How Much Basketball Slang Do You Know?

Reviewed by Danielle Shafer

Danielle Shafer, Basketball Coach |

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Danielle Shafer holds a Master's degree in Marketing from the University of Nottingham and a Bachelor's degree in Sports Management and Coaching from Urbana University. With a passion for sports education and community involvement, she volunteered at Special Olympics events from January 2012 to teach basketball and directed camps like the Wayne High School Basketball Camp in May 2012.

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Questions: 10 | Attempts: 326 | Updated: Dec 14, 2023

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How Much Basketball Slang Do You Know? - Quiz

Every sport has its own kind of language, or you can call it slangs. Do you know about basketball slang? Take this basketball slang quiz to test your knowledge if you call yourself a basketball fan. You can't help but come up with terms to describe the play and the odd, colorful slang word for basketball slang when you want to have some fun with what you're doing. If you live and breathe basketball, then you must identify them. If you're new to the game, they're jargon terms you're just getting used to. All the best!

Questions and Answers

1.

What does it mean when someone is talking about the "rock" in the game?
- A.
  
  The net
- B.
  
  Shoes
- C.
  
  The ball
- D.
  
  3 pointers
Correct Answer
C. The ball

Explanation
When someone is talking about the "rock" in the game, they are referring to the ball. "Rock" is a slang term commonly used in basketball to describe the ball. It is often used by players and fans as a shorthand way of referring to the ball during a game or when discussing basketball.

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2.

When you pass the ball to another player who takes it and get a score right away. What is it called?
- A.
  
  Quarter
- B.
  
  Penny
- C.
  
  Dime
- D.
  
  Nickle
Correct Answer
C. Dime

Explanation
When you pass the ball to another player who takes it and scores immediately, it is commonly referred to as an "assist" in basketball. The term "dime" is slang used to describe a perfect or impressive assist, often used when the passer sets up the scorer for an easy basket.

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3.

What is it called if a player shoots the ball underhand?
- A.
  
  Stumper
- B.
  
  Hopper
- C.
  
  Granny shot
- D.
  
  Crudler
Correct Answer
C. Granny shot

Explanation
When a player shoots the ball underhand, it is commonly referred to as a "Granny shot". This term is often used in basketball to describe a shooting technique where the player uses an underhand motion to shoot the ball. The name "Granny shot" is often used in a lighthearted or humorous way, as this shooting style is not commonly seen in professional basketball.

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4.

How would you describe the scenario in which your team is playing like they're blessed and the players are hitting every shot they take?
- A.
  
  Flying
- B.
  
  Making it rain
- C.
  
  Breaking the boards
- D.
  
  Hitting the hole
Correct Answer
B. Making it rain

Explanation
The phrase "making it rain" is often used in sports to describe a scenario where a team or player is performing exceptionally well and scoring points effortlessly. It implies that the team is on fire, hitting every shot they take with ease. The term "making it rain" is often associated with a sense of dominance and success, as if the team is showering the court with points, just like money being thrown in the air.

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5.

What are you doing if you dribble so good that it makes your defender lose their balance?
- A.
  
  Breaking bed
- B.
  
  Breaking legs
- C.
  
  Breaking boards
- D.
  
  Breaking ankles
Correct Answer
D. Breaking ankles

Explanation
"Breaking ankles" is a colloquial phrase used in basketball to describe a dribbling move so skillful and quick that it causes the defender to lose their balance and stumble or fall. This term is often used to highlight the superior dribbling skills of the person performing the move, as it implies that their dribbling ability is so impressive that it can physically affect their opponent.

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6.

What's it called when a player lifts the ball to take a shot but then, the player didn't take the shot at all?
- A.
  
  Pump fake
- B.
  
  Whirly
- C.
  
  Swisher
- D.
  
  Rope-a-dope
Correct Answer
A. Pump fake

Explanation
A pump fake is when a player lifts the ball as if they are going to take a shot, but instead of shooting, they quickly bring the ball back down and continue their play. This move is often used to deceive the opposing team's defenders and create an opportunity for the player to either pass the ball or drive to the basket.

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7.

What would be the word used for you if you're a boss at rebounding?
- A.
  
  Shifter
- B.
  
  Kid Flash
- C.
  
  Glass cleaner
- D.
  
  Basket Hanger
Correct Answer
C. Glass cleaner

Explanation
The word "glass cleaner" would be used for someone who is a boss at rebounding. This term refers to a basketball player who excels at grabbing rebounds, which is the act of retrieving missed shots. Just like a glass cleaner leaves no streaks on a window, a player who is skilled at rebounding leaves no opportunity for the opposing team to score by securing the ball after a missed shot.

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8.

What's the basketball term similar to "Hail Mary" in football?
- A.
  
  Wisher
- B.
  
  Sky
- C.
  
  Slick
- D.
  
  Prayer
Correct Answer
D. Prayer

Explanation
The term "Prayer" is similar to "Hail Mary" in football because it refers to a desperate or last-minute shot attempt in basketball. Just like a "Hail Mary" pass in football is a long, high-risk throw made in the hopes of scoring a touchdown, a "Prayer" in basketball is a difficult shot taken from a far distance or in a challenging situation, often with little time remaining on the clock. Both terms imply a low probability of success but a willingness to take a chance in order to potentially achieve a game-changing outcome.

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9.

What do you call the player who misses shots like it is their habit?
- A.
  
  Bricklayer
- B.
  
  Buster
- C.
  
  Backyardigan
- D.
  
  Rumrunner
Correct Answer
A. Bricklayer

Explanation
A bricklayer is a term commonly used to describe a player who frequently misses shots, as if it is their habit. This term is derived from the idea that a bricklayer's job is to lay bricks, and if they consistently miss their target, it can be compared to a player consistently missing their shots in a game. Therefore, the correct answer for this question is "Bricklayer."

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10.

If a player is losing, they might try intentionally fouling the worst player on the other team to have an upper hand. What is that called?
- A.
  
  Hack-a Shaq
- B.
  
  Pass fake
- C.
  
  Trip-flip
- D.
  
  Whack-a-mole
Correct Answer
A. Hack-a Shaq

Explanation
"Hack-a Shaq" is the correct answer because it refers to a strategy in basketball where a player intentionally fouls a poor free throw shooter, often targeting Shaquille O'Neal, in order to gain an advantage. This strategy involves repeatedly fouling the player throughout the game, forcing them to take free throws and potentially miss, thus preventing their team from scoring easily. This tactic is often used when a team is losing and wants to slow down the opposing team's scoring momentum.

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Danielle Shafer |Basketball Coach |

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Current Version
Dec 14, 2023

Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team

Expert Reviewed by
Danielle Shafer
Oct 10, 2022

Quiz Created by
Sophia Smith

How Much Basketball Slang Do You Know?

What does it mean when someone is talking about the "rock" in the game?

When you pass the ball to another player who takes it and get a score right away. What is it called?

What is it called if a player shoots the ball underhand?

How would you describe the scenario in which your team is playing like they're blessed and the players are hitting every shot they take?

What are you doing if you dribble so good that it makes your defender lose their balance?

What's it called when a player lifts the ball to take a shot but then, the player didn't take the shot at all?

What would be the word used for you if you're a boss at rebounding?

What's the basketball term similar to "Hail Mary" in football?

What do you call the player who misses shots like it is their habit?

If a player is losing, they might try intentionally fouling the worst player on the other team to have an upper hand. What is that called?