Basketball Crossword Puzzles: Free Printable and Online

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

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Basketball

Medium · 11×11 · 14 words
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Across

  1. 2. Slang for a successfully grabbed rebound
  2. 4. The massive venue where professional games take place
  3. 5. The person calling timeouts and drawing up plays
  4. 6. It shakes when a three-pointer finds the bottom of the hoop
  5. 9. A rapid dribbling move designed to fake out a defender
  6. 11. An attempt to score points
  7. 12. A cold streak where a team cannot buy a bucket
  8. 13. An infraction caused by walking with the ball without dribbling

Down

  1. 1. The team trying to prevent a score
  2. 2. The flat surface behind the rim used for banking shots
  3. 3. A defensive strategy where players guard areas rather than individuals
  4. 7. Losing possession of the ball to the opponent
  5. 8. The official on the court blowing the whistle
  6. 10. Where the reserve players sit during the game

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Basketball

Medium · 11×11 · 13 words
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Across

  1. 4. Securing the ball after a missed shot
  2. 5. The nylon mesh that makes a satisfying swish sound
  3. 6. Taking the ball away from the opponent defensively
  4. 9. Specialized high-top footwear worn for ankle support
  5. 11. Defensive strategy focusing on areas rather than specific players
  6. 12. The flat structure behind the hoop, or slang for a rebound
  7. 13. An uncontested shot taken from a designated line after a foul

Down

  1. 1. The collective effort to prevent the opponent from scoring
  2. 2. To forcefully slam the ball directly into the hoop
  3. 3. An illegal physical contact that halts play
  4. 7. Losing possession of the ball to the other team
  5. 8. An official who enforces the rules on the court
  6. 10. The restricted rectangular area near the basket

Basketball

Easy · 7×7 · 7 words
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Across

  1. 1. The circular metal ring that the net hangs from
  2. 2. The white mesh hanging below the hoop
  3. 5. The team that has possession of the ball
  4. 6. To throw the ball toward the basket to score

Down

  1. 1. To catch the ball after a missed shot
  2. 3. A short break in play called by a coach
  3. 4. Where players sit when they are not in the game

Basketball

Medium · 11×11 · 10 words
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Across

  1. 1. Players positioned between the guards and the center
  2. 5. A violation caused by stopping then restarting a dribble
  3. 8. An illegal move involving taking too many steps without a bounce
  4. 9. Usually the tallest player on the court who plays near the baseline
  5. 10. A legal block set by an offensive player to free up a teammate

Down

  1. 2. Gaining possession of the ball after a missed shot attempt
  2. 3. Taking the ball away from the opponent during live play
  3. 4. The official responsible for blowing the whistle on fouls
  4. 6. Specialized high top footwear designed for court traction
  5. 7. A high arc shot usually released by guards to avoid blockers

2026 NBA Draft

Medium · 11×11 · 13 words
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Across

  1. 1. The ranked list of players a general manager uses on the big night
  2. 3. A single selection made by a team
  3. 4. Cameron, son of Carlos, headlining the 2026 prospect class
  4. 7. A traded selection that won't convey if it falls within a certain range
  5. 9. Arkansas guard Meleek, a top 2026 draft target
  6. 10. Forward Koa who is a major name in the 2026 class
  7. 11. The tantalizing potential that makes a raw player worth taking

Down

  1. 1. A high selection who fails to live up to the hype
  2. 2. Projected top 2026 pick AJ who starred at BYU
  3. 3. A raw, unpolished player taken purely for future development
  4. 5. A private team session where a player showcases their skills
  5. 6. To officially announce one's entry into the professional pool
  6. 8. Getting a lottery-level talent in the second round, for example

Basketball

Medium · 11×11 · 13 words
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Across

  1. 3. The sound of a ball hitting only the net
  2. 6. The venue where the crowd gathers to watch
  3. 8. Taking the ball away from the ball handler
  4. 9. Essential skill involving rhythmic floor contact
  5. 11. High top footwear designed for traction
  6. 12. The goal consisting of a rim and net

Down

  1. 1. High percentage shot taken very close to the rim
  2. 2. The tallest player usually stationed in the paint
  3. 4. Instrument used by an official to stop play
  4. 5. Using the body to block a defender for a teammate
  5. 7. Securing the ball after a missed attempt
  6. 9. An aggressive move toward the basket
  7. 10. A pass that leads directly to a score

Basketball

Medium · 11×11 · 15 words
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Across

  1. 1. Illegal contact during play
  2. 2. Shot close to the basket
  3. 4. Defensive strategy covering an area
  4. 6. Team trying to prevent scoring
  5. 8. Bounce the ball repeatedly
  6. 9. It hangs from the hoop
  7. 10. Illegal movement with the ball
  8. 11. Take the ball from an opponent
  9. 13. Offensive foul against a defender
  10. 14. Where reserves sit during a game

Down

  1. 1. Shot from the line, unguarded
  2. 3. Full-court defensive tactic
  3. 5. Team trying to score
  4. 7. Shot while jumping backward
  5. 12. The three-point line's shape

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.
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