backcourt

[ bak-kawrt, -kohrt ]

noun

1. Basketball. the half of a court in which the basket being defended is located.
2. Tennis. the part of a tennis court between the base line and the line, parallel to the net, that marks the in-bounds limit of a service. Compare forecourt ( def 2 ).

backcourt

/ ˈbækˌkɔːt /

noun

1. tennis the part of the court between the service line and the baseline
2. (in various court games) the area nearest the back boundary line

Word History and Origins

Origin of backcourt¹

First recorded in 1765–75; back ¹ + court

Example Sentences

Despite the Grizzlies being without their starting backcourt, Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, Memphis cooked the Lakers’ defense in the kind of way that made strong performances in their last two games look like anomalies.

From Los Angeles Times

Fortunately for the Bruins, their defense proved too much for an opponent incapable of handling active hands and backcourt pressure.

From Los Angeles Times

That a different coach made a similar choice this season speaks to some of the defensive issues a Russell-Reaves backcourt has had at times.

From Los Angeles Times

Rider forward Tariq Ingraham then threw a cross-court pass out of bounds and Clark soon came up with a steal in the backcourt.

From Los Angeles Times

Amid the lively competition, there are days when freshman Trent Perry makes a case as the team’s best player in the backcourt, adding to the intrigue over rotations and minutes allocation.

From Los Angeles Times