Basketball: Terms To Know

Terms you should know:

 

 The "paint" is the area inside the lane lines from the baseline to the free-throw line. If your offensive player has a foot on, our inside these lines for 3 seconds or longer, he will be called for the 3-second violation. There is no restriction on the time defensive players can occupy the paint.

"Free throw line", ("charity stripe") is the line you must stand behind when shooting a free-throw.

"Low post" area is the area near the "block" on either side of the lane (or "paint" area), to about half way up the lane toward the free throw line.\
 

"High post" is that area along the free throw line, and both "elbows".

The "point" is out front, and the "wings" on either side. The "top of the key" is above the free-throw circle (many years ago, the lane was not as wide as the free-throw line and circle, and so it looked like a key, or keyhole).

The "short corner" is between the corner and the basket, about 12 feet out.

"Ball-side" refers to the side of the floor where the ball is. "Weak-side" is the opposite side away from the ball. Players cutting on the weak-side toward the hoop, are using the "back-door".

Basketball: The Best and The Worst

My Own Experiences

I have been playing basketball for a long time, and I have experienced the best and the worst of the sport.
Sometimes, basketball gets really tiring, there are times when you think you want to quit! When you have a bad game, or you mess up or lose an important game it can get really stressful.

There are some times when I questioned if I really wanted to play or not, but in the end I really love this sport. The feeling you get when you win an important game is unexplainable! I have won two gold medals in an Ontario championship, and both games were very close! The times when you make an important or game-changing shot, or your coaches and teammates are congratulating you on a good game, you feel so proud and nothing can bring you down.

Even though it gets tough sometimes, I really couldn't see myself playing any other sport. I love basketball, and my teammates are amazing as well. You really form close friendships with the people you play with, and they make the experience ten times better!