Bank shot is a term that is commonly used in sports, especially in games like basketball and pool. It is a technique that involves bouncing the ball off a surface, such as the backboard or a cushion, before it goes into the intended target. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, meaning, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences of bank shot.
Definitions
A bank shot is a shot in which a player hits the ball off the backboard or a cushion before it goes into the basket or pocket. It is a technique used in basketball, pool, billiards, and other similar games.
Origin
The origin of the term bank shot is not clear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The term is said to have been used in pool games before it was adopted in basketball.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a bank shot is “a shot in billiards or pool in which the cue ball is driven first against one cushion and then against another in order to make the object ball.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a shot in which a ball is played off a cushion or backboard in order to reach its target.”
Associations
Bank shots are associated with sports like basketball, pool, and billiards. They are used by players to make a shot when the direct shot is not possible or when the angle is difficult to achieve.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of bank shot include ricochet, rebound, carom, deflection, and bounce.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of bank shot, but a direct shot can be considered as the opposite of a bank shot.
The same root words
The term bank shot has no root words, but it is related to the word bank, which refers to the cushion or backboard used in the shot.
Example Sentences
- The basketball player made an amazing bank shot off the backboard to win the game.
- The pool player used a bank shot to sink the eight ball in the corner pocket.
- The billiards player missed the bank shot and gave his opponent an opportunity to win the game.
- The coach taught the players how to use the bank shot to score more points.
- The player used a bank shot to avoid the defender and make a difficult shot.