Substitute

/ˈsʌbstɪtjuːt/
[ suhb-sti-toot ]

Definition of Substitute

In basketball, a substitute is a player who enters the game to replace another player.

What is a Substitute?

What is ?

A substitute in basketball is a player who is currently not participating in the live game but is brought onto the court to replace one of the five active players in ongoing match. When a player needs a rest, is injured, or has fouled too many times, they are usually substituted out for a player on the bench.

Examples of how to use the basketball term Substitute

What is ?

  1. The coach called for a substitute when their main player was injured.
  2. With too many fouls, John had to be substituted for a fresh player.
  3. The substitute player showcased his skills and earned his spot on the starting lineup.

Substitute Strategy Tips

What is ?

Balancing the use of substitutes can allow your team to persistently stay fresh, vibrant, and less prone to errors due to tiredness in high-intensity matchups.
Basketball Terminology

Browse the A-Z of Basketball Terms

Learn essential basketball terminology with definitions, pronunciations and the meaning of each word in layman's terms.

What does Substitute mean in Basketball?

In basketball, a substitute means a player who comes into the game to replace another player who is either being rested, injured, or has committed too many fouls.

How would you explain Substitute in layman's terms?

Think of a substitute as a backup player who steps into the game when the main player needs to take a break or is unable to play.

How often can a coach substitute a player?

There's no limit to how often a coach can substitute a player in basketball. However, substitutions can typically occur when the ball is dead, after a basket has been scored, or at times of timeouts.

Is there any strategic advantage in utilizing substitutes in basketball matches?

Yes, by shuffling players through substitutions coaches can effectively manage the energy levels of their team, reduce the impact of player fouls, and exploit specific match ups against the opposition.

What is a substitution strategy in basketball?

A substitution strategy can involve maximizing your best players' time on the court while ensuring they have enough rest. It can also involve rotating players based on match situations, opposition's play style, or to recover from injuries and avoid fouls.

More Basketball Terminology

What is ?