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.

Print any basketball crossword below, download it as a PDF, or play it online. Free, and no signup is needed to play.

10 puzzles, click Print on any puzzle below

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.

Basketball

Medium · 11×11 · 14 words
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Across

  1. 1. Rapid transition offense
  2. 5. Another name for the free-throw lane
  3. 6. The cylinder of the basket
  4. 8. One of four game periods
  5. 11. Slam action at the rim
  6. 12. Mesh target that slows the ball
  7. 13. Walking without bouncing

Down

  1. 1. Illegal physical contact
  2. 2. Clock stoppage called by a team
  3. 3. The orange iron circle
  4. 4. Defensive strategy covering areas, not men
  5. 7. Keep the ball alive by bouncing it
  6. 9. The official list of available players
  7. 10. Hardwood battleground

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

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Basketball Crossword FAQ

Is this Basketball crossword puzzle free?

Yes. Every Basketball crossword on this page is free. You can print it, download it as a PDF, or play it online without paying anything or creating an account.

Can I print the Basketball crossword?

Yes. Click Print on any puzzle for a print-ready page with the grid, the clues, and a name and date line, or use Download to save it as a PDF, PNG, or JPEG for photocopying. The PDF download includes a filled answer key on the last page for grading.

Can students play these crosswords online?

Yes. Every puzzle has a Play online link that opens in the browser on any device. No app install and no signup is needed to play, which makes it easy to share with a class.

Can I make my own Basketball crossword?

Yes. The free Grid Genius crossword maker builds a puzzle from your own words and clues, with a printable grid and answer key. The Grid Genius app can also generate a complete crossword from any topic you type.