court![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Hard rectangular surface (50 ft x 94 ft) on which a basketball game is played.
restricting circle ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Circle around the center circle; players not taking part in the tip-off must be outside this circle.
timekeeper ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Official who keeps time; this individual stops the clock when play stops and starts it again when play resumes.
clock operator ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Official who keeps track of a team’s possession time.
scorer ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Official who records points and fouls committed by the players.
center circle ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Circle at center court used for tip-offs at the start of a half and after a goal; a tip-off is when two players jump for the ball and try to push it toward their teammates.
sideline ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Line along the sides of the court; when the ball crosses this line, it is put back into play at the same place.
referee ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Official who assists the first referee and also stays at the perimeter of the court so as not to interfere with the players.
center line ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Line dividing the court into two halves, one for each team.
referee ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Official responsible for applying the rules; this individual does tip-offs and signals fouls.
semicircle ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Semicircular zone where the player takes position to make a free throw, which is worth one point.
trainer ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Individual who treats injured players.
assistant coach ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Person who assists the coach and can replace the coach if needed.
coach ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
The team’s leader; the coach plots strategy and decides who plays in different situations.
free throw line ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Line parallel to the end line; the shooter stands behind it for a free throw (throw awarded after a foul).
second space ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Space along the restricted area near the free throw line; one of the shooter’s teammates is in this space when there is a free throw.
first space ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Space along the restricted area near the end line; one of the opposing players is in this space when there is a free throw.
end line ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Line marking the ends of the court; when the ball crosses this line, one team puts it back into play at the same place.
restricted area ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
A trapezoidal area between the end line and the free throw line; an attacking player is not allowed to stay in it for more than three seconds.