Getting you up to speed…
No assumed knowledge. Just the words you’ll hear, explained in a sentence or two.
29 terms, minus the confusion.
A pass that directly leads to a teammate making a basket.
Finishing a hole in one stroke fewer than par, the expected score for that hole.
Winning a game when your opponent is serving. Holding serve is expected, so a break often changes the match.
Did not finish. The driver started the race but stopped before completing it, for example because of damage or a mechanical problem.
Reaching at least ten in two statistical categories in the same game, usually points and rebounds or assists.
A kick through the goalposts worth three points. Teams often try one when they are close enough to score but have not reached the end zone.
A versatile role often responsible for scoring, rebounding and defending players near the basket or on the perimeter.
The last of four chances to move the ball ten yards. A team must decide whether to try for the distance, punt, or kick a field goal.
An unopposed shot from the free-throw line, worth one point. It is usually awarded after a foul.
Illegally grabbing an opponent to restrict their movement. The penalty depends on which team commits it and the situation.
A defender catches a pass intended for an offensive player. Possession changes immediately.
A point that would end the match if the player who is ahead wins it.
An extra five-minute period played when the score is tied after normal playing time. More periods are added if it stays tied.
The expected number of strokes for a hole or course. Under par means fewer strokes; over par means more.
A stop in the team's designated area during a race, usually to change tires or repair damage.
The top three finishers in a race, who traditionally stand on a podium for the awards.
The first position on the starting grid, generally earned through qualifying.
The period when a team controls the ball and has the chance to score.
The player who usually receives the ball to start a play and decides whether to pass, hand it off or run with it.
Gaining control of the ball after a missed shot. An offensive rebound gives the shooting team another chance to score.
The list of players on a team. It can change through signings, trades and releases.
A group of games within a match. A player usually needs six games and a two-game lead, with a tiebreak used under the competition's rules.
One of the five players who begin the game on the court for a team.
Winning a match without losing a set.
A format in which the player with the fewest total strokes over the scheduled rounds wins.
A finish when a fighter gives up, often by tapping, because of a hold. A referee may also stop a submission when a fighter cannot safely continue.
A move that brings an opponent from standing to the ground.
Getting the ball into the opponent's end zone by carrying it or catching it there. A touchdown is worth six points, with a chance to add one or two more.
A result in which all three judges choose the same winner. Their exact scores do not have to match.