Basic Sports Terminology in English

Sports are a universal language, and understanding basic sports terminology in English can be incredibly helpful for communication and participation in various sportsrelated activities. Below are some fundamental sports terms across different disciplines:

• Free Throw: A shot attempted without opposition from the other team, typically awarded after a foul.
• Layup: A closerange shot, usually taken while driving towards the basket.
• Dribble: The act of bouncing the ball with one hand while moving around the court.
• Rebound: Securing the ball after a missed shot.

• Goal: The ultimate objective, scored by kicking the ball into the opponent's net.
• Penalty Kick: A direct free kick taken from the penalty spot, typically awarded after a foul inside the penalty area.
• Offside: A rule where an attacking player is in a position ahead of the ball and the secondtolast defender when the ball is passed to them.
• Corner Kick: A kick taken from the corner of the field, awarded to the attacking team when the ball goes out of play over the defending team's goal line.

• Serve: The act of starting a point by hitting the ball into the opponent's service box.
• Volley: Hitting the ball before it bounces on the ground.
• Deuce: A tie score of 4040, requiring one player to win two consecutive points to win the game.
• Match Point: The point that, if won, would enable the player to win the entire match.

• Sprint: A shortdistance race, typically under 400 meters, run at top speed.
• Long Jump: A jumping event where athletes attempt to leap as far as possible from a takeoff point.
• Shot Put: A throwing event where participants hurl a heavy metal ball for distance.
• High Jump: A vertical jumping event where athletes attempt to clear a horizontal bar at the greatest height possible.

• Freestyle: A swimming stroke where competitors use any stroke style they prefer.
• Butterfly: A swimming stroke characterized by simultaneous arm movement and a dolphin kick.
• Backstroke: A stroke swum on the back, with alternating arm movements and a flutter kick.

• Breaststroke: A stroke swum with simultaneous arm movements and a frog kick.

Understanding these basic sports terms will not only enhance your comprehension of sports discussions but also enrich your overall sports experience, whether you're participating as an athlete or enjoying the action as a spectator.