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Home/OnlyIAS Update/Important Sports Terminologies: Complete List of Important Terms Related to Sports

Important Sports Terminologies: Complete List of Important Terms Related to Sports

Important Sports Terminologies is discussed here. Sports terminologies are essential words and phrases that define the rules, skills, and techniques used in various games. They help players, coaches, and fans communicate effectively and understand the gameplay better.

Sports terminologies are specific words and phrases used to describe actions, rules, techniques, and equipment related to different games. Understanding these terms not only helps players communicate effectively but also allows spectators to follow the game more closely. Each sport, whether it’s cricket, football, tennis, basketball, or athletics, has its own unique vocabulary that defines its identity and gameplay. Learning these important sports terminologies enhances knowledge, improves performance, and deepens appreciation for the world of sports.

Important Sports Terminologies

Important Sports Terms: In exams such as Defence, UPSC, and others,  Static GK is crucial, with questions often covering Sports Terminology. This article discusses important terminologies used in various sports such as Cricket, Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, Boxing, Chess, and more. Understanding these terms is vital for government exam preparation, and it empowers candidates with knowledge that goes beyond the exam. Familiarizing themselves with sports terminology enables them to confidently tackle related questions and enhance their overall knowledge.

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Definition of Sports Terminologies

Sports Terminologies are specific words or phrases used in various sports to describe specific moves, actions, rules, and techniques. These terms are unique to each sport and are commonly used by players, coaches, commentators, and enthusiasts to communicate and understand the game better. 

List of Important Terms Related to Sports

Sports terminologies are a collection of specialized words and phrases used in different sports to describe specific actions, strategies, and rules. These terms are fundamental to understanding the intricacies of each sport and play a crucial role in effective communication among players, coaches, and spectators. From common terms like “goal” in football to more technical ones like “smash” in badminton, sports terminologies enrich our experience of the games and provide a universal language for sports enthusiasts worldwide. 

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Important Sports Terminologies
Sports Sports Terminologies
Basketball Personal Fouls, Technical foul, Free Throws, Underhead, Overhead, Double Dribble Foul, Lay UpShot, Rebound, Travel, Zone – Defense, Paint, Airball, etc.
Football Penalty Kick, Kick, Goal, Head, Side Back, Pass, Baseline, Rebound, Comer Bick, Right Out, Hattrick, Move, Dribble, Left Out, Off Side, Stopper, Defender, etc.
Badminton Fore Hand, Smash, Hit, Drop, Net, Love, Double Fault, Shuttlecock, Service Court, Back Hand, etc.
Baseball Throw, Strike, Put Out, Perfect Game, Base Runner, Homerun, Pinch Hitter, etc.
Athletics High Jump, Triple Jump Cross Country, Photo Finish, Hammer Throw, Relay, Track, Lane, Discuss Throw, Shot Put, Hurdles, etc.
Bridge Perfect Deals, Dummy, Trump, Master Point, Grand Slam, etc.
Boxing Roughhousing, Southpaw, Spar, Stablemate, Technical knockout, Walkout Bout, Whiskers, Low Blow, Ring Generalship, Plodder, Neutral Corner, Mauler, Liver Shot, Haymarket, Glass Jaw, Cutman, Dive, Eight Count, Counterpunch, Cornerman, Corkscrew Punch, Buckle, Canvas, Card, Caught Cold, Clinch, Foot Work, Accidental Butt, Bleeder, Bolo Punch, Bout, Brawler, Break, Kidney Punch, Upper – Cut, Round, Stoppage, Punch, Knock Out, etc.
Billiards And Snookers Cushion Billiards, Cue, Hit, Object Ball, Pull, Scoring, Break Shot, etc.
Cycling Point Race, Time Trial, Track race, Sprint, etc.
Golf Albatross, Tea Shot, Birdie, Blind Shot, Ace, Double Eagle, All Square, Approach Putt, Apron, Ballooning, Beach, Ball Mark, Bogey, Bunker, Caddy, Mulligan, Four-Ball, Off The Deck, Sand Trap, Peg, Dogleg, Condor, Claw Grip, Dub, Flag, etc.
Horse – Riding Faults, Dresses, Showjumping, Three Day Events, etc.
Gymnastics Sit Up, Floor Exercise, Uneven Bar, Push Ul, Horizontal Bar, Parallel Bar, etc.
Cricket Midwicket, Mid On, Forward Short Leg, Deep/Mid-Wicket, Runner, Cover, Yorker, Silly Point, Gully, Long On, Slip, Square Leg, Follow Through, Turn, Bouncer, Hattrick, Round The Wicket, Over The Wicket, Seamer, Boundary Liner, Sixer, Pull, Shot, Dead Ball, Overthrow, Maiden Over, Bye, Leg By, Glance, Hook, Late Cut, Stroke, Wide Ball, Hit Wicket, Googley, Not Out, No Ball, Stump Out, Run Out, L.B.W, Ashes, Catch, Bowled, Over, Followon, Rubber, Spin, Wicket Keeper, Wicket, Pitch, Stump, Bails, Crease, Pavilion, Gloves, Toss, Run, etc.
Chess International Master, Checkmate, Grandmaster, Gambit, Move, Resign, Kings Indian Defence, etc.
Polo Chukker, Mallet, Polo – Bunker etc.
Shooting Air Rifle, Range, Bull’s Eye, Free Pistol, Standard Rifle, Rapidfire Pistol, etc.
Judo Green Belt, Blue Belt, Red Belt, White Belt, etc.
Tennis Drop Shot, Netplay, Baseline, Game Point, BreakPoint, Smash, Shot, Break, Grass Court, Service, Grandslam, Deuce, Advantage, etc.
Wrestling Point, Hal Nelson, Heave, FreeStyle, etc.
Swimming Butterfly Stroke, Lane, Pool, Crawl, Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, etc.
Volleyball Smash, Sidearm, Penetration, Deuce, Libero, Booster, Spikers, etc.
Table Tennis Back Hand, Chop, Half Volley, Drive Spin, Late Service, Volley, etc.
Weight Lifting Snatch, Jerk, etc.

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Sports Terminologies Related to Basketball 

basketball

Basketball is a fast-paced and exhilarating team sport played between two teams, each consisting of five players. The objective is to score points by shooting the ball into the opponent’s basket, which is placed high above the ground. Players dribble the ball, pass, and perform various maneuvers to outwit the defense and score points. Basketball is known for its high-energy gameplay, strategic plays, and incredible athleticism, making it one of the most popular and widely followed sports worldwide. 

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Sports Terms Related to Basketball
Personal Fouls, Technical foul, Free Throws, Underhead, Overhead, Double Dribble Foul, Lay UpShot, Rebound, Travel, Zone – Defense, Paint, Airball, etc.

Sports Terminologies Related to Football

Football

Football, also known as soccer in some regions, is the world’s most popular sport, played and adored by millions. It is a team sport that involves two teams with eleven players each, aiming to score goals by kicking the ball into the opponent’s net. The game is played on a rectangular field, and players must use their feet, head, or other body parts (except their hands and arms) to control and move the ball. 

Sports Terms Related To Football
Penalty Kick, Kick, Goal, Head, Side Back, Pass, Baseline, Rebound, Corner Kick, Right Out, Hattrick, Move, Dribble, Left Out, Offside, Stopper, Defender, etc.

Sports Terminologies Related to Badminton

Badminton

Badminton is a popular racquet sport that can be played either as a singles or doubles game. Players use a shuttlecock to hit back and forth over a net, aiming to score points by landing the shuttlecock in the opponent’s court. 

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Sports Terms Related To Badminton
Forehand, Smash, Hit, Drop, Net, Love, Double Fault, Shuttlecock, Service Court, Backhand, etc.

Sports Terminologies Related to Baseball

Baseball

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Baseball is a classic bat-and-ball sport played between two teams, each comprising nine players. The objective is to score runs by hitting a ball thrown by the opposing pitcher and running around a series of bases before the fielding team can get them out. The game is played on a diamond-shaped field, and teams take turns batting and fielding. 

Sports Terms Related To Baseball
Throw, Strike, Put Out, Perfect Game, Base Runner, Homerun, Pinch Hitter, etc.

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Sports Terminologies Related to Athletics

Athletics

Athletics, also known as track and field, is a collection of sporting events that include various track races, jumping, throwing, and combined events. It is one of the oldest forms of organized sports and showcases individual athleticism and endurance. Athletes compete in events like sprints, hurdles, long jump, shot put, discus throw, and more. Athletics is a cornerstone of the Olympic Games and has a global following.

Sports Terms Related To Athletics
High Jump, Triple Jump, Cross Country, Photo Finish, Hammer Throw, Relay, Track, Lane, Discus Throw, Shot Put, Hurdles, etc.

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Sports Terminologies Related to Bridge

Bridge

Bridge is a popular card game played with four players, divided into two teams. It requires strategic thinking, communication, and cooperation between partners. The objective is to accurately bid and take the maximum number of tricks in each round. Bridge is a mentally stimulating and social game that has attracted players of all ages worldwide. Its intricate rules and dynamic gameplay make it a favorite pastime for those who enjoy challenging their minds and forming strong partnerships with fellow players.

Sports Terms Related To Bridge
Perfect Deals, Dummy, Trump, Master Point, Grand Slam, etc.

 

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Sports Terminologies Related to Boxing

Boxing

Boxing is a combat sport that involves two fighters engaging in a contest of skill, speed, and strength within a roped-off boxing ring. Players wear padded gloves and aim to land punches on their opponent while avoiding getting hit themselves. Boxing has a long and storied history, with iconic fighters becoming legends and inspiring generations of fans.

Sports Terms Related To Boxing
Roughhousing, Southpaw, Spar, Stablemate, Technical knockout, Walkout Bout, Whiskers, Low Blow, Ring Generalship, Plodder, Neutral Corner, Mauler, Liver Shot, Haymaker, Glass Jaw, Cutman, Dive, Eight Count, Counterpunch, Cornerman, Corkscrew Punch, Buckle, Canvas, Card, Caught Cold, Clinch, Foot Work, Accidental Butt, Bleeder, Bolo Punch, Bout, Brawler, Break, Kidney Punch, Uppercut, Round, Stoppage, Punch, Knock Out, etc.

 

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Sports Terminologies Related to Billiards And Snookers

Billiards And Snookers

Billiards and Snooker are cue sports played on a rectangular table with pockets and a set of balls. In billiards, players use three balls and aim to score points by hitting them with the cue ball in specific ways. Snooker, on the other hand, involves 21 colored balls, with players aiming to score points by potting balls in a specific sequence. Both sports require precise cue control, strategic thinking, and excellent precision. 

Sports Terms Related To Billiards And Snookers
Cushion Billiards, Cue, Hit, Object Ball, Pull, Scoring, Break Shot, etc.

 

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Sports Terminologies Related to Cycling

Cycling

Cycling is a popular sport and recreational activity that involves riding bicycles. It offers various disciplines, including road cycling, mountain biking, track cycling, and BMX racing. Cyclists pedal their way through challenging terrains, roads, or tracks, showcasing their endurance and speed. 

Sports Terms Related To Cycling
Point Race, Time Trial, Track Race, Sprint, etc.

 

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Sports Terminologies Related to Golf

Golf

Golf is a precision sport played on vast courses with the objective of hitting a small ball into a series of holes with as few strokes as possible. Players use a variety of clubs to navigate the course’s terrain, which includes fairways, bunkers, and greens. 

Sports Terms Related To Golf
Albatross, Tee Shot, Birdie, Blind Shot, Ace, Double Eagle, All Square, Approach Putt, Apron, Ballooning, Beach, Ball Mark, Bogey, Bunker, Caddy, Mulligan, Four-Ball, Off The Deck, Sand Trap, Peg, Dogleg, Condor, Claw Grip, Dub, Flag, etc.

 

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Sports Terminologies Related to Horse Riding

Horse Riding

Horse riding, also known as equestrianism, is an exhilarating sport and recreational activity that involves riding and controlling horses. Horse riding showcases the strong bond between the rider and the horse, as they work together to perform intricate movements and clear obstacles. This sport offers a unique connection with animals and nature, providing riders with a sense of freedom and adventure.

Sports Terms Related To Horse – Riding
Faults, Dresses, Showjumping, Three Day Events, etc.

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Sports Terminologies Related to Gymnastics

Gymnastics

Gymnastics is a dynamic and acrobatic sport that involves performing a series of artistic and athletic movements on various apparatuses. It includes disciplines like artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline, and tumbling. Gymnasts showcase their flexibility, strength, balance, and coordination through routines and intricate maneuvers. 

Sports Terms Related To Gymnastics
Sit Up, Floor Exercise, Uneven Bar, Push Up, Horizontal Bar, Parallel Bar, etc.

 

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Sports Terminologies Related to Cricket 

Cricket

Cricket is a widely cherished and followed bat-and-ball team sport played between two teams, each consisting of eleven players. It is known for its rich history, intense rivalries, and passionate fan base across the world. The game is played on a grassy field with a rectangular pitch at the center. The batting team aims to score runs by hitting the ball, while the fielding team strives to dismiss the batsmen and restrict the opposition’s score. Cricket offers various formats, including Test matches, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 (T20) games, each with its unique rules and strategies. 

Sports Terms Related To Cricket
Midwicket, Mid On, Forward Short Leg, Deep/Mid-Wicket, Runner, Cover, Yorker, Silly Point, Gully, Long On, Slip, Square Leg, Follow Through, Turn, Bouncer, Hat-trick, Round The Wicket, Over The Wicket, Seamer, Boundary Liner, Sixer, Pull Shot, Dead Ball, Overthrow, Maiden Over, Bye, Leg By, Glance, Hook, Late Cut, Stroke, Wide Ball, Hit Wicket, Googly, Not Out, No Ball, Stumped Out, Run Out, L.B.W, Ashes, Catch, Bowled, Over, Follow-on, Rubber, Spin, Wicket Keeper, Wicket, Pitch, Stump, Bails, Crease, Pavilion, Gloves, Toss, Run, etc.

 

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Sports Terminologies Related to Chess

Chess

Chess is a timeless and intellectual board game played between two players on a checkered chessboard. Each player controls sixteen pieces, including kings, queens, bishops, knights, rooks, and pawns, with the goal of capturing the opponent’s king, a move known as checkmate. Chess is played and revered worldwide, and its competitive nature has led to numerous tournaments and championships at various levels. 

Sports Terms Related To Chess
International Master, Checkmate, Grandmaster, Gambit, Move, Resign, King’s Indian Defense, etc.

 

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Sports Terminologies Related to Polo

Polo

Polo is an ancient and exhilarating sport played on horseback, known as the “Sport of Kings.” Two teams of players ride horses, using mallets to strike a small ball, aiming to score by hitting the ball into the opposing team’s goal. The game demands excellent horsemanship, skillful ball control, and teamwork among players and their equine partners. It has a long and prestigious history, having originated in Persia and spread across the globe, becoming a symbol of elegance and luxury.

Sports Terms Related To Polo
Chukker, Mallet, Polo Bunker, etc.

 

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Sports Terminologies Related to Shooting

Shooting

Shooting is a precision sport that involves using firearms or airguns to hit specific targets with accuracy. It includes various disciplines, such as rifle shooting, pistol shooting, shotgun shooting, and more. Shooters aim to hit the bullseye or designated scoring areas, demonstrating skill, focus, and control. Shooting competitions are conducted at local, national, and international levels, showcasing the talent and marksmanship of participants. 

Sports Terms Related To Shooting
Air Rifle, Range, Bull’s Eye, Free Pistol, Standard Rifle, Rapidfire Pistol, etc.

 

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Sports Terminologies Related to Judo

Judo

Judo is a modern martial art and combat sport that originated in Japan. It emphasizes using an opponent’s strength against them and includes throwing and grappling techniques. Practiced for both self-defense and competition, judo fosters mental discipline, respect, and personal growth, making it a popular martial art worldwide.

Sports Terms Related To Judo
Green Belt, Blue Belt, Red Belt, White Belt, etc.

 

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Sports Terminologies Related to Tennis

Tennis

Tennis is a popular racquet sport played between two or four players on a rectangular court. The objective is to hit a ball over the net and into the opponent’s court in a way that they cannot return it successfully. Players use different shots, such as forehand, backhand, volley, and serve, to gain points. 

Sports Terms Related To Tennis
Drop Shot, Netplay, Baseline, Game Point, Break Point, Smash, Shot, Break, Grass Court, Service, Grand Slam, Deuce, Advantage, etc.

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Sports Terminologies Related to Wrestling

Wrestling

Wrestling is a physical combat sport that involves grappling and throwing techniques to subdue opponents. It is one of the oldest forms of competition and has cultural significance in various civilizations. Wrestlers aim to pin their opponents’ shoulders to the ground or score points by executing takedowns and holds. Wrestling is practiced in various styles, such as freestyle and Greco-Roman, each with its own rules and techniques. 

Sports Terms Related To Wrestling
Point, Hal Nelson, Heave, Freestyle, etc.

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Sports Terminologies Related to Swimming

Swimming

Swimming is a popular water sport and essential life skill that involves moving through water using various strokes and techniques. It is enjoyed for recreation, exercise, and competitive purposes. Swimmers use strokes like freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly to propel themselves in the water.

Sports Terms Related To Swimming
Butterfly Stroke, Lane, Pool, Crawl, Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, etc.

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Sports Terminologies Related to Volleyball

Volleyball

Volleyball is a dynamic team sport played on a rectangular court, divided by a net. Two teams of six players each aim to score points by hitting a ball over the net and into the opponent’s court, while also preventing the opposing team from doing the same. Players can use various techniques, such as spiking, blocking, and digging, to control the ball and gain an advantage. 

Sports Terms Related To Volleyball
Smash, Sidearm, Penetration, Deuce, Libero, Booster, Spikers, etc.

 

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Sports Terminologies Related to Table Tennis

Table Tennis

Table tennis, also known as ping pong, is a fast-paced and highly skillful indoor sport played on a table divided by a net. Players use small paddles to hit a lightweight ball back and forth, aiming to score points by making the ball bounce on the opponent’s side without it being returned. It can be played as a singles or doubles game, and its compact setup makes it accessible for players of all ages and abilities. 

Sports Terms Related To Table Tennis
Backhand, Chop, Half Volley, Drive Spin, Late Service, Volley, etc.

 

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Sports Terminologies Related to Weight Lifting

Weight Lifting

Weightlifting, also known as Olympic weightlifting, is a strength sport where athletes lift heavy barbells loaded with weights in two main lifts: the snatch and the clean and jerk. In the snatch, the lifter lifts the barbell from the ground to overhead in one fluid motion. In the clean and jerk, the lifter first lifts the barbell to shoulder level (the clean) and then performs an overhead jerk to complete the lift.

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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