towards the quarterback, instead he tries to catch the ball and guarantee getting out of bounds. 

Complete Game (Baseball)

The starting pitcher pitches the whole game.

Completion Percentage (Football)

An important statistic used to determine the quality of a quarterback  (QB).  Calculated by the percentage of passes thrown by the quarterback that are completed. For example, if a quarterback throws 20 passes during a game and 10 are successfully caught by a receiver on his team, the quarterbacks completion percentage would be 50%. 

Cornerback (CB) (Football)

A defensive player who lines up near the line of scrimmage across from a wide receiver. Their primary job is to stop the wide receiver (WR) from catching passes from the quarterback. 

Count (Baseball)

The total balls and strikes tallied on a batter.

Cover (Football)

There are two general schemes for defending against the pass:

1. Man-to-man, where each eligible receiver is covered by a defensive back or a linebacker.

2. Zone, where certain players (usually defensive backs and/or linebackers, though occasionally linemen as well) are assigned an area on the field (Flat, Hook, Curl and Deep) that they are to cover. 

Cover (Hockey)

When a player stays close to an opponent to prevent him from receiving a pass or making a play on offense.

Crank (Baseball)

An old-time term referring to a serious baseball fan.

Crease Lines (Hockey)

The red lines that form the semi-circular area with a 6-foot radius in front of the goal called the goal crease.

Cross Bar (Hockey)

The horizontal bar that connects the top of the two goalposts.

Cross-Checking (Hockey)

A minor penalty which occurs when a player holds his stick in both hands and drives the shaft into an opponent; a stick check where a player has both hands on the stick and no part of the stick on the ice; if serious injury is caused or blood is drawn it becomes a major penalty and a game misconduct.

Curveball (Baseball)

A pitch that angles to the left when delivered with the right hand, and visa versa.

Cutter (Baseball)

Also called "cut fastball"; a kind of fastball that breaks slightly before reaching home plate.

Cycle (Baseball)

Also called "natural cycle"; a batter achieves a single, double, triple, and a home run in one game.

Dead Ball (Football)

A ball which is no longer in play. 

Dead Puck (Hockey)

A puck that flies out of the rink or that a player has caught in his hand.

Dead-Ball Foul (Basketball)

A foul committed while the clock is stopped and the ball is not in play.

Defensemen (Hockey)

Two players who make up a team’s defensive unit usually stationed in or near their defensive zone to help the goalie guard against attack; sometimes they lead an attack. The left defenseman covers the left half of the rink, the right defenseman plays to the right, but they can skate into each other’s territory.

Defensive Back (DB) (Football)

A cornerback or safety position on the defensive team; commonly defends against wide receivers on passing plays. Generally there are 4 defensive backs playing at a time – also called nickel backs and dime backs. 

Defensive End (Football)

(DE) A player position on defense who lines up on the outside of the defensive line and which principal function is to deliver pressure to the Quarterback which is also called the “pass rush”. 

Defensive Line (Hockey)

Consists of two defensemen.

Defensive Tackle (DT) (Football)

A player position on defense on the inside of the defensive line and which principal function is to stop the offense from running the ball “the run”. When a defensive tackle lines up directly across from the center, he is known as a nose tackle, often the heaviest player on the defense. When a defensive tackle lines up between offensive guard OG and Offensive tackle OT, he is known as a 3-gap technique tackle. 

Defensive Zone (Hockey)

The zone or area nearest a team’s goal (the goal they are defending).

Deflection (Hockey)

Causing any pass or shot to stray from its intended course; a shot or pass that hits some object such as a stick or skate and goes into the net for a score or when a goalie hits the puck away.

Deke or Deking (Hockey)

A decoying or faking motion by the puck-carrier; the art of making a defensive player think you are going to pass or move in a certain direction when you are not. There are shoulder dekes, stick dekes and head dekes.

Delay of Game (Football)

A foul which occurs when the offensive team does not put the ball in play before the play clock runs out. Penalty: 5 yards. 

Delay of Game (Hockey)

A minor penalty imposed on any player who purposely delays the game in any way, such as shooting or batting the puck outside the playing area or displacing the goalpost from its normal position.

Delayed Penalty (Hockey)

A penalty against a team that has only 4 players on the ice, assessed only when one of its players gets out of the penalty box.

Delayed Whistle or Delayed Call (Hockey)

When an official raises his arm but does not blow his whistle, waiting to see the outcome of a play before calling a penalty; this is done so as not to penalize the non-offending team by stopping its momentum.

Deny the Ball (Basketball)

Prevent an opponent from getting the ball by guarding him closely and staying between him and the player in possession of the ball.

Designated Hitter (Baseball)

Non-field player designated to bat in the pitcher's position.

Diamond (Baseball)

The baseball field.

Dinger (Baseball)

Homerun.

Donut (Baseball)

Circular weight attached to the bat and used in warm-up.

Double (Baseball)

A second-base hitter.

Double Dribble (Basketball)

A violation in which a player dribbles the ball, stops, then begins to dribble again.

Double Header (Baseball)

A team plays two games in a row.

Double Minor (Hockey)

A type of minor penalty given for certain accidental infractions that result in an injury to another player or for certain deliberate attempts to injure an opponent that are unsuccessful; penalty time of 4 minutes is served, double the time of a normal minor penalty.

Double Play (Baseball)

A defense play resulting in two outs.

Double-Team (Basketball)

The defensive tactic of two players guarding one.

Downtown (Basketball)

Far from the basket, often synonymous with beyond the three-point arc.

Draft (Basketball)

The annual selection process by which NBA teams select players from the colleges and elsewhere.

Dribble (Basketball)

Bounce the ball.

Drive (Football)

A continuous set of offensive plays gaining substantial yardage and several first downs, usually leading to a scoring opportunity. 

Drop Kick (Football)

A kick in which the ball is dropped and kicked once it hits the ground and before it hits it again; a half-volley kick. A drop kick is one of the types of kick which can score a field goal. 

Drop Pass (Hockey)

When a player simply leaves the puck behind for a teammate following him to pick up.

Dugout (Baseball)

Holding area for baseball officials and uniformed teammates not in play.

Dunk (Basketball)

A shot thrown downward through the basket, with one or two hands. Also: slam, slam-dunk, jam

Earned Run (Baseball)

A home run scored with no errors against defense.

Eastern Conference (Hockey)

The renamed Wales Conference beginning with the 1993-94 season which contains the Atlantic, Northeast and Southeast Divisions.

Elbowing (Hockey)

A minor penalty which occurs when a player strikes his opponent with an elbow to impede his progress.

Empty-Net Goal (Hockey)

A goal scored against a team that has pulled the goalie.

End Zone (Football)

The area between the end line and the goal line, bounded by the sidelines. 

Endboards (Hockey)

The boards at each end of the rink.

Enforcer (Hockey)

Also called the policeman; is usually the most penalized player on a team; he has the job of protecting his teammates from harm; generally a larger player who is not afraid of any fight.

Error (Baseball)

A defense foul.

Exhibition Game (Hockey)

A game not included in the regular-season schedule and which does not count in the standings; the All-Star Game or other games generally played before the season begins.

Expansion (Hockey)

The addition of teams to the NHL.

Expansion Draft (Hockey)

A special arrangement to assist new franchises in obtaining players, where expansion teams choose players from other teams’ rosters.

Expansion Team (Hockey)

A team that has been recently added to the NHL.

Extra Point (Football)

A single point scored in a conversion attempt by making what would be a field goal or a safety during general play. 

Face Mask (Hockey)

The protective mask worn by the goalie.

Face Mask Penalty (Football)

A foul in which a player grabs any portion of another player’s helmet, usually in the process of making a tackle. It results in a 15 yard penalty. 

Face-Off (Hockey)

The method of starting play; the dropping of the puck by the official between the sticks of two opposing players standing one stick length apart with stick blades flat on the ice; used to begin each period or to resume play when it has stopped for other reasons.

Face-Off Circles and Spots (Hockey)

The various circular spots on the ice where an official and two players will hold a face-off to begin or to resume the action of the game; there is one blue face-off circle and four red face-off spots located in the neutral zone; two red face-off circles are found at each end of the ice.

Fair Ball (Baseball)

A hit that stays within "fair territory".

Fair Catch (Football)

An unhindered catch of an opponent’s kick. The player wanting to make one must signal for a fair catch by waving an arm overhead while the ball is in the air. After that signal, if he gains possession of the ball it is dead immediately and opponents will receive a fifteen yard penalty for hitting him. 

Fair Territory (Baseball)

The field that is within playing boundaries.

Falling on the Puck (Hockey)

A minor penalty, which occurs when a player other than the goalie closes his hand on the puck, deliberately falls on the puck, or gathers the puck under his body while lying on the ice.

False Start (Football)

The sudden movement of the offense before the ball is hiked in an effort to make the defense react. 

Fast Ball (Baseball)

A ball pitched straight and fast.

Fast Break (Basketball)

A play in which a team gains possession and then pushes the ball downcourt quickly, hoping to get a good shot off before the other team has a chance to get back and set up on defense.

Feeding (Hockey)

Passing the puck.

Field Goal (Basketball)

A basket, worth either two or three points, depending on whether it was taken from inside or outside the three-point line (set at 22 feet from the basket).

Field Goal (Football)

Score of 3 points made by kicking the ball through the opponent’s goal posts.  Used when the offensive does not have good field position on their last chance (down) and cannot score a touchdown but are within 30 to 40 yards of their opponents’ goal post.   

Field Position (Football)

A relative measure of how many yards a team must travel in order to score: “good field position” would mean the offense has less distance to cover. 

Fielder (Baseball)

One of nine defensive team players.

Fielder's Choice (Baseball)

A fielder opts to throw the ball to a base other than the one the batter is running toward.

Fighting (Hockey)

A major penalty which occurs when two or more players drop their sticks and gloves and fight; if a referee deems one player to be the instigator, that player also receives a minor penalty and a misconduct penalty; the minor penalty for a less severe pushing and shoving match is called roughing.

Fireman (Baseball)

The relief pitcher that closes out the game.

First and Ten (Football)

Refers to a situation where a team has a first down with ten yards to go to get another first down.

First Down (Football)

The first play of every series. Usually, a team which has a first down needs to advance the ball 10 yards to receive another first down, but penalties or field position (i.e. less than 10 yards from the opposing end zone) can affect this. 

Flagrant Foul (Basketball)

Unnecessary and/or excessive contact committed against an opponent.

Flat Pass (Hockey)

When a player passes the puck to a teammate along the surface of the ice.

Flea Flicker (Football)

A trick play in which a running back throws a backward pass back to the quarterback, who then throws a pass to a wide receiver or tight end. 

Flip Pass (Hockey)

A pass by a player to a teammate that lifts the puck from the ice and sends it through the air, usually for the purpose of getting it over an opponent’s stick.

Flip Shot (Hockey)

A shot in which a player cups the puck in his stick, then flips it with his wrists up off the ice towards the goal; this sometimes makes the puck harder to block.

Fly Ball (Baseball)

A bat results in a high-flying ball.

Force Out (Baseball)

An out recorded when a runner is forced to advance to the next base because there is a runner behind him.

Force Play (Baseball)

A batter becomes a runner forcing a baseman to lose his position.

Forecheck (Hockey)

To check or harass an opponent who has the puck in his defensive zone and keep the opponents in their end of the rink while trying to regain control of the puck; usually done by the forwards.

Forehand (Hockey)

A shot or pass taken from the right side of a right-handed player or from the left side of a left-handed player.

Forfeited Game (Baseball)

A game is ended and the opponent is awarded because of a foul committed by defense.

Fork Ball (Baseball)

A ball pitched between the index and middle fingers resulting in a slower, and often ground ball.

Forward Line or Attacking Line (Hockey)

Consists of two wings (right and left) and a center; these three players play nearer the opponent’s goal and are responsible for most of the scoring.

Forwards (Hockey)

The three players who make up the attacking line or forward line of a team — the center and the right and left wings.

Foul (Basketball)

A violation. Usually, illegal contact between two players.

Foul (Hockey)

Any infraction of the rules that will draw a penalty.

Foul Ball (Baseball)

A ball that settles outside the foul line.

Foul Line (Baseball)

Line drawn from home base through the first and third bases, and perpendicularly upward from the outfield fence.

Foul Territory (Baseball)

Area outside the foul line.

Foul Tick (Baseball)

An old-time term for foul ball.

Foul Trouble (Basketball)

When a player is nearing the limit for personal fouls before he is ejected from the game, or a team is nearing the limit in each period after which all fouls become shooting fouls.

Franchise (Hockey)

A team; the legal arrangement that establishes ownership of a team.

Free Agent

A player not under contract to any team because his contract has expired or was terminated by his team.

Free Throw (Basketball)

An uncontested shot from 15 feet, worth one point. A player who is fouled while in the act of shooting receives two free throws. Also: foul shot.

Freeze the Puck (Hockey)

To hold the puck against the boards with the skate or stick in order to stop play briefly or gain a face-off.

Front Court (Basketball)

A team's offensive half of the court. As it refers to players, a team's center and forwards.

Full Strength (Hockey)

When a team has its full complement of 6 players on the ice.

Fullback (FB) (Football)

A player position on offense. Originally, lined up deep behind the quarterback in the T formation. In modern formations this position may be varied, and this player has more blocking responsibilities in comparison to the halfback or tailback. 

Fumble (Football)

A ball that a player accidentally lost possession of and can be picked up by the opposing team to create a turnover.

Gap (Baseball)

Area between outfielders.

Get the Jump (Hockey)

To move fast and thereby get a good start on the opponents.

Give-and-Go (Basketball)

A fundamental play in which one player passes to a teammate, then cuts to the basket to receive a return pass for an open layup or dunk.

Goal (Football)

A surface in space marked by a structure of two upright posts 18 feet 6 inches apart extending above a horizontal cross-bar whose top edge is 10 feet off the ground. The goal is the surface above the bar and between the lines of the inner edges of the posts, extending infinitely upward, centered above each end line.

Goal (Hockey)

Provides one point; scored when a puck goes between the goalposts from the stick of an attacking player and entirely crosses the red line between the goalposts; also the informal term used to refer to the area made of the goalposts and the net guarded by the goalie and into which a puck must enter to score a point.

Goal Cage (Hockey)

A 6 foot wide by 4 foot high tubular steel frame consisting of a cross bar and two goalposts to which a net is attached.

Goal Crease (Hockey)

A semi-circular area with a 6 foot radius in front of the opening of the goal; denotes the playing area of the goaltender within which attacking players must not obstruct his movement or vision.

Goal Line (Football)

The front of the end zone. 

Goal Line (Hockey)

The two-inch red line between the goalposts that stretches in both directions to the sideboards.

Goalkeeper, Goalie or Goaltender (Hockey)

The heavily padded player who guards the goal; prevents opponents from scoring by stopping the puck any way he can.

Goalposts (Hockey)

The metal bars that frame the area to which the net is attached which rests on the center of the goal line and between which a puck must pass to score a goal.

Goaltending (Basketball)

A violation in which a player interferes with a shot while the ball is on its downward arc, pins it against the backboard or touches it while it is in an imaginary cylinder above the basket; may be committed by either an offensive or defensive player.

Gopher (Baseball)

A homerun hit.

Grand Slam (Baseball)

A homerun hit while all bases are loaded.

Green Light (Baseball)

The coach signals a good move to a batter or runner.

Gridiron (Football)

A football field, so called for its markings. Also how some people refers American Football to distinguish between football (soccer), rugby union, rugby league and American football. 

Ground Rule Double (Baseball)

A double base advance awarded runners on bases usually as a result of a batted ball bouncing off the ground and flying high over the wall or fence.

Grounder (Baseball)

Also called "ground ball", a hit that bounces off, or ends up rolling on, the infield.

Guard (OG) (Football)

One of two player positions on offense — see linemen. 

Gunner (Basketball)

A frequent shooter.

Hail Mary (Football)

Slang. A long pass play, thrown by the quarterback towards a group of receivers near the end zone in hope of a touchdown. Used by a team as a last resort as time is running out and the offense has a last shot a scoring a touchdown. 

Halfback (HB) (Football)

A type of running back (RB) on offense. Also known as a tailback. 

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Hand-Checking (Basketball)

A violation in which a defender uses his hand to impede a player's progress.

Hang Time (Basketball)

The amount of time a player can stay in the air while attempting a shot.

Hash Marks (Football)

Lines between which the ball begins each play. The lines are parallel to and a distance in from the side lines and marked as broken lines. If a play is blown dead while the ball is between the hash marks, the ball is spotted where it is blown dead for the following play. If the play ends outside the hash marks, the ball is spotted at the nearer hash mark. 

Hat Trick (Hockey)

Three or more goals scored by a player in one game.

Head Deke (Hockey)

When a player drops his head as though moving one way and quickly moves in another to fake out the opponent.

High Post (Basketball)

The area around the free throw circle.

High-Sticking (Hockey)

A minor penalty which occurs when a player carries his stick above the normal height of his opponent’s shoulders and hits or menaces the opponent with it; if injury is caused it becomes a major penalty; if a referee determines that the raising of the stick was unintentional and no contact occurred, it is considered a team infraction, and a face-off is held in the offender's defensive zone.

Hike (Football)

Synonym of “snap” - the handoff or pass from the center that begins a play from scrimmage. 

Hit (Baseball)

The batter advances to a base without any field errors.

Hit and Run (Baseball)

The players on base begin to run before the batter hits the ball.

Holding (Football)

There are two kinds of holding: offensive holding, illegally blocking a player from the opposing team by grabbing and holding his uniform or body; and defensive holding, called against defensive players who hold offensive players, but who are not actively making an attempt to catch the ball.  

Holding (Hockey)

A minor penalty which occurs when a player grabs and holds onto an opponent (or his stick) with his hands or arms to impede the opponent’s progress.

Holding the Puck (Hockey)

See falling on the puck.

Home Plate (Baseball)

Home base where the batter takes a swing; the final point to be reached by runners on the course of four bases of the baseball diamond.

Home Point (Baseball)

A vintage term for home base.

Home Run (Baseball)

After striking the ball, the batter is able to pass through all four plates and return to home with no errors on the part of defense.

Home Team (Baseball)

The team whose field the game is being played on. If the field is neither team's, both will mutually decide which one to call home team.

Home Team (Hockey)

The team in whose arena the game is being played; the team wearing the lighter uniforms.

Hook Check (Hockey)

A sweep of the stick low to the ice to take the puck from an opponent’s stick.

Hook Shot (Basketball)

A shot taken with a sweeping, hooking motion. May be taken stationary or while running.

Hooking (Hockey)

A minor penalty which occurs when a player attempts to impede the progress of another player by hooking any part of the opponent’s body with the blade of his stick; an illegal use of one’s stick.

Hoop (Basketball)

Basket or rim. Also slang for playing basketball.

Hot Corner (Baseball)

Third base.

Huddle (Football)

An on-field gathering of members of a team in order to secretly communicate instructions for the upcoming play. 

Hurler (Baseball)

A vintage word for pitcher.

Icing (Hockey)

A violation which occurs when the team in possession of the puck shoots it from behind the red center line across the opponent’s goal line into the end of the rink (but not into the goal) and a member of the opposing team touches it first; results in a face-off in the offender’s defensive zone; a shorthanded team cannot be called for icing.

Illegal Formation (Football)

On offense, there must be exactly seven players lined up on the line of scrimmage for at least one count before the ball is snapped. If not, then it is an illegal formation. 

Incomplete Pass (Football)

A forward pass of the ball, typically thrown by the quarterback, which no player legally catches.  

Infield (Baseball)

The portion of the baseball field bordered by three bases and home plate.

Infield Fly (Baseball)

A fly ball in the infield that can easily be caught by an infielder.

Infielder (Baseball)

A player positioned on the infield.

Inning (Baseball)

One of nine periods of playtime in an ordinary regulation game.

Intentional Grounding (Football)

A type of illegal forward pass, typically thrown by the quarterback, thrown without an intended receiver and no chance of completion to any offensive player, for the sole purpose conserve time or loss of yardage. This foul costs the offense a loss of down and 10 yards. 

Intentional Walk (Baseball)

A set-up for forced play in which the batter is delivered four pitches in order to advance to first base.  Used when the batter has a high potential to score.  

Interception (Football)

When a pass thrown by the quarterback intended for a receiver, is caught by an opposing player. Forces a turnover. 

Interference (Hockey)

A penalty in hockey called when a player attempts to impede the motion of another player not in possession of the puck.

Intermission (Hockey)

A fifteen-minute recess between each of the three periods of a hockey game.

Jump Ball (Basketball)

When players from opposing teams gain simultaneous possession of the ball, the referee stops play. After the teams are realigned, he tosses the ball up between those two players, who attempt to tap it to a teammate.

Jump Hook (Basketball)

A hook shot taken while jumping, popular among big men because it is difficult to block.

Jump Shot (Basketball)

A shot taken after a player jumps in the air.

Kick Returner (Football)

A player on the receiving team who specializes in fielding kicks and running them back. Often the fastest players on the team (sometimes the wide receivers).

Kneeing (Hockey)

A minor penalty which occurs when a player uses a knee to hit his opponent in the leg, thigh or lower body.

Knuckle Ball (Baseball)

A method of holding the ball with the knuckles in order to prevent a spin on the ball.

Lane (Basketball)

The painted area between the end line and the free-throw line near each basket, outside which players line up for free throws. Also known as the key, because in the early years it was key-shaped. It was twice widened to its present rectangular shape.

Lead Pass (Hockey)

A pass sent ahead of a moving teammate designed to meet the player at the location he is headed.

Left On Base (Baseball)

Three outs and bases are still loaded.

Lie (Hockey)

Angle made by the shaft of the stick and the blade.

Line change (Hockey)

The entire forward line and/or defensive line will be replaced at once, which puts players on the ice who work well together.

Line Drive (Baseball)

A ball hit in a straight line directly to a fielder.

Line of Scrimmage/Scrimmage Line (Football)

One of two vertical planes parallel to the goal line when the ball is to be put in play by scrimmage. For each team in American football, the line of scrimmage is through the point of the ball closest to their end line. The two lines of scrimmage are called offensive line of scrimmage and defensive line of scrimmage. Often shortened to “line”. 

Line-up (Baseball)

A team's batting order.

Linebacker (LB) (Football)

A player position on defense. The linebackers typically play 1 to 6 yards behind the defensive linemen and are the most versatile players on the field because they can defend both run and pass defense or called to blitz. There are two types of LB: Middle Linebacker (MLB) and Outside Linebackers (OLB). 

Lineman (Football)

A defensive or offensive position on the line of scrimmage. • On offense, the player snapping the ball is the center. The players on either side of him are the guards, and the players to the outside of him are the tackles. The players on the end of the line are the ends. 

Linesmen (Hockey)

The two officials on the ice, one toward each end of the rink, responsible for infractions of the rules concerning off-side plays at the blue lines or center line and for any icing violations; they conduct most of the face-offs, sometimes advise the referee concerning penalties, and separate players who are fighting; they wear black pants and an official league sweater, and are on skates.

Loose-Ball Foul (Basketball)

A foul committed while neither team has possession of the ball, as while going for a rebound.

Lottery (Basketball)

The process that determines the order of selection, among the non-playoff teams, in the first round of the draft.

Low Post (Basketball)

The area at the base of the foul lane to either side of the basket.

Madhouse (Hockey)

Nickname for the United Center, where both the Bulls and the Blackhawks play home games.  Also called the "Madhouse on Madison", because of the United Center's location on Madison Street. 

Major Penalty (Hockey

A type of individual penalty called for more serious infractions of the rules; of 5 minutes in duration whether or not the non-penalized team scores.

Man-to-Man Coverage (Football)

A defense in which all players in pass coverage, typically linebackers and defensive backs, cover a specific player. Pure man coverage is very rare; defenses typically mix man and zone coverage. 

Match-Up (Hockey)

A pairing of players on opposing teams who will cover each other during the hockey game.

Mendoza Line (Baseball)

So-named after the legendary shortstop Mario Mendoza, and refers to having a batting average of around 200.

Minor Penalty (Hockey)

A type of penalty lasting 2 minutes; if the non-penalized team scores a power play goal during this time, the penalty ends immediately.

Mound (Baseball)

The pitching hill.

Muff (Football)

Loose ball that is dropped or mishandled while the player is attempting to gain possession. 

National Hockey League NHL (Hockey)

A professional league started on November 22, 1917; currently contains 30 teams in the U.S. and Canada.

Neutral Zone (Hockey)

The area between the blue lines.

No Hitter (Baseball)

Also called "no-hit game" and "no-no"; refers to a game resulting in a team having no hits.

No-Huddle Offense (Football)

A tactic wherein the offense quickly forms near the line of scrimmage without huddling before the next play. 

Norris Division (Hockey)

With the Smythe Division made up the Campbell Conference until the 1992-93 season; renamed the Central Division of the Western Conference starting with the 1993-94 season.

Nose Guard/Tackle (Football)

The defensive tackle who lines up opposite the offensive center.

Officials (Hockey)

Two referees and two linesmen on the ice calling infractions and handing out penalties plus several off-ice officials including two goal judges, the game timekeeper, the penalty timekeeper, the official scorer, the statistician and the video goal judge.

Offside (Hockey)

A violation which occurs when both skates of an attacking player cross the opponent’s blue line before the puck is passed or carried into the attacking zone; also called when a player passes the puck from his defending zone to a teammate across the red center line (two-line pass); this is one of the most common calls made in a hockey game and results in a face-off.

Offside Pass (Hockey)

See two-line pass.

Offsides (Football)

A penalty called that requires both teams to be on their own side of their restraining line as or before the ball is put play. Offsides is normally called on the defensive team when lined up at the line of scrimmage waiting for the ball to be hiked.  

On Deck (Baseball)

The next batter in the line-up.

On The Road (Hockey)

When an NHL team plays games away from its home arena.

On-The-Fly (Hockey)

Making player changes or substitutions while play is under way.

Open Ice (Hockey)

That part of the ice that is free of opponents.

Out (Baseball)

What the umpire calls when a batter or base runner for whatever reason cannot advance to the next base; such a player is said to be "retired".

Out In Order (Baseball)

The first three batters are called out in one inning.

Outfield (Baseball)

The area of the playing field that is outside the boundaries of the four-pointed baseball diamond.

Outfielder (Baseball)

A player in an outfield position.

Outlet Pass (Basketball)

A pass thrown by a player after getting a rebound to a teammate, generally near midcourt, to start a fast break.

Over the Limit (Basketball)

Beyond a given number of fouls. Each team is allowed four fouls per quarter for which no free throws are assessed (unless they are committed against players in the act of shooting ); after four fouls a team is said to be "over the limit" and free throws are assessed on all subsequent fouls.

Overtime (Basketball)

A five-minute extra period that is played when the game is tied after four quarters. If a game remains tied following an overtime period, another is played and another until there is a winner.

Overtime (Hockey)

An additional period of play used to break a tie; see sudden-death.

Overtime Loss (Hockey)

The result for a team that loses a game in overtime that was tied after regulation; this category was created starting with the 1999-2000 season and is worth 1 point in the standings.

Palming (Basketball)

A violation in which a player moves his hand under the ball and scoops it while dribbling. Also: carrying the ball.

Pass Interference (Football)

When a player illegally hinders an eligible receiver’s opportunity to catch a pass, usually from the quarterback.   

Pass Protection (Football)

The term used to describe how well the offensive line protects the quarterback and allows them time to throw the ball. 

Passed Ball (Baseball)

The ball escapes the catcher and runners get to advance to next base.

Passer Rating (Football)

(also quarterback rating) A numeric value used to measure of the performance of quarterbacks. It was formulated in 1973 and it uses the player’s completion percentage, passing yards, touchdowns and interceptions. HIGH is good! 

Passing (Hockey)

When one player uses his stick to send the puck to a teammate.

Passout (Hockey)

A pass by an attacking player from behind his opponent’s net or goal line to a teammate in front of the net.

Patrick Division (Hockey)

With the Adams Division made up the Wales Conference until the 1992-93 season; renamed the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference starting with the 1993-94 season.

Penalty (Hockey)

Punishment of a player for a violation of the rules, resulting in suspension from the game for a period of time; 6 types exist: minor, bench, major, misconduct, match and goalkeeper’s penalties.

Penalty Box (Hockey)

An area with a bench just off the ice, behind the sideboards outside the playing area where penalized players serve their penalty time.

Penalty Killer (Hockey)

A player expert at backchecking and keeping or gaining control of a loose puck under difficult circumstances who is trained to break up a power play when his team is shorthanded.

Penalty Shot (Hockey)

A free shot awarded a player who was illegally interfered with, preventing him from a clear scoring opportunity; the shot is taken with only the goalie guarding against it.

Penalty Situation (Basketball)

When a team has committed more than its allotted four fouls per quarter and thus each subsequent foul becomes a shooting foul. Also: Over the limit.

Perfect Game (Baseball)

The pitcher prevents every batter from the opposing team from getting to first base.

Periods (Hockey)

Three 20-minute playing intervals separated by two intermissions.

Personal Foul (Basketball)

see Foul.

Pick (Basketball)

When an offensive player frees a teammate for a shot by establishing a stationary position that prevents a defensive player from guarding the shooter. If the player who is "setting a pick" is not stationary and contact is made with a defender, it is an offensive foul and his team loses possession of the ball. Also: screen.

Pick Off (Baseball)

The pitcher throws the ball to a fielder who can then tag a base runner, preventing the runner from stealing or advancing to next base.

Pick-and-Roll (Basketball)

A play in which an offensive player sets a pick, then "rolls" toward the basket and takes a pass from a teammate for an open shot.

Pill (Basketball)

Ball.

Pinch Hitter (Baseball)

A hitter replaces the starting player in the line-up.

Pinch Runner (Baseball)

A player replaces a runner already on base.

Pitch (Baseball)

Delivery of the baseball to the batter.

Pitcher (Baseball)

The offensive player that delivers the ball to the batter.

Pitching Rotation (Baseball)

The pitching order of the starting pitchers.  Most starting pitchers have 4-5 days rest in between games. 

Pitchout (Baseball)

A deliberate wide pitch.

Pivot (Basketball)

The area near the basket, generally where the center operates, or the act of changing directions, by keeping one foot planted on the ground while stepping in one or more directions with the other foot.

Player-Control Foul (Basketball)

An offensive foul that is committed not when a player is shooting, but just when his team is in control of the ball.

Pocket (Football)

An area where the offensive linemen attempt to prevent the defensive players from reaching the quarterback during passing plays. 

Point Guard (Basketball)

Usually a team's primary ballhandler and the man who sets up the team's offense.

Poke Check (Hockey)

A quick jab or thrust to the puck or opponent’s stick to knock the puck away from him.

Policeman (Hockey)

See enforcer.

Power Forward (Basketball)

The larger of a team's two forwards, whose duties generally involve rebounding as much as scoring.

Power Play (Hockey)

An attack by a team at full strength against a team playing one man (or two men) shorthanded because of a penalty (or penalties) which resulted in a player on the opposing team receiving penalty-box time.

Press (Basketball)

Guard very closely.

Puck (Hockey)

A black, vulcanized rubber disc, 1-inch thick and 3-inches in diameter, weighing between 5 1/2 and 6 ounces used to play hockey; they are frozen to prevent excessive bouncing and changed throughout the game; can travel up to 120 miles per hour on a slap shot.

Pulling the Goalie (Hockey)

Taking the goalkeeper off the ice and replacing him with a forward; leaves the goal unguarded so is only used as a last minute attempt to score.

Pump Fake (Basketball)

A fake in which a player motions as if he is going to shoot the ball but holds back, hoping his defender will jump out of position.

Pump Fake (Football)

When the quarterback fakes a pass and keeps the ball in his hand in an attempt to fool the defensive team. 

Punt (Football)

A kick in which the ball is dropped and kicked before it reaches the ground. Used to give up the ball to the opposition after offensive downs have been used, as far down the field as possible. 

Punt Return (Football)

When a punt is fielded by the receiving team and advanced for better field position. The punt returner generally attempts to move the ball as far up the field as possible. Alternatively, they can signal for a fair catch or allow the ball to go into the end zone for a touchback. 

Punter (P) (Football)

A kicker who specializes in punting as opposed to place kicking. 

Putout (Baseball)

A fielder earns credit for receiving the ball to put out a base runner or hitter.

Quadruple-Double (Basketball)

An extremely rare (it's only happened four times in NBA history) achievement in which a player accumulates doubles figures in four of the following categories in the same game: points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocked shots.

Quarterback (QB) (Football)

The most important player and leader of the offense.  Decides the plays for the offense and throws, hands off, or runs the ball to gain yards. 

Quarterback Sneak (Football)

A play most commonly used in very short yardage or goal line 

Quick Return Pitch (Baseball)

A pitch with intent to throw off the batter.

Ragging (Hockey)

Retaining the puck by clever stickhandling; often used by a shorthanded team to kill time.

Rebound (Basketball)

Gather in and gain control of a missed shot; a missed shot that is retrieved.

Reception (Football)

When a player catches (receives) the ball. 

Red Flag (Football)

A weighted red marker thrown onto the field by a coach to tell the officials that he wants a certain play reviewed. Sometimes referred to as “challenge flag.” 

Red Line (Hockey)

The line that divides the length of the ice surface in half.

Red Zone (Football)

The area between the 20 yard line and the goal of the defensive team. 

Referees (Hockey)

The chief officials in a hockey game, distinguished from the other officials by a red armband; they start the game, call most of the penalties and make the final decision in any dispute; they are responsible for making sure the ice, the nets and the clock are in good condition; they wear black pants and an official league sweater; they are also on skates.

Referee’s Crease (Hockey)

A semi-circular area, with a 10 foot radius, marked in red on the ice in front of the timekeepers’ bench into which players may not follow a referee.

Rejection (Basketball)

A blocked shot.

Relief Pitcher (Baseball)

The replacement for the starting pitcher, usually with a pitcher from the bullpen.

Retire (Baseball)

 The umpire calls an out, and a batter or base runner cannot advance to the next base.

Rink (Hockey)

The iced area inside the boards on which the game of hockey is played; it is 200 feet long by 85 feet wide with rounded corners.

Rockered Blades (Hockey)

Used by professional ice hockey skaters; the gentle curve in a very sharp blade of an ice skate produced by rounding the toe and heel of the blade to make it easier for hockey players to turn quickly.

Roster (Hockey)

A list of the players on a team.

Roughing (Hockey)

A minor penalty which occurs when a fight between players is more of a pushing and shoving match; a less severe penalty than fighting.

Rubber (Baseball)

The pitching plate.

Run Batted In (Baseball)

Also known as "RBI", a record of points earned by a player for assisting his teammates in scoring points while up to bat.

Run Down (Baseball)

Fielders tag a runner between bases.

Runner (Baseball)

The player or batter advancing from one base to another.

Running Back (Football)

(RB)  A player position on offense whose job is to receive the ball from the quarterback and run the ball downfileld through the defense. A running back’s success is determined on the # of yards “rushed” (run) before they are tackled. Halfback, tailbacks and fullbacks are also considered running backs. 

Running Out The Clock (Football)

A game strategy that involves repeatedly executing simple plays that allow the game clock to continue running in an effort to bring the game to a quicker end. This strategy is almost always employed by the leading team at the end of the game, and may involve one or more quarterback kneels. 

Running Play (Football)

A play where the offense attempts to advance the ball by running it on the ground. 

Rush (Football)

An attempt to tackle or hurry the quarterback before he can throw a pass.  Rush is also used to describe a running play. 

Rush (Hockey)

An individual or combined attack by a team in possession of the puck.

Sacrifice Bunt (Baseball)

A bunt intended to advance a runner, to the batter's discredit.

Sacrifice Fly (Baseball)

A fly ball out and a runner scores a point.

Safe (Baseball)

Runner arrives safely at base, as called by the umpire.

Sag (Basketball)

A defensive tactic in which a player drops off his man to help double-team a player in the pivot.

Salary Cap (Basketball)

Common term for Maximum Team Salary, the maximum amount each team may pay in salaries during an NBA season, as per teams of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Save (Baseball)

Credit given a relief pitcher for keeping the team in the lead despite that the opponent's tying or winning runs are on base, or if three or more innings are pitched without a tie game.

Save (Hockey)

The act of a goalie in blocking or stopping a shot.

Scoring Position (Baseball)

Runner is on second or third base.

Scramble (Hockey)

Several players from both sides close together battling for possession of the puck.

Screen (Basketball)

Pick.

Screen Shot (Hockey)

A shot on goal that the goalie cannot see because it was taken from behind one or more players from either team standing in front of the net.

Set Shot (Basketball)

A shot taken while a player has both feet on the floor in a set position. Common in basketball's early years, it is now all but extinct, having given way to the harder-to-block jump shot.

Shooting Angle (Hockey)

The angle determined by the position of the shooting player in relation to the HOCKEY: goal at the moment he shoots the puck.

Shorthanded (Hockey)

A team with one or more players off the ice in the penalty box when the opponent has its full complement of 6 players; also a power play for the other team.

Shortstop (Baseball)

Fielder positioned in between second and third bases.

Shot Clock (Basketball)

The 24-second clock used to time possessions. A team must attempt a shot that hits the rim within 24 seconds or else it loses possession of the ball.

Shot On Goal SOG (Hockey)

A stat and a scoring attempt that would enter the goal if not stopped by a goalie: results in either a goal or a save.

Shotgun Formation (Football)

Formation in which offensive team may line up at the start of a play. In this formation, the quarterback receives the snap 5-8 yards behind the center. 

Shoulder Deke (Hockey)

A quick move of the shoulder in one direction and the player in another to fake out the opponent.

Shut Out (Baseball)

A team fails to score any runs in a game.

Shy-Hook (Basketball)

A hook shot in which the ball is released while the shooter's hand is at the top of the arc; used most effectively by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA's all-time career scoring leader.

Sideboards (Hockey)

The boards along the sides of the rink.

Sideline (Football)

One of the lines marking each side of the field. 

Signs (Baseball)

Hand or body signals given by the coach or key players.

Single (Baseball)

A batter arrives safely to first base.

Sinker (Baseball)

A pitched fastball aimed downward.

Sixth Man (Basketball)

A team's primary reserve, the first substitute to enter a game.

Sky Ball (Baseball)

Vintage term for pop-up ball.

Skywalk (Basketball)

The ability to move laterally while in the air.

Slam Dunk (Basketball)

see Dunk.

Slap Shot (Hockey)

A shot in which the player raises his stick in a backswing, with his strong hand held low on the shaft and his other hand on the end as a pivot. Then as the stick comes down toward the puck, the player leans into the stick to put all his power behind the shot and add velocity to the puck; achieves an extremely high speed (up to 120 miles per hour) but is less accurate than a wrist shot.

Slashing (Hockey)

A minor penalty which occurs when a player swings his stick hard at an opponent, whether or not contact is made; if injury is caused it becomes a major penalty and a game misconduct.

Sleeper (Hockey)

An attacking player who slips into the center or neutral zone behind the attacking defensemen; same as a floater or a hanger.

Slider (Baseball)

A pitch similar to a curveball but made with a straight wrist, resulting in what appears to be a fastball, but breaks when it reaches home plate.

Slow Whistle (Hockey)

When an official waits to blow his whistle because of a delayed offside or delayed penalty call.

Smythe Division (Hockey)

With the Norris Division made up the Campbell Conference until the 1992-93 season; renamed the Pacific Division of the Western Conference starting with the 1993-94 season.

Snap (Football)

The handoff or pass from the center that begins a play from scrimmage. 

Solo (Hockey)

A rush by a player without assistance from a teammate.

Spearing (Hockey)

A major penalty which occurs when a player illegally jabs, or even just attempts to jab, the point of his stick blade into another player’s body; one of the most serious infractions a player can commit; results in an automatic game misconduct.

Special Teams (Football)

The players that handle kickoffs, punts, free kicks and field goal attempts. Often manned by second and third team players. 

Spike (Football)

A play in which the quarterback throws the ball at the ground immediately after the snap. Technically an incomplete pass, it stops the clock. 

Spit Ball (Baseball)

Unlawful pitch in which the ball is coated with saliva, grease, or other such substance, causing the ball to react unpredictably.

Starter (Baseball)

The pitcher who starts the game.

Steal (Baseball)

An offensive runner tries to advance to the next base during a pitch without the batter hitting the ball, or any assists.

Steal (Basketball)

To take the ball away from the opposing team, either off the dribble or by picking off a pass.

Stick Deke (Hockey)

When a player’s stick is moved as though for a shot, but instead the player moves the puck past the defending player; done to fake out the opponent.

Stickhandling (Hockey)

Moving the puck along the ice with the stick blade.

Stolen Base (Baseball)

The recorded number of steals by a runner.

Strike (Baseball)

A pitch is missed, or not swung at by the batter, and the ball crosses into the strike zone. Also, balls that foul but are not caught may qualify as first or second strike but not a third.

Strike Out (Baseball)

Three strikes by the batter.

Strike Out (Baseball)

Three strikes by the batter.

Strike Zone (Baseball)

The area over home plate the ball must pass into to qualify as a strike.  

Striker (Baseball)

Vintage term for batter.

Substitution (Hockey)

Occurs when a player comes off the bench to replace a player coming out of the game; can be made at any time and play does not need to stop.

Sudden-Death Overtime (Hockey)

An overtime period that ends as soon as one team scores a goal, determining the winner and terminating the game.

Suicide Squeeze (Baseball)

The batter bunts the ball attempting to throw first baseman off, but instead allows third base runner, as soon as the ball is pitched but released, to flee to home plate.

Sweep Check (Hockey)

A check made by a player with one hand on the stick, and one knee so low it is practically on the ice, with the shaft and blade of the stick flat on the ice to take the puck away from an opponent.

Switch (Basketball)

When teammates exchange defensive assignments during play.

Switch-Hitter (Baseball)

A batter able to alternate batting with right or left hand.

T Formation (Football)

A classic offensive formation with the quarterback directly behind the center and three running backs behind the quarterback, forming a ‘T’. Numerous variations have been developed including the split-T, wing-T, and wishbone-T. The players in the white (#7, #11) are tackling the ball carrier (#10).

Tackle (Football)

The act of forcing a ball carrier to the ground.  A player position on the line, either an offensive tackle (T) or a 

Tag (Baseball)

A runner must touch his occupied base after the ball is caught, and before advancing to the next base. Also refers to a defense player who touches a runner with the ball in an effort to put them out.

Tailback (TB) (Football)

Player position on offense farthest (“deepest”) back, except in kicking formations. Also often referred to as the running back, particularly in a one-back offense. 

Technical Foul (Basketball)

The penalty for a violation of conduct, such as abusive language or fighting. Each technical foul awards a free throw to the opposing team and also means an automatic fine for the player who commits the violation.

the Cell (Baseball)

Slang for US Celluar Field - where the White Sox play in Chicago. 

Third-Man-In Rule (Hockey)

The third man in a fight gets a game misconduct penalty and is out of the game for its duration; created to discourage players from jumping into a fight, even if they are only trying to break it up.

Three-On-One (Hockey)

A type of break with three attackers coming in on one defenseman; this is a desperate situation.

Three-On-Two (Hockey)

A type of break with three attacking players skating against two defensive players.

Three-Point Shot (Basketball)

A field goal worth three points, taken from beyond an arc that is 22 feet from the basket.

Three-Second Violation (Basketball)

An offensive player may not stand in the lane for three seconds.

Tight End (Football)

A receiver on the offense who lines up on the line of scrimmage, next to the offensive tackle. Tight ends are used as blockers during running plays, and either receive the ball form the quarterback or stay in to block during passing plays.  

Tip-In (Basketball)

To tip a missed shot into the basket.

Top (Baseball)

First half of the inning.

Touchback (Football)

The act of downing the ball behind one’s own goal line on a kickoff or punt after the ball had been propelled over the goal by the opposing team. This can be accomplished by one of several ways: the receiving team player catching the ball in the end zone and dropping down to one knee; by the ball touching any part of the end zone; the ball carrying out of the end zone in any way without being possessed by either team. After a touchback, the team that downed it gets the ball at their own 20-yard line. 

Touchdown (Football)

A play worth six points, accomplished by gaining legal possession of the ball in the opponent’s end zone. It also allows the team a chance for one extra point by kicking the ball or a two point conversion.

Trailer (Basketball)

An offensive player who trails on a fast break but often is in good position to score after the first wave of defenders goes by.

Trailer (Hockey)

A player who follows his teammate on the attack seemingly out of the action but actually in a position to receive a backward or drop pass.

Transition (Basketball)

The movement from offense to defense, or vice versa, when the ball changes hands.

Traveling (Basketball)

A violation in which a player takes too many steps without dribbling the ball. Also: walking.

Triple (Baseball)

The batter makes it to third base without any errors or stopping.

Triple Play (Baseball)

Three players are taken out in the course of one play.

Triple-A (baseball)

The highest level of play in the minor league baseball system in the United States and Mexico.  Also called 'farm teams', each MLB team has a Triple-A team associated with it.  It's where players hang out and get better before they can play in the major leagues. 

Triple-Double (Basketball)

A relatively rare achievement in which a player accumulates double figures in three of the following categories in the same game: points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocked shots.

Tripping (Hockey)

A minor penalty which occurs when a player places his stick or a part of his body under or around the feet or legs of an opponent causing him to lose his balance; will also be called if a player kicks an opponent’s skates out from under him, or uses a knee or leg to cause his opponent to fall.

Turnover (Basketball)

Loss of ball, either through an errant pass or dribble or an offensive foul.

Turnover (Football)

The loss of the ball by one team to the other team. This is usually the result of a fumble or an interception. 

Two-base Hit (Baseball)

Also called "double"; a batter is able to safely reach second base in one hit.

Two-Line Pass (Hockey)

A type of offside violation occuring when a player passes the puck from his defending zone to a teammate across the red center line, play is stopped for a face-off; also known as an offside pass.

Two-Minute Warning (Football)

A free time out given to both teams when there is two minutes left on the game clock in each half. Certain leagues may use different times for this warning. 

Two-On-One (Hockey)

A type of break with two attacking players skating against one defensive player.

Two-On-Two (Hockey)

A type of break with two attacking players skating against two defensive players.

Two-Point Conversion (Football)

A play worth two points accomplished by gaining legal possession of the ball in the opponent’s  end zone. 

UC (Basketball)

Slang for the United Center, the Chicago arena where the Bulls and Blackhawks play.  Also called the "Madhouse" when the Blackhawks play at home. 

Umpire (Baseball)

The official person in charge of the game.

Under-Led Pass (Hockey)

A pass behind or to one side of a teammate, making it difficult for him to control the puck.

Utility Player (Baseball)

A person who can fill any position.

Utility Player (Football)

A player capable of playing multiple positions. 

Veteran Free Agent (Basketball)

A player who completes his contractual obligation to his team and becomes free to sign with any NBA team, as per terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Waffle Pad (Hockey)

A large rectangular pad attached to the front of the goalie’s stick hand.

Wales Conference (Hockey)

Was one of the two confrences in the NHL consisting of the Patrick and Adams Divisions until the 1992-93 season; renamed the Eastern Conference in 1993.

Walk (Baseball)

Also called "base on balls"; after four pitches are delivered the batter is allowed advance to first base, forcing other runners on base to advance as well.

Wash Out (Hockey)

A goal that is ruled invalid by the referee or the waving off of an infraction by the linesmen.

Weak Side (Basketball)

The side of the court away from the ball.

Western Conference (Hockey)

The renamed Cambell Conference beginning with the 1993-94 season which contains the Central, Northwest and Pacific Divisions.

Whiff (Baseball)

To strike out.

Wide Receiver (Football)

(WR) An offensive player that runs downfield and catches the ball from the quarterback.  Typically a taller and leaner player with agile hands to make great catches.  One of the “playboys” of the offense. 

Wild Pitch (Baseball)

A pitch so wide that the catcher is unable to catch or block it, allowing runners to advance.

Win-Loss (Football)

The ratio of wins to loses, usually expressed as a pair of numbers. For example, 6-1 means 6 wins and 1 loss. 

Wings (Hockey)

Two players who flank the center on his right and left sides and, with him, make up the attacking unit or forward line.

Wrist Shot (Hockey)

A a shot made using a strong flicking of the wrist and forearm muscles, with the stick blade kept on the ice; it is slower but more accurate than a slap shot.

Yard (Football)

One yard of linear distance in the direction of one of the two goals. A field is 100 yards (120 when both end zones are included). Typically, a team is required to advance at least 10 yards in order to get a new set of downs. 

Yardage (Football)

The amount of yards gained or lost during a play, game, season, or career. 

Yellow Flag (Football)

A weighted yellow marker thrown onto the field by the officials to signify that a foul has been committed by either the offensive or defensive team (or sometimes both). Commonly referred to only as “flag.”

Zamboni (Hockey)

The brand of machine used to clean the ice.

Zone (Basketball)

A defensive tactic in which players guard areas of the court, rather than specific men. Illegal in the NBA.

Zones (Hockey)

Three areas made up by the two blue lines; the attacking zone is the area farthest from the goal a player is defending; the neutral zone is the central area; the defending zone is the area where a player’s goal is (the goal where his team’s goalie is stationed)