Alley-oop is a term that is commonly used in basketball, but it also has other meanings. This article will provide a comprehensive definition of alley-oop, its origin, and its various meanings.
Definitions
Alley-oop is a term used in basketball to describe a play where one player throws the ball to another player who jumps and catches the ball in mid-air, and then dunks it into the basket. This play is often used to catch the opposing team off guard and score a quick basket.
In addition to its basketball meaning, alley-oop can also refer to a type of pass in American football, where the quarterback throws the ball high into the air to a receiver who jumps to catch it.
Outside of sports, alley-oop can also be used as a verb to describe helping someone to jump over an obstacle or to describe a sudden upward movement.
Origin
The origin of the term alley-oop is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the early 1900s. Some sources suggest that the term was first used in the comic strip “Alley Oop” by V.T. Hamlin, which was first published in 1932. The comic strip featured a caveman named Alley Oop who was known for his athletic ability.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of alley-oop can vary slightly depending on the dictionary. Here are a few definitions:
- Merriam-Webster: “a basketball play in which a leaping player catches a pass above the rim and immediately dunks the ball”.
- Oxford English Dictionary: “a high, looping pass in basketball or American football”.
- Collins English Dictionary: “a high pass in basketball or American football that is caught by a leaping teammate who dunks or scores”.
Associations
Alley-oop is often associated with athleticism, teamwork, and excitement. It is a play that requires coordination and timing between players, and it can be a thrilling moment for fans to watch.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for alley-oop include:
- Lob pass.
- Up-and-under.
- High pass.
- High-flying dunk.
- Flying slam.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for alley-oop, but some opposite concepts could include:
- Low pass.
- Ground-level play.
- Slow and steady movements.
The same root words
The term alley-oop does not have any direct root words, but it is believed to have originated from the French phrase “allez hop,” which is a phrase used to encourage someone to jump or move quickly.
Example Sentences
Here are a few example sentences using the term alley-oop:
- “LeBron James threw a perfect alley-oop to Anthony Davis for the dunk.”
- “The quarterback threw an alley-oop to the wide receiver for a touchdown.”
- “The gymnastics coach helped the young athlete with an alley-oop over the vault.”
- “The sudden alley-oop in the stock market caught many investors off guard.”