Guardspeak

A LEXICON OF BACKCOURT TERMINOLOGY

BREAK HIS ANKLES
To beat a defender so completely that he stumbles and falls.

BUST HIM UP
To beat a defender off the dribble.

FAN
To steer a penetrating guard to the wings of a defense (see Funnel).

FUNNEL
To steer a guard to the middle, where there's a shot blocker to help stop him.

PAD
Respect in the form of room. "Give him pad," says Oklahoma State coach Eddie Sutton when asked how to thwart a penetrating guard. "Pressure him, sure, but don't give him an angle to blow past you."