Spanish Basketball Vocabulary: A2/B1 Sports Guide

In Spain, the most common word is “baloncesto”. In Mexico and much of Latin America, “básquetbol” or “básquet” is more common. In Argentina, they say “básquet”. All are understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world. Example: “El baloncesto es mi deporte favorito” (Basketball is my favorite sport). For more basketball terms, check out our Complete Spanish Basketball Vocabulary Guide.

“Mate” is the word for dunk. Example: “¡Qué mate espectacular!” (What a spectacular dunk!). You can also use “clavar” as a verb meaning “to dunk.” Example: “El pívot clavó el balón” (The center dunked the ball). In some regions, you might hear “volcada” (more common in South America).

“Triple” is the most common term. Example: “Anotó un triple desde la esquina” (He scored a three-pointer from the corner). You can also say “tiro de tres puntos” or “canasta de tres”. The three-point line is “la línea de tres” or “la línea de triple”.

“Base” is the word for point guard. Example: “El base dirige el ataque del equipo” (The point guard directs the team’s offense). The shooting guard is “escolta”, small forward is “alero”, power forward is “ala-pívot”, and center is “pívot”.

“Violación de pasos” or simply “pasos” means traveling. Fans often yell “¡Viajó!” (He traveled!). Example: “El árbitro pitó violación de pasos” (The referee called traveling). “Dobles” means double dribble.

The verb is “rebotear”. Example: “El pívot rebotea muy bien” (The center rebounds very well). The noun is “rebote”. Example: “Consiguió un rebote ofensivo” (He got an offensive rebound). “Rebote ofensivo” is offensive rebound, “rebote defensivo” is defensive rebound.

“Tiro libre” is free throw. Example: “Anotó los dos tiros libres” (He made both free throws). The free throw line is “la línea de tiros libres”. A player shooting free throws is “lanzando tiros libres”.

The verb is “taponar”. Example: “El pívot taponó el tiro” (The center blocked the shot). The noun is “tapón”. Example: “Hizo tres tapones en el partido” (He had three blocks in the game). Fans yell “¡Tápalo!” (Block it!).

“Asistencia” is assist. Example: “El base dio diez asistencias” (The point guard had ten assists). The verb is “asistir”. Example: “Asistió a su compañero para el mate” (He assisted his teammate for the dunk).

“Cancha” is the most common word for court in Latin America. In Spain, “pista” is more common. The hoop is “aro” (most common) or “canasta”. The backboard is “tablero”. Example: “La cancha está en buenas condiciones” (The court is in good condition). “El aro está a 3.05 metros” (The hoop is at 3.05 meters).

The verb is “robar”. Example: “Robó el balón y corrió al contraataque” (He stole the ball and ran for the fast break). The noun is “robo”. Example: “Hizo tres robos en el partido” (He had three steals in the game).

This varies by country: In Spain, “camiseta”. In Mexico, “playera”. In Argentina, “remera”. All are understood. Example Spain: “La camiseta del Barcelona es azul y roja” (Barcelona’s jersey is blue and red). Example Mexico: “Los Lakers tienen una playera amarilla” (The Lakers have a yellow jersey).

Real Madrid Baloncesto – “Los Blancos” (The Whites) or “El Real”. FC Barcelona Bàsquet – “Los Blaugranas” (The Blue and Reds) or “Barça”. Saski Baskonia (Vitoria-Gasteiz) – “Los Basconistas”. Valencia Basket – “Los Taronjas” (The Oranges). Unicaja Málaga – “Los Boquerones” (The Anchovies). The top professional league is the “Liga ACB” (Asociación de Clubes de Baloncesto).

There is no difference in meaning – both mean basketball. “Baloncesto” is the standard term in Spain. “Básquetbol” (or shortened to “básquet”) is more common in Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America. In Argentina, they say “básquet”. Choose the term based on your audience, but both are understood everywhere.

It’s still “NBA” (pronounced “en-eh-beh-ah” in Spanish). The full name is “Asociación Nacional de Baloncesto”. Example: “La NBA es la mejor liga del mundo” (The NBA is the best league in the world). Spanish-speaking NBA stars have included Pau Gasol (Spain), Manu Ginóbili (Argentina), and Leandro Barbosa (Brazil).

In FIBA (international) basketball, the periods are called “cuartos” (quarters). Example: “El primer cuarto terminó 20-15” (The first quarter ended 20-15). In the NBA, they also use “cuartos”. “Medio tiempo” is halftime. “Tiempo extra” or “prórroga” is overtime.

“Playoffs” is commonly used and understood. You can also say “eliminatorias” or “postemporada”. “Campeonato” is championship. “Final” is the finals. Example: “Su equipo llegó a la final del campeonato” (His team reached the championship final). “Anillo de campeón” is championship ring.

Common chants: “¡A por ellos!” (Let’s get them!). “¡Vamos, equipo!” (Let’s go, team!). “¡Defensa, defensa!” (Defense, defense!). “¡Esto es pasión!” (This is passion!). “¡Sí se puede!” (Yes, we can!). “¡Olés” are sometimes chanted during impressive passing sequences, similar to soccer.

“Canasta sobre la bocina” or “tiro sobre la bocina” means buzzer beater. Example: “Anotó una canasta sobre la bocina para ganar el partido” (He scored a buzzer beater to win the game). You can also say “canasta al final del tiempo” or simply “sobre la bocina”.

The best ways: 1) Watch NBA or Liga ACB games with Spanish commentary (ESPN Deportes, Movistar+). 2) Play NBA 2K or FIFA in Spanish language setting. 3) Follow Spanish basketball teams on social media. 4) Read basketball news on Spanish sports sites like Marca.com or AS.com. 5) Listen to Spanish basketball podcasts. 6) Take our Spanish Basketball Vocabulary Quiz to test your knowledge!