Basketball crossword puzzle
Twelve clues from the court: dribbling and rebounds, layups and dunks, player positions, the backboard, fouls and overtime.
Curated by 
Esme Rook
·
Updated September 2026
Play it right here
12 clues to solve: 6 across and 6 down. Tap a square and type; tap it again to switch between across and down. Solved words lock in green.
Across
- 3. Backcourt player who handles the ball (5)
- 5. Gain possession after a missed shot (7)
- 7. Illegal contact or rule violation (4)
- 8. Rectangular surface behind the rim (9)
- 11. Sound the referee uses to stop play (7)
- 12. Player position often closest to the basket (6)
Down
- 1. Extra period played after a tie (8)
- 2. Close shot taken while moving toward the basket (5)
- 4. Frontcourt position that attacks and defends (7)
- 6. Force the ball down through the hoop (4)
- 9. Pass that directly leads to a made basket (6)
- 10. Bounce the ball repeatedly while moving (7)
What is in this crossword?
The grid covers actions, equipment, positions and rules rather than teams or players. That keeps every clue useful in any league and any season.
A useful way into the grid
Start with the four-letter actions and violations. Dunk and foul place letters in backboard, overtime and assist.
Play online or print it
Fill the grid on this page, or download the one-page puzzle PDF. The completed grid is a separate answer-key PDF, so a teacher or host can keep it out of sight. More themes are collected on the printable crossword puzzles hub.
