Team Sports Terms Vocabulary

a pass that directly leads to a score

“She recorded ten assists in the game.”

Origin: Latin assistere `to stand by`, from ad- + sistere `to stand`

loss of possession to the opposing team

“Turnovers proved costly in the fourth quarter.”

Origin: From turn + over

three goals or successes by one player in a game

“He completed the hat trick with a late goal.”

Origin: From cricket, where a bowler taking three wickets earned a new hat

reaching double digits in two statistical categories

“She averaged a double-double in points and rebounds.”

Origin: Basketball term from double + double

the tactical arrangement of players on the field

“The coach switched to a 4-3-3 formation.”

Origin: Latin formatio `a forming`, from formare `to form`

a practice game between teammates

“The team held a full scrimmage before the opener.”

Origin: Alteration of skirmish, from Old French eskermir `to fence`

the list of players on a team

“The roster expanded for the playoff run.”

Origin: Dutch rooster `list, gridiron`

a professional sports team and its organization

“The franchise relocated to a new city.”

Origin: Old French franchise `freedom, privilege`

the process of selecting new players from a pool

“He was the first overall pick in the draft.”

Origin: Old English dræht `act of drawing`

the final date when player trades can occur

“The team made a blockbuster deal before the trade deadline.”

Origin: From trade + deadline