Cager - an old name for a basketball player. This comes from the times when there was a wire barrier surrounding the basketball court to protect the fans from the players and the players from fans.
Carry the ball - to hold the ball and not dribble. Also known as traveling
Center - usually the tallest player on the team; one who is in the center of the offense who takes the tip-off and is usually stationed in post position on offense.
Center circle - a circle in the center of the court where a jump ball is held to start a new period.
Center line - a line that divides the court into halves. It's also known as the division line, mid-court line, ten-second line, and time line.
Center official - the referee who is responsible for action between the free throw line extended and the mid court area marker.
Charging - an offensive foul committed when a player runs into a defender who is standing still or not moving.
Charity stripe - a term used to define the free throw line.
Chest pass - a two-handed pass thrown from chest level
Clear-out - when four offensive players stand on one side of the free threw line leaving room on the other side so that the fifth player can go one on one against a defender.
Coast to coast - the length of the court
Collapsing defense - a defensive strategy in which defenders converge on the other teams' center whenever the ball is passed to him.
Convert - a successful free throw into the basketball hoop.
Corner - the area near the intersection of baseline and sideline
Cornerman - another name for a forward
Court - the area in which basketball is played
Crossover dribble - moving the ball from one hand to the other while dribbling
Cut - to change directions quickly to avoid a defender or to find open space on the floor
Cylinder - an area above the basketball hoop where the ball can't be touched by any player.
