Printable Basketball Crosswords

Dribble, shoot, and score with this topic covering the fast-paced world of basketball. Learn about legendary players, iconic teams, and game terminology.

7 puzzles — click Print on any puzzle below

Basketball

Medium · 11×11 · 16 words
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Across

  1. 4. Defensive strategy
  2. 5. Group of players
  3. 7. Bouncing the ball while moving
  4. 9. Tournament winner
  5. 12. Moving the ball to a teammate
  6. 13. A shot taken close to the basket
  7. 14. Usually the tallest player on the court
  8. 15. A powerful slam shot

Down

  1. 1. An illegal play
  2. 2. Ball passes through it for a score
  3. 3. Sound of a perfect, net-only shot
  4. 6. Curve of a shot
  5. 8. Frontcourt position player
  6. 9. Offensive foul, player runs into defender
  7. 10. A pass that leads directly to a score
  8. 11. Another word for basket

Basketball

Hard · 11×11 · 14 words
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Across

  1. 3. The bitter edge of a missed penalty shot.
  2. 4. Drool slightly while advancing the rock.
  3. 7. Unpleasant penalty that sounds like a chicken.
  4. 9. Striped official who is supposedly blind.
  5. 11. Writer's hurdle, or a shot sent back to the sender.
  6. 12. Criticize harshly, or finish with authority at the cylinder.
  7. 13. Circular logic needed to score here.
  8. 14. Rustling silk sound of a shot touching nothing but string.

Down

  1. 1. Spin around a central point without walking away.
  2. 2. Timekeeper that dictates the final release.
  3. 5. Bee's noisemaker that beats the final countdown.
  4. 6. Cartoonish exclamation for a high-altitude connection.
  5. 8. Stealthy individuals wearing squeaky footwear.
  6. 10. Four-wheeled carriage shouting instructions from the sideline.

Basketball

Medium · 11×11 · 15 words
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Across

  1. 1. Annual event to select incoming rookies.
  2. 4. Stationary foot movement to create space.
  3. 6. Lob pass caught and finished in mid-air.
  4. 9. Losing possession to the opposing squad.
  5. 12. Mesh that catches a successful shot.
  6. 13. Backcourt player who runs the offense.
  7. 14. Seating area for the substitutions.

Down

  1. 1. A high-percentage, rim-rattling finish.
  2. 2. Illegal contact that draws a whistle.
  3. 3. The ultimate ring on the hardwood.
  4. 5. Grab a missed attempt off the glass.
  5. 7. Extra minutes played to break a tie.
  6. 8. Swiping the rock from an opponent.
  7. 10. Official list of active team members.
  8. 11. Sideline leader drawing up the plays.

Basketball

Medium · 11×11 · 15 words
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Across

  1. 1. Footwork fundamental keeping one shoe planted.
  2. 4. The satisfying sound of a perfectly aimed attempt.
  3. 5. A helpful pass resulting in points.
  4. 7. The iron circle that forgives or rejects.
  5. 8. The arbiter of the hardwood action.
  6. 10. A gently placed shot off the backboard.
  7. 11. Defensive rejection at the rim.
  8. 12. The nylon mesh that tangles after a score.
  9. 13. Defense that guards areas rather than specific individuals.

Down

  1. 1. The low block area where big men battle.
  2. 2. The player often tasked with bringing the ball up the floor.
  3. 3. A strategic pause to regroup the roster.
  4. 6. Rhythmic bouncing of the rock.
  5. 7. Snagging a missed opportunity off the glass.
  6. 9. The restricted area where the bigs operate.

Basketball

Easy · 11×11 · 16 words
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Across

  1. 1. The tallest player position usually stationed near the basket
  2. 3. The person who leads and instructs the team
  3. 5. To gain possession of the ball after a missed shot
  4. 8. The mesh material hanging from the rim
  5. 9. The break period between the second and third periods
  6. 13. A shot that goes through the basket without touching the metal edge
  7. 14. The metal edge of the basket
  8. 15. To legally take the ball away from an opponent

Down

  1. 1. The rectangular playing surface where the game happens
  2. 2. To throw the ball toward the basket to score
  3. 4. An illegal physical contact or rule violation
  4. 6. To bounce the ball continuously while moving
  5. 7. The athletic shoes worn to play the game
  6. 10. A pass that directly leads to a scored basket
  7. 11. To throw the ball to a teammate
  8. 12. A group of players competing together

Basketball

Medium · 11×11 · 14 words
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Across

  1. 4. Free extra minutes when regulation ends in a tie
  2. 5. Middle player who commands the post
  3. 7. Squeaky footwear crucial for floor traction
  4. 10. Personal infraction that stops play
  5. 11. Iron circle that rejects many close shots
  6. 12. Where the reserves wait their turn
  7. 13. Shaded interior area where big men battle

Down

  1. 1. Suit-wearing strategist on the sideline
  2. 2. Securing the rock after a missed attempt
  3. 3. Hardwood stage for the game
  4. 5. Title holder who cuts down the meshes at the end
  5. 6. Costly mistake that shifts possession to the opponent
  6. 8. Emphatic rejection at the rim
  7. 9. A circus ring, or a target on the hardwood

Basketball

Medium · 11×11 · 14 words
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Across

  1. 2. Offensive foul for running into a defender
  2. 4. Where the game is played
  3. 6. The basket itself
  4. 10. Team trying to prevent scoring
  5. 13. Team uniform top
  6. 14. Taking too many steps without dribbling

Down

  1. 1. High pass near the basket
  2. 3. First-year player
  3. 5. Start of the game with a jump ball
  4. 7. Position near the basket
  5. 8. Brief stoppage in play
  6. 9. Shot taken while jumping backward
  7. 11. Player setting a pick
  8. 12. Where substitutes wait

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