backcourt

American  

[bak-kawrt, -kohrt] / ˈbækˌkɔrt, -ˌkoʊrt /

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.

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backcourt British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of backcourt

First recorded in 1765–75; back ¹ + court

Example Sentences

The Sparks are backcourt heavy, then have three bigs in Nneka Ogwumike, Cameron Brink and Dearica Hamby.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026

They also traded for Atkins from Chicago, parting with former first-round pick Rickea Jackson to ease the pressure in the backcourt.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

The Minnesota Timberwolves lost their entire starting backcourt during their first-round upset victory over Denver.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Reaves’ return will help stabilize the Lakers’ shorthanded backcourt that is still without Luka Doncic.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

He was in the backcourt with Trip and every time Trip passed him the ball he passed it right back or threw it in to Jose, who was playing center.

From "Slam!" by Walter Dean Myers