Paint - the free throw line
Palming - to hold the ball in the palm of one hand; this is a violation when it's done while dribbling
Passing lane - the opening between defenders where the ball can be
passed to a teammate.
Period - a segment of a basketball game usually consisting of four 12 minute periods or quarters.
Perimeter - the area in the forecourt behind the free throw circle where outside shots are taken.
Perimeter shot - an outside shot from the perimeter
Personal foul - one that involves physical contact between opposing players; some common personal fouls are blocking, charging, elbowing, hacking, and holding.
Pick and roll - A play on which a player sets a screen
Pivot - a synonym for post
Pivot foot - the foot that has to remain on the floor while the player has the ball.
Pivot man - the team's center
Playmaker - the player who brings the ball upcourt for his teams and runs the offense
Point - basketball's scoring unit
Point guard - the player who brings the ball upcourt for his team. This player also runs the offense.
Possession arrow - the sideline indicator at high school and college
games that has a lighted arrow showing which team is next entitled to the
ball under the alternate possession rule
Post - a position that is just outside of the free throw lane, a position just outside the free throw lane
Post up - when a player establishes a position in the low post to take advantage of a smaller defender.
Power forward - a b forward who can score from near the basket and can get rebounds.
Press - a defensive strategy that puts pressure on the player that has the ball.
