Sports Terminology: Sports have an extensive vocabulary full of specialized terms and jargon that may seem like a foreign language to newcomers. However, learning common sports terminology can greatly enhance one’s understanding and enjoyment of different athletic competitions. So we have provided 20 Sports Terminology MCQ Question Answers for Competitive Exams. Check your knowledge of Sports Terminology and enrich your knowledge.

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Sports TerminologyMCQ Question Answers for Competitive Exams

MCQ Sports Terminology

MCQ Sports Terminology

1 / 20

In basketball, what is a "fast break"?

A rapid transition from defense to offense to score quickly

A defensive strategy to intercept passes

A type of foul

A violation of the rules during a game

2 / 20

What does "grand slam" mean in baseball?

A type of home run

Winning all major tournaments in a season

A powerful swing

A type of pitch

3 / 20

What is "offside trap" in soccer?

A defensive strategy to catch attackers offside

A tactic to trap the ball near the goalpost

A type of dribbling technique

An offensive play near the opponent's goal

4 / 20

What does "MVP" stand for in sports?

Most Valuable Player

Most Versatile Player

Most Valued Person

Most Valued Performance

5 / 20

In golf, what is a "bogey"?

A type of club

Scoring one stroke over par on a hole

Hitting the ball into the sand trap

A type of swing

6 / 20

What is a "corner kick" in soccer?

A penalty kick awarded from the corner of the field

A goal scored from a corner of the field

A kick taken by the goalkeeper

A type of pass

7 / 20

What does "full count" mean in baseball?

Having the bases loaded

Three balls and two strikes on the batter

A game tied at the end of the ninth inning

A home run

8 / 20

What is a "hat-trick" in soccer?

Scoring three goals in a single game

Three consecutive fouls committed by a player

A type of defensive strategy

Assisting in three goals in a single game

9 / 20

What does "deuce" mean in tennis?

A tied score of 40-40

An advantage point for the server

A type of shot

A player's rank

10 / 20

What is "free throw" in basketball?

A shot taken without any defensive pressure

A type of pass

A penalty shot awarded after a foul

A shot attempted from beyond the three-point line

11 / 20

In baseball, what does "bunt" mean?

Hitting the ball out of the park

A type of pitch

A deliberate and gentle tap to the ball to advance a runner

A defensive strategy

12 / 20

What is a "double fault" in tennis?

Missing two consecutive shots

Serving the ball into the net twice in a row

Serving the ball outside the service box

A shot that lands on the line

13 / 20

What does "knockout" mean in boxing?

A type of punch

Winning a match by unanimous decision

Ending a fight by a decisive blow

Disqualification of a player

14 / 20

In cricket, what does "LBW" stand for?

Long Batting Wicket

Leg Before Wicket

Last Ball Wicket

Lateral Bowling Wicket

15 / 20

What is "slam dunk" in basketball?

A quick pass to a teammate

A type of shot where the ball is forcefully pushed downward through the hoop

A defensive maneuver to block a shot

A type of dribbling technique

16 / 20

In soccer, what does "offside" refer to?

A penalty kick

A foul committed by the goalkeeper

An illegal position of a player

Scoring a goal from outside the penalty area

17 / 20

What does "backhand" mean in tennis?

Hitting the ball with the non-dominant hand

A shot played with the back of the racket facing the direction of the shot

Serving from the back of the court

A defensive strategy

18 / 20

What is a "birdie" in golf?

Hitting the ball into the water hazard

Scoring one stroke under par on a hole

Missing a shot entirely

Winning a match by a large margin

19 / 20

In basketball, what does "dribbling" refer to?

Passing the ball to a teammate

Shooting the ball into the hoop

Bouncing the ball while moving

Blocking an opponent's shot

20 / 20

What does "ace" mean in tennis?

A powerful serve

An expert player

perfect shot

A high-speed rally

Your score is

The average score is 39%

A Guide to Sports Terminology

Each sport boasts its own unique vocabulary, reflecting its rules, strategies, and equipment. Let’s explore some popular examples:

Basketball: From “alley-oop” (a high pass for a dunk) to “traveling” (taking too many steps with the ball), understanding basketball lingo unlocks the nuances of dribbling, passing, and scoring.
Football: Whether it’s a “blitz” (an all-out rush at the quarterback) or a “Hail Mary” (a long, desperation pass), knowing football terminology helps you appreciate the intricate plays and defensive schemes.
Baseball: ⚾️ From the crack of the “bat” to the “outfield fly,” baseball terminology paints a vivid picture of stolen bases, home runs, and dazzling catches.
Soccer: ⚽️ From the thrilling “goal” to the strategic “offside” rule, understanding soccer terminology allows you to appreciate the beautiful game’s fluidity and tactics.

Some other Terminology

Slang: Each sport has its own colorful slang, adding personality and humor to the conversation. For example, in basketball, a “brick” is a missed shot, while in baseball, a “duster” is a home run.
Historical References: Understanding the history of a sport enriches your appreciation of its terminology. Knowing that “slam dunk” originated in the 1930s adds depth to its modern usage.
International Variations: Many sports have international variations with unique terminology. For example, in cricket, a “six” is a home run, while in rugby, a “try” is similar to a touchdown.

Tips for the Terminology

Immerse Yourself: Watch games, listen to commentary, and read articles to absorb the lingo naturally.
Embrace the Journey: Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Fellow fans and experts are happy to help a newcomer learn the ropes.
Practice Makes Perfect: Use the terms you learn in conversation and discussions, solidifying your understanding.

The Rewards of Fluency:

Understanding sports terminology is more than just knowing fancy words:

Deepening Your Understanding: You’ll grasp the nuances of plays, strategies, and officiating decisions.
Connecting with Fellow Fans: Shared language fosters a sense of community and belonging.
Appreciating the History and Culture: Terminology reflects the evolution and cultural significance of each sport.

Sports Terminology

General Knowledge Quiz Questions and Answers

Key Types of Sports Terms

Rules and Fouls

“Out”, “strike”, “foul”, “penalty”, “offside”, “traveling” etc.
Types of fouls like “personal”, “technical”, “flagrant”, “misconduct”

Positions

Basketball – point guard, power forward
Hockey – goaltender, defenseman
Baseball – pitcher, catcher

Equipment

Helmets, pads, bats, rackets, goals
Equipment tech terms like “box lacrosse”, “composite stick”

Statistics

General stats like points, rebounds, yards
Sport-specific stats like OPS, QB rating, plus-minus

Strategy and Tactics

Zone defense, full-court press
Pick and roll, read option
Forechecking, trap

Sports Actions

Slam dunk, header, deke, ace serve, knockout

Conclusion: Sports Terminology

Sports terminologies empower participants, fans, coaches, and commentators to better dissect and engage with athletics. Don’t be intimidated by the jargon. Mastering even basic sports terminology unlocks a richer viewing experience. With context for the rules, positions, equipment, stats, strategy and style of play, sports become even more meaningful and enjoyable. Keep studying sports vocab, and you’ll feel like a lifelong fan in no time!

General Terms

Foul: A violation of the rules of the game, often resulting in a penalty for the offending team or player.
Penalty: A consequence for breaking the rules, such as a free throw in basketball or a yellow card in soccer.
Offense: The team or player with possession of the ball or puck who is trying to score.
Defence: The team or player trying to prevent the offense from scoring.
Tournament: A series of games played to determine a champion.
League: A group of teams that compete against each other over a set season.
Season: The period during which a sport is played competitively.

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Khurshid Anwar

I am a computer science trainer, motivator, blogger, and sports enthusiast. Apart from academic activities, I'm a very passionate reader and writer on various subjects like technology, Sports, and finance.

2024 Sports Terminology MCQ Question Answers for Competitive Exams