In basketball, the “backcourt” refers to the half of the court that is opposite to the team’s basket, or the area where the opposing team defends. More specifically, it has two main meanings:
1. Backcourt Players: These are the guards on a basketball team, usually the point guard and shooting guard. These players are primarily responsible for handling the ball, setting up plays, and defending the perimeter.
2. Backcourt Violation: This occurs when a team, after advancing the ball past half-court, then moves the ball back into the backcourt (toward their own basket) before a shot is attempted. This is a violation, and it results in a turnover to the opposing team.
Essentially, the backcourt refers to both the area of the court and the roles of the players who primarily operate in that space.
