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Sports Glossary: 24 Terms from Baseball to Bowling Explained

Learn These Sports Terms to Up Your Game

Written By: Catherine Boeckmann Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, a weekend warrior, or just love watching sports, understanding the lingo can make the game more enjoyable. From baseball to skateboarding, skiing to fencing, every sport has unique terms that describe key actions, moves, or rules. In this guide, we’ve compiled 24 essential sports terms and their definitions, so you can speak like a pro no matter what sport you’re following—or playing.

Sports Terms
TermSportDefinition
BalkBaseballAn illegal movement by a pitcher that can result in a penalty.
BonkSnowboardingTo bounce off an object such as a rock, tree, or stump.
CaromHockeyA rebound of the puck off the boards or another object.
Catch a crabRowingWhen an oar misses the water or digs too deeply.
CradlingLacrosseKeeping the ball secure in the stick’s pocket while moving.
DinkTennisA soft return that drops just over the net.
GimmeGolfA very short putt conceded by an opponent.
GrindSkateboardingSliding along the edge or top of an object.
HogCurlingA stone that fails to reach the score line.
JerkWeightliftingPushing a weight from shoulder height overhead.
KissBilliardsSlight touch of one ball against another.
LollipopVolleyballA gentle serve; too many lollipops can be easily attacked.
MaulRugbyPlayers encircle a ball carrier to stop forward movement.
Red zoneFootballThe area between the defense’s 20-yard line and goal line.
RiposteFencingA quick return thrust following an opponent’s attack.
SchussSkiingSkiing downhill fast and straight, often in a tuck.
SlashSurfingA quick turn off the top of a wave.
Sling / CarryBadmintonWhen the shuttlecock is briefly caught before striking.
StutzGymnasticsSwing on parallel bars, returning to handstand after a half-turn.
Sur placeBicyclingBalancing motionless on a bike.
Tip-offBasketballJump ball that starts a game.
Touch outSwimmingReaching the touchpad first to win a race.
TrapSoccerUsing body parts to slow down or control a moving ball.
TurkeyBowlingScoring three strikes in a row.

Why You Should Learn These Sports Terms

Knowing these terms can:

  • Help you understand the rules and strategies of different sports.
  • Make you sound knowledgeable and confident whether coaching, playing, or watching.
  • Allow you to communicate clearly with teammates or friends.
  • Make your viewing experience more enjoyable, especially for obscure or technical moves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to catch a crab in rowing?

Catching a crab happens when a rower’s oar misses the water or digs too deeply, slowing the boat and sometimes causing a loss of balance.

Read Next

Which sports use the term “grind”?

Skateboarding and other board sports use “grind” to describe sliding along the edge or top of an object.

What is a turkey in bowling?

A turkey is a sequence of three strikes rolled consecutively.

What’s the difference between a bonk and a slash?

A bonk is hitting an object in snowboarding, while a slash is a sharp turn off the top of a wave in surfing.

Why is the red zone important in football?

The red zone refers to the area near the opponent’s goal (inside the 20-yard line), where scoring opportunities are higher and strategy changes.

Whether you’re hitting the courts, the slopes, or just cheering from the sidelines, knowing your sports lingo makes you feel like a pro. So next time you watch, play, or even just talk about sports, drop a few of these terms and impress your friends, you’ll sound like you’ve been training with the pros your whole life. Who knew learning sports terms could be this fun? Now get out there, play hard, and maybe even grind a little!

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About The Author
Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann

Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Catherine Boeckmann is the Executive Digital Editor of Almanac.com, the website companion of The Old Farmer's Almanac. She covers gardening, plants, pest control, soil composition, seasonal and moon c...
Read More from Catherine Boeckmann

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Comments

<span>Barry M. Lamont</span> Sun, 02/08/2026 - 11:57
As I understand it, a "balk" is not ANY "illegal movement by a pitcher that can result in a penalty", but a trick - a movement designed to DECEIVE the hitter and/or the base runners, suggesting that the pitcher is beginning to throw the ball, which causes the players to react in a way that makes it easier to get them out.
<span>Jwood</span> Thu, 12/05/2013 - 18:12
Were is the stuff about SOCCER???
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Fri, 12/06/2013 - 07:35

Check out "trap."