Pass -- Throwing the ball to a teammate  
 
Passer -- The player who throws a “Pass”
 
Period -- The segment games are divided into –quarters in the NBA and WNBA, halves in the NCAA (See ‘Game Clock”)
 
Perimeter – The region outside the foul circle including “Three-Pointer” territory, scoring attempts from this area are considered “Outside Shooting”

Personal Foul -- Illegal contact, including holding, pushing, elbowing, charging, and hacking, between players that may cause an injury or give one team an unfair advantage over the other. See also “Charging,” and “Blocking”
 
Picked Off -- A defender who is the victim of a successful “Screen” and prevented from getting to the “Ball Handler”
 
Pick-Up Games -- Casual games played mostly for fun
 
Pivot – Can refer to either: a) the “Center” position or b) the foot that must remain planted after a ball carrier has finished a “Dribbling Series” until he or she has passed or shot  (See “Traveling”)
 
Playmaker – Usually refers to the “Point Guard” whose primary duty is to provide teammates with scoring opportunities
 
Point-Shaving -- To intentionally win a game by less than the “Point Spread,” to gain an advantage in gambling; this practice is illegal though the nature of basketball makes it easy to conceal

Point Guard – Usually the smallest player on the court. Generally skilled at dribbling and passing, the PG’s primary responsibility is creating scoring opportunities for teammates  

Point Spread --  a sports betting device intended to equalize uneven teams for gambling. A favored team must win by a certain number of points for bettors to get paid. In sports bookmaking, the margin of the final score can be more important than who wins or loses. See “Point-Shaving.”  
 
Possession -- control of the ball
 
Possession Arrow – In college, this signifies which team will throw the ball “Inbounds” to start a period   

Post Position -- A player who is standing in the “Low Post” or “High Post” area  

Power Forward – Usually the second largest player on the team after the center, the PF is primarily expected to score close to the basket and aggressively pursue both offensive and defensive “Rebounds”

Pump Fake – A feinted shot attempt meant to throw a defender off guard, usually followed by an actual shot or a “Pass” to an open teammate