Sports &amp; Fitness Glossary

VO2 Max

The maximum rate at which your body can use oxygen during intense exercise — a key marker of aerobic fitness.

VDOT

A single fitness score from a race result that maps directly to your ideal training paces.

Running Pace

How long it takes to cover a set distance, usually expressed as minutes per kilometre or per mile.

Lactate Threshold

The exercise intensity at which lactate starts to accumulate faster than the body can clear it.

Age Grading

A percentage that compares your race time to the world-best standard for your age and sex.

Race Time Prediction

Estimating your finish time at one distance from a known result at another.

Negative Split

Running the second half of a race faster than the first — the strategy used by most world record holders.

Runner's Knee (Patellofemoral Pain)

Pain around the kneecap caused by overuse in running — the most common running injury.

Riegel Formula (Race Prediction)

T2 = T1 × (D2/D1)^1.06 — the standard formula for predicting race times across distances.

Tempo Run

A sustained run at lactate threshold pace — ‘comfortably hard’ effort for 20-40 minutes.

Race Time Prediction

Estimating finish time for a target race from a known recent performance using mathematical models.

Lactate Threshold

The exercise intensity at which blood lactate begins to accumulate faster than the body can clear it.

Running Economy

The oxygen cost of running at a given speed — a measure of how efficiently a runner converts oxygen into forward motion.

Fartlek Training

‘Speed play’ — unstructured interval training mixing faster and slower efforts spontaneously during a run.

Tempo Run

A sustained effort at or near lactate threshold pace — ‘comfortably hard’ — to raise the threshold.

Running Cadence

Steps per minute — a key efficiency metric, with 170-180 spm commonly recommended for recreational runners.

Second Wind

A sudden return of energy and ease during prolonged exercise after an early period of difficulty.

Bonking (Hitting the Wall)

The sudden, severe fatigue when glycogen stores are depleted during prolonged endurance exercise.

Pyramid Intervals

An interval session where work intervals progressively increase then decrease in length, forming a pyramid.

Fitness

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BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate)

The number of calories your body burns at complete rest just to stay alive.

TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure)

The total calories you burn in a day, including activity — your maintenance calorie level.

BMI (Body Mass Index)

A simple ratio of weight to height used as a population-level screen for healthy weight.

Body Fat Percentage

The proportion of your total bodyweight that is fat, a better health marker than weight alone.

One-Rep Max (1RM)

The maximum weight you can lift for a single repetition of an exercise.

Heart Rate Zones

Training intensity bands based on a percentage of your maximum heart rate.

Acute:Chronic Workload Ratio (ACWR)

A training load metric that compares your current week’s load to your 4-week average to manage injury risk.

Sleep Cycles

The roughly 90-minute repeating pattern of sleep stages — waking at the end of a cycle leaves you feeling refreshed.

Protein Intake

How much protein you need daily to support muscle growth, repair and performance.

Ideal Body Weight

A weight range considered healthy for a given height, typically calculated from BMI or body composition.

Maximum Heart Rate

The highest heart rate achievable during all-out effort — the anchor for training zone calculations.

Macronutrients

The three main nutrients — protein, carbohydrates and fat — that provide all dietary calories.

EPOC (Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption)

The elevated oxygen consumption after intense exercise — the basis of the ‘afterburn’ effect.

Supersets

Two exercises performed back-to-back with no rest between them, saving time and increasing training density.

TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure)

The total calories your body burns per day including BMR and all physical activity.

Progressive Overload

The principle of gradually increasing training demand over time — the fundamental driver of strength and fitness gains.

One-Rep Max (1RM) Formula

The maximum weight you can lift for one repetition — estimated from sub-maximal lifts using the Epley or Brzycki formula.

RPE Scale (Rate of Perceived Exertion)

A subjective effort scale from 1-10 (or 6-20 in the Borg scale) used to gauge exercise intensity without equipment.

Deload Week

A planned week of reduced training volume and/or intensity to allow full physical and mental recovery.

Body Recomposition

Simultaneously losing fat and gaining muscle — challenging but achievable for certain groups.

Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

The variation in time between heartbeats — a marker of recovery, autonomic nervous system status and readiness to train.

Overtraining Syndrome

A state of chronic fatigue, performance decline and mood disturbance caused by excessive training without adequate recovery.

Compound Lifts

Multi-joint exercises like squat, deadlift, bench press and row that train multiple muscle groups simultaneously.

Supercompensation

The process by which the body adapts to training stress by recovering to a level above its previous baseline.

Periodisation

The planned variation of training variables (volume, intensity, frequency) over time to optimise performance and prevent overtraining.

VO2 Max

The maximum rate of oxygen consumption during exercise — the gold-standard measure of aerobic fitness.

Lactate Threshold 2 (LT2)

The second lactate threshold — the intensity above which lactate accumulates rapidly and sustainable effort becomes impossible.

Aerobic Threshold (LT1)

The first lactate threshold — the intensity at which lactate begins to rise above resting levels. The upper limit of Zone 2 training.

Muscle Hypertrophy

The increase in muscle cell size in response to resistance training — the physiological basis of muscle growth.

VO2 Reserve (HRR Method)

The difference between VO2 max and VO2 at rest — used to calculate target training intensities more accurately than max HR alone.

Isometric Training

Exercises where muscles contract without changing length — holding a static position against resistance.

Sleep Stages (REM and NREM)

The four stages of sleep — N1, N2, N3 (deep sleep) and REM — each with distinct recovery and cognitive functions.

Muscle Protein Synthesis (MPS)

The process by which muscle fibres are repaired and built in response to exercise and protein intake.

Power-to-Weight Ratio

The ratio of maximum power output to bodyweight — the defining performance metric for weight-dependent sports.

HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training)

Alternating short bursts of near-maximal effort with recovery periods — highly time-efficient for cardiovascular adaptation.

Mobility vs Flexibility

Flexibility is passive range of motion; mobility is active control through that range — both matter, but mobility is more functional.

Calorie Deficit

Consuming fewer calories than your TDEE — the fundamental requirement for fat loss.

Cross-Training

Using a different sport or exercise modality to build fitness while reducing overuse injury risk from primary sport repetition.

Borg Scale (RPE 6-20)

The original RPE scale from 6 (rest) to 20 (maximal), designed to correlate with heart rate by multiplying the number by 10.

DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)

Muscle soreness peaking 24-72 hours after exercise — caused by microscopic muscle damage from eccentric loading.

FFMI (Fat-Free Mass Index)

Fat-free mass ÷ height squared — a body composition metric that indicates natural vs pharmaceutical muscle development.

MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task)

A ratio of exercise energy expenditure to resting energy expenditure — the basis of calorie burn calculations across activities.

Anabolic Window

The period after exercise thought to maximise muscle protein synthesis — now known to be much wider than the original 30-minute claim.

Specificity (Training Principle)

The body adapts specifically to the demands placed on it — training must match the requirements of your target sport or goal.

Eccentric Training

The lowering phase of a lift where muscles lengthen under load — produces the most muscle damage and growth stimulus.

Heart Rate Training Zones

Defined intensity bands from Zone 1 (recovery) to Zone 5 (max) based on maximum or threshold heart rate.

Training Volume

The total amount of work performed in training — measured as sets × reps × load in strength training, or hours/km in endurance.

Sodium & Electrolyte Balance

Sodium is the primary electrolyte lost in sweat — replacement during long exercise prevents hyponatraemia and maintains performance.

Fat Adaptation (Metabolic Flexibility)

The ability to efficiently use fat as fuel at higher exercise intensities — developed through Zone 2 training and sometimes dietary approaches.

Rate of Force Development (RFD)

How quickly a muscle can develop maximum force — the key factor in explosive athletic performance.

Biomechanics

The study of mechanical laws applied to movement — the science underpinning technique in every sport.

Concurrent Training

Combining strength and endurance training in the same programme — and the interference effect this can cause.

HRV-Guided Training

Using daily heart rate variability measurements to determine training intensity — train hard on green days, recover on red days.

Sleep Debt

The cumulative deficit of sleep relative to physiological need — impairs athletic performance, immune function and cognitive capacity.

Training Age

Years of consistent training — the best predictor of expected rate of progress and appropriate programme complexity.

Diaphragmatic Breathing

Breathing using the diaphragm rather than chest muscles — more efficient, activates parasympathetic nervous system and improves oxygen delivery.

Active vs Passive Recovery

Active recovery uses low-intensity movement to promote blood flow; passive recovery is complete rest. Active is generally better for muscle soreness.

Hydration and Athletic Performance

Even mild dehydration (2% of bodyweight) measurably impairs endurance, strength and cognitive performance.

Glycogen

The stored form of carbohydrate in muscle and liver — the primary fuel for high-intensity exercise.

Sport-Specific Warm-Up

A warm-up that mimics the movement patterns of the target sport — more effective than generic warm-up for performance preparation.

Cold Water Immersion (Ice Bath)

Immersing the body or limbs in cold water (10-15°C) for 10-15 minutes post-exercise to reduce inflammation and soreness.

Sports Vision

The visual skills beyond basic acuity that affect athletic performance — dynamic visual acuity, depth perception, reaction time and anticipation.

Proprioception

The body’s sense of its own position and movement in space — essential for balance, coordination and injury prevention.

Supersets

Two exercises performed back-to-back with minimal rest — increases training density and time efficiency.

Deload Week

A planned reduction in training volume or intensity to allow recovery and supercompensation after a hard training block.

Tapering

A progressive reduction in training load before competition to maximise performance on race day.

Supercompensation

The rebound above baseline fitness that occurs after recovery from a training stress — the foundation of all training adaptation.

Acute:Chronic Workload Ratio (ACWR)

The ratio of recent training load to longer-term average load — used to manage injury risk from spikes in training.

Plyometrics

Explosive jump-based training using the stretch-shortening cycle to develop power and rate of force development.

Periodisation

The systematic planning of training in cycles to peak performance at the right time and manage fatigue.

EPOC (Afterburn Effect)

Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption — the elevated calorie burn that continues after intense exercise ends.

Dynamic Stretching

Controlled movement through a joint’s range of motion — the preferred warm-up stretching method.

Static Stretching

Holding a stretch in a fixed position — best for developing long-term flexibility, ideally after exercise.

Interval Training

Alternating periods of higher and lower intensity — a time-efficient way to improve fitness across all sports.

Vertical Jump

The height gained in a maximal jump — a key measure of lower-body explosive power across many sports.

Agility

The ability to rapidly change direction and speed in response to a stimulus — critical in most team and racket sports.

Core Stability

The ability of the trunk muscles to maintain a stable spine and transfer force between the upper and lower body.

Recovery Heart Rate

How quickly heart rate falls after exercise — a strong, simple marker of cardiovascular fitness.

Resting Heart Rate

Heart rate at complete rest — a simple indicator of cardiovascular fitness and a useful overtraining warning sign.

Mental Toughness

The psychological capacity to perform consistently under pressure, adversity and fatigue.

Visualisation (Mental Imagery)

Mentally rehearsing performance — a well-evidenced technique for improving skill, confidence and competitive readiness.

Cool-Down (Warm-Down)

Light activity after exercise to gradually return the body to rest — aids recovery and may reduce stiffness.

Open vs Closed Skills

Closed skills are performed in a predictable environment; open skills must adapt to a changing one.

FITT Principle

Frequency, Intensity, Time and Type — the four variables manipulated to structure and progress training.

Detraining

The loss of training adaptations when training stops or reduces significantly — fitness declines but more slowly than it was gained.

Muscle Fibre Types

Slow-twitch (Type I) fibres are endurance-oriented; fast-twitch (Type II) are power-oriented.

Heat Acclimatisation

Physiological adaptations from training in heat that improve performance in hot conditions — and sometimes in cool conditions too.

VO2 Max

The maximum rate of oxygen your body can use during intense exercise — the key measure of aerobic capacity.

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

The calories your body burns at complete rest to maintain basic functions — the foundation of daily energy needs.

Cardiovascular Drift

The gradual rise in heart rate during prolonged steady exercise despite constant pace — driven by dehydration and rising core temperature.

Shot Clock

A countdown timer requiring the attacking team to attempt a shot within a set time — used in basketball, water polo and lacrosse.

Aerobic Capacity

The body’s ability to take in, transport and use oxygen during sustained exercise — the foundation of endurance.

Anaerobic Capacity

The ability to produce energy without oxygen for short, intense efforts — critical in sprints and repeated high-intensity bursts.

Repeated Sprint Ability (RSA)

The capacity to perform repeated short sprints with minimal recovery and limited performance drop-off — vital in team sports.

Hydration Strategy

A planned approach to fluid and electrolyte intake before, during and after exercise to maintain performance and safety.

Reaction Time

The interval between a stimulus and the start of a response — a critical attribute in fast sports like badminton, table tennis and cricket.

Hand-Eye Coordination

The coordinated control of hand movement guided by visual input — fundamental to all ball and racket sports.

Footwork

The efficient movement and positioning of the feet to get the body into the optimal position to play a shot or make a move.

Unforced Error

A mistake made under no significant pressure from the opponent — a key statistic in racket sports.

Peaking

Timing training so that peak physical and mental form coincides with a key competition.

Recreational Sport Participation

Taking part in sport primarily for enjoyment, fitness and social connection rather than elite competition.

Weight Classes

Divisions by bodyweight used in combat and strength sports to ensure fair, competitive matchups.

Discipline (Sport)

The consistent self-control and dedication to training, recovery and process that underpins athletic success.

Balance (Sport)

The ability to maintain control of the body's position, whether stationary (static) or moving (dynamic).

Flow State (‘The Zone’)

A mental state of complete, energised focus and immersion in an activity, associated with peak performance.

Cricket

Run Rate

The average number of runs a cricket team scores per over.

Net Run Rate (NRR)

A tournament tie-breaker comparing a team's scoring rate against the rate they concede.

Strike Rate (Cricket)

For batters, runs scored per 100 balls; for bowlers, balls per wicket.

Batting Average

The average runs a batter scores per dismissal.

Economy Rate

The average runs a bowler concedes per over.

Powerplay

The mandatory fielding restrictions in limited-overs cricket that encourage attacking batting.

DLS Method (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern)

The mathematical formula used to set revised targets in rain-affected limited-overs cricket matches.

T20 Run Rate & Required Rate

Current run rate (CRR) is runs scored ÷ overs faced; required run rate (RRR) is runs needed ÷ overs remaining.

Powerplay (Cricket)

Mandatory fielding restrictions in limited-overs cricket that encourage attacking batting in early overs.

Economy Rate (Cricket)

Runs conceded per over bowled — the primary measure of a bowler’s control in limited-overs cricket.

Basketball

True Shooting Percentage (TS%)

A shooting-efficiency stat that accounts for two-pointers, three-pointers and free throws together.

Effective Field Goal % (eFG)

Field goal percentage adjusted to credit three-pointers for their extra value.

Player Efficiency (EFF)

A simple box-score rating summing a player's positive and negative contributions.

Possessions & Pace

An estimate of how many times a team has the ball, used to compare offenses fairly.

Pick and Roll

A two-player offensive action where a screener sets a screen for the ball-handler, then cuts to the basket.

True Shooting % (TS%)

Points ÷ (2 × (FGA + 0.44 × FTA)) — the most comprehensive measure of scoring efficiency.

PER (Player Efficiency Rating)

A per-minute production metric combining all major contributions into one number. League average = 15.

Offensive Rating (ORtg)

Points scored per 100 possessions — the standard team and player offensive efficiency metric.

Golf

Handicap Index

A portable number representing a golfer's potential ability, used worldwide.

Golf

Score Differential

How a single round compares to the course difficulty, the building block of your handicap.

Golf

Course Handicap

The number of strokes you receive on a specific set of tees.

Golf

Slope Rating

A measure of a course's difficulty for bogey golfers relative to scratch golfers.

Golf

Handicap Index (Golf)

A portable number representing a golfer’s potential ability — used to calculate strokes given at each course.

Golf

Stableford Scoring

A popular format awarding points per hole — net par = 2 points, birdie = 3, bogey = 1, double bogey = 0.

Golf

Slope Rating (Golf)

A measure of a course’s relative difficulty for a bogey golfer versus a scratch golfer — standard is 113.

Golf

Tennis

Tiebreak

A special game played at 6-6 to decide a set, first to 7 points (win by 2).

Serve Speed

How fast a tennis serve travels, measured in mph or km/h.

Tennis Rating (NTRP / UTR)

Systems that measure a tennis player's standard, including NTRP, UTR and the ITF number.

Match Win Probability

The estimated chance of winning a match, derived from point-win rates.

First Serve Percentage (Tennis)

The proportion of first serves that land in — a key indicator of serve quality and consistency.

Break Point (Tennis)

A point at which the returner can break the server’s service game — the most critical point in tennis.

Tiebreak (Tennis)

A game to 7 points (win by 2) played at 6-6 in a set to decide the set winner.

Tennis

Swimming

SWOLF

A swim efficiency score that adds your time and stroke count for one pool length.

Critical Swim Speed (CSS)

A swimmer's sustainable threshold pace, estimated from 400m and 200m time trials.

Swim Pace

How long it takes to swim a set distance, usually expressed per 100m or 100yd.

Stroke Rate

How many strokes a swimmer takes per minute — their stroke tempo.

Critical Swim Speed (CSS)

The fastest pace a swimmer can sustain aerobically — the swim equivalent of FTP or lactate threshold.

SWOLF (Swimming Efficiency)

Strokes per length plus seconds per length — a combined efficiency metric for swimming.

Open Water Swimming

Swimming in natural bodies of water — lakes, rivers and oceans — used in triathlons, marathon swims and as a standalone sport.

Cycling

Power-to-Weight Ratio

A cyclist's power output divided by bodyweight, in watts per kilogram — the key climbing metric.

FTP (Functional Threshold Power)

The highest power a cyclist can sustain for about an hour, used to set training zones.

Gear Ratio

The number of rear-wheel turns per pedal revolution, set by chainring and sprocket sizes.

Cadence

How fast a cyclist pedals, measured in revolutions per minute (rpm).

FTP (Functional Threshold Power)

The highest average power a cyclist can sustain for one hour — the cornerstone metric for structured training.

Cycling Training Zones

Power-based intensity ranges from Zone 1 (easy recovery) to Zone 7 (neuromuscular sprint), set as percentages of FTP.

American Football

Passer Rating

The official NFL formula rating a quarterback's passing from completion %, Y/A, TD % and INT %.

Yards Per Carry (YPC)

A running back's average rushing yards per carry attempt — the headline rushing efficiency stat.

Fantasy Football Scoring

The point system used to score real NFL stats in fantasy leagues — standard, half-PPR or full-PPR.

4th Down

The last of four attempts to advance 10 yards — a key strategic decision point in American football.

NFL Passer Rating

A composite QB efficiency metric from 0 to 158.3 combining completion %, yards per attempt, TD rate and INT rate.

Archery

Arrow Spine

The stiffness of an arrow shaft — it must match the bow's draw weight and arrow length for accurate flight.

Archery

Draw Weight

The maximum force (in pounds) required to fully draw a bow — a key spec for any archery setup.

Archery

Archery Classification (AGB)

The Archery GB grade system from Archer (beginner) through to Grandmaster Bowman (elite).

Archery

Baseball

OPS (On-Base Plus Slugging)

The most widely used all-in batting stat — OBP + SLG combined.

ERA (Earned Run Average)

A pitcher’s earned runs per 9 innings — the headline pitching stat.

WHIP

Walks plus hits per inning pitched — measures how many baserunners a pitcher allows.

Batting Average

Hits per at-bat — the traditional measure of a batter’s contact ability.

OPS (On-Base Plus Slugging)

OBP + SLG — the most widely used single batting metric in modern baseball.

ERA (Earned Run Average)

Earned runs allowed ÷ innings pitched × 9 — the standard pitching performance metric.

Sabermetrics

The empirical analysis of baseball statistics to evaluate player performance beyond traditional box score metrics.

WHIP (Baseball)

(Walks + Hits) ÷ Innings Pitched — the primary pitching control metric.

MMA

MMA Weight Classes

The UFC and MMA weight divisions from Strawweight (52.2 kg) to Heavyweight (120.2 kg).

MMA

Significant Strikes (MMA)

Power strikes that land cleanly, as tracked by UFC Stats — the primary offensive metric in MMA analytics.

MMA

MMA Rounds (UFC)

UFC fights are 3×5-minute rounds (non-championship) or 5×5-minute rounds (championship), with 1-minute rest.

MMA

Boxing

Boxing Weight Classes

The weight divisions in boxing that ensure fighters compete against opponents of similar size.

Boxing

10-Point Must System

The universal boxing scoring system where the round winner scores 10 points and the loser scores 9 (or fewer).

Boxing

Reach (Boxing)

A boxer’s arm span from fingertip to fingertip — longer reach gives a distance advantage.

Boxing

10-Point Must System (Boxing)

The scoring system used in professional boxing — 10 points to the round winner, 9 (or fewer) to the loser.

Boxing

Climbing

V-Scale (Bouldering Grades)

The US bouldering grade system from V0 (beginner) to V17 (world-class). Created by John Sherman.

Climbing

Fontainebleau Scale (Font Grades)

The European bouldering grade system, named after the Fontainebleau forest near Paris.

Climbing

Ape Index (Climbing)

The difference between your arm span and height — a positive ape index is advantageous for climbing.

Climbing

Darts

Checkout (Darts)

A finishing combination of darts that takes a player’s score to exactly zero, ending on a double.

Three-Dart Average

The average score per three-dart visit — the primary measure of darts performance.

Finishing Percentage

The percentage of checkout attempts (doubles) that a player successfully converts.

Three-Dart Average

The standard darts performance metric — average points scored per three darts thrown.

Darts Checkout

A winning combination of darts that reduces the remaining score to exactly zero on a double — or the bullseye.

Darts

Padel

Wall Play in Padel

The ability to play balls off the glass walls — the defining feature of padel not found in tennis.

Padel

Padel Scoring

Padel uses identical scoring to tennis — 15, 30, 40, deuce, advantage, games and sets.

Padel

Padel Serve

In padel, serves are underhand, below waist height, bouncing in the service box.

Padel

Walls (Padel)

The glass and mesh walls of a padel court that keep the ball in play — the defining tactical feature of padel.

Padel

Squash

PAR Scoring (Squash)

Point-a-rally scoring — every rally scores a point regardless of who served. First to 11 wins.

Squash

The Tin (Squash)

The metal strip at the bottom of the front wall — hitting below it loses the rally immediately.

Squash

The T (Squash)

The central court position at the intersection of the service box lines — the most powerful tactical position.

Squash

PAR Scoring (Squash)

Point-a-Rally scoring — every rally scores a point regardless of who is serving.

Squash

Table Tennis

Elo Rating (Table Tennis)

A numerical rating system measuring relative playing strength — used in chess, table tennis and many other sports.

Table Tennis Scoring

Games to 11 points (win by 2), typically best of 5 or 7 games. Service changes every 2 points.

Service Rotation (Table Tennis)

Each player serves for 2 consecutive points, then service changes throughout the game.

ELO Rating System

A chess-derived mathematical system for measuring relative player strength that has been adopted across many sports.

Triathlon

Triathlon Distances

The four main triathlon formats — Sprint, Olympic, 70.3 and Ironman — and their swim/bike/run distances.

Brick Training

Training sessions that combine two triathlon disciplines back-to-back — most commonly bike then run.

T1 and T2 Transitions

The transition zones between swim-to-bike (T1) and bike-to-run (T2) in a triathlon.

Brick Training (Triathlon)

A training session combining two triathlon disciplines back-to-back — most commonly cycling followed immediately by running.

T1 and T2 Transitions (Triathlon)

The two transitions in a triathlon — T1 (swim to bike) and T2 (bike to run).

Rowing

Rowing Split (500m Split)

The time to row 500 metres — the standard pace measure on a rowing ergometer.

Watts in Rowing

The power output on a rowing ergometer, calculated from your 500m split.

Stroke Rate

The number of rowing strokes per minute (s/m) — determines pace alongside power per stroke.

500m Split (Rowing)

The time to row 500 metres — the universal pace unit used by Concept2 ergometers.

Rowing Training Zones (UT2/AT)

The five British Rowing / Concept2 training zones from UT2 (easy aerobic) to AN (anaerobic).

Rowing

Ice Hockey

Save Percentage (SV%)

The proportion of shots a goaltender stops — the primary measure of goaltending performance.

Corsi %

A shot-attempt differential metric used as a proxy for puck possession and territorial dominance.

Power Play

A period where one team has a numerical advantage after an opponent is penalised.

Hockey Points

A player earns one point per goal scored and one point per assist, up to two assists per goal.

Icing

A stoppage called when a team shoots the puck from behind centre ice and it crosses the opponent’s goal line without being touched.

Face-Off

How play restarts in ice hockey — the referee drops the puck between two opposing players.

Corsi% (Ice Hockey Analytics)

CF% = shot attempts for ÷ (shot attempts for + against) — the primary possession metric in ice hockey analytics.

PDO (Hockey Analytics)

Save % + Shooting % × 100 — a measure of ‘puck luck’ that always regresses to 100 league-wide.

Volleyball

Kill Percentage & Hitting Efficiency

Kill % is kills divided by attempts; hitting efficiency adjusts for errors.

Serve Efficiency

A serve metric combining aces and service errors: (aces − errors) ÷ total serves.

Blocking (Volleyball)

The act of deflecting an attack at the net — measured in blocks per set.

Attack Efficiency (Volleyball)

(Kills − Errors) ÷ Total Attempts — the most honest measure of attacking contribution in volleyball.

Rugby Union

Rugby Union Scoring

How points are scored in rugby union: tries (5), conversions (2), penalties (3) and drop goals (3).

Bonus Points (Rugby Union)

Extra league points for scoring four tries, or for losing by seven or fewer.

Rugby Union Positions

The 15 playing positions in rugby union, split into forwards (1–8) and backs (9–15).

Scrum

A contested set piece where eight forwards from each side bind together and push for the ball.

Line-Out

A method of restarting play after the ball goes into touch, where forwards contest for the ball in the air.

Tackle Efficiency (Rugby)

Tackles made ÷ (tackles made + missed) — a key defensive metric in rugby union and league.

Rugby League

Six-Tackle Rule

The rule that gives a team six attempts to advance before surrendering possession.

Play the Ball

The restart after a tackle, where the ball-carrier rolls the ball back with their foot.

Rugby League Scoring

How points are scored in rugby league: tries, conversions, penalties and drop goals.

Goal-Kicking Percentage

The proportion of conversion and penalty kicks a goal-kicker successfully converts.

Football

Possession Percentage

The share of match time a team controls the ball, a proxy for territorial dominance.

Pressing

A defensive strategy where a team aggressively closes down opponents immediately after losing the ball.

Expected Goals (xG)

A probability-based metric measuring the quality of a shot — the likelihood it results in a goal.

PPDA (Passes Per Defensive Action)

A pressing intensity metric: opponent passes ÷ defensive actions in the opponent’s half.

Goal Difference

Goals scored minus goals conceded — the primary tiebreaker in most league tables.

Pressing (Football)

An active defensive strategy where players press opponents in possession to win the ball high up the pitch.

Round-Robin Format

A tournament format where every team plays every other team.

League Points System

How football leagues award points: three for a win, one for a draw.

Goal Difference

Goals scored minus goals conceded, the most common league tie-breaker.

Nutrition

Mediterranean Diet

A dietary pattern rich in vegetables, olive oil, fish and whole grains — the most evidence-backed eating pattern for long-term health.

Ketogenic Diet

A very-low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that shifts the body into ketosis — burning fat rather than glucose for energy.

Carbohydrate Loading

Strategically increasing carbohydrate intake before an endurance event to maximise glycogen stores.

Creatine Monohydrate

The most researched sports supplement — increases phosphocreatine stores to improve high-intensity performance and support muscle gains.

Caffeine (Ergogenic Aid)

The most effective legal performance-enhancing substance — improves endurance, strength, power and focus.

Gymnastics

Planche

A static gymnastics hold where the body is held parallel to the ground on straight arms — one of the most demanding bodyweight skills.

Gymnastics

L-Sit

A fundamental gymnastics and calisthenics hold — body supported on straight arms with legs extended horizontally.

Gymnastics

Handstand

Balancing inverted on two hands — the most fundamental gymnastics skill and a major calisthenics milestone.

Gymnastics

Handball

Fast Break (Handball)

A rapid counter-attack launched immediately after winning possession, before the opposition defence is set.

Handball

Shooting Efficiency (Handball)

Goals scored as a percentage of shots attempted — a key attacking metric in handball.

Handball

Handball Positions

The seven roles in handball: goalkeeper, two wings, two backs, centre back (playmaker) and pivot (line player).

Handball

Netball

Footwork Rule (Netball)

After catching the ball, your landing foot becomes fixed — you may pivot but not move it before passing or shooting.

Netball

Netball Positions

Seven zone-restricted positions: GS, GA, WA, C, WD, GD and GK — each allowed only in specific court areas.

Netball

Shooting Percentage (Netball)

Goals scored as a percentage of shots attempted — the most decisive individual metric in netball.

Netball

Skiing

Piste Grading (Ski Run Difficulty)

The colour-coded system rating ski run difficulty — green, blue, red and black in Europe; green, blue, black diamond in North America.

Slope Gradient

The steepness of a slope, expressed as a percentage or in degrees — a 100% gradient equals 45 degrees.

Carving (Skiing)

Turning on the ski edges so they cut a clean arc through the snow, leaving thin railroad-track lines.

Powder Snow

Fresh, light, dry snow that offers a floating sensation — prized by experienced skiers and snowboarders.

Ski Touring / Ski Mountaineering

Climbing uphill on skis using climbing skins, then descending — accessing terrain beyond the lifts.

Ski Wax

A coating applied to ski and snowboard bases to improve glide and protect the base, matched to snow temperature.

Skiing

Snowboarding

Regular vs Goofy Stance

Snowboard stance direction: regular leads with the left foot forward, goofy leads with the right.

Snowboarding

Duck Stance (Snowboarding)

A symmetrical snowboard binding setup with the front foot angled positive and the back foot negative, e.g. +15°/-15°.

Snowboarding

Water Polo

Eggbeater Kick

The continuous alternating circular leg movement that keeps water polo players elevated and stable without using their arms.

Water Polo

Hole Set (Centre Forward)

The water polo attacker positioned directly in front of the goal with their back to it — the focal point of the offence.

Water Polo

Power Play / Man-Up (Water Polo)

A temporary numerical advantage after an opponent is excluded for a major foul — a key scoring opportunity.

Water Polo

Lacrosse

Faceoff (Lacrosse)

The contest for possession at the start of each quarter and after every goal — won by a specialist FOGO.

FOGO (Lacrosse)

‘Faceoff, Get Off’ — a specialist player who contests faceoffs then immediately substitutes off.

Shooting (Lacrosse)

Propelling the ball at goal using the netted stick — measured by shooting percentage and shots on goal.

Clearing / Transition

Moving the ball from the defensive end to the attacking end after gaining possession — a critical phase in lacrosse and water polo.

Badminton

Rally Scoring

A scoring system where a point is awarded on every rally, regardless of who served — used in modern badminton, volleyball and squash.

Badminton

Shuttlecock

The projectile used in badminton — a high-drag conical object that decelerates extremely rapidly in flight.

Badminton

Doubles Rotation (Badminton)

The constant switching between front-and-back (attack) and side-by-side (defence) formations in badminton doubles.

Badminton

Surfing

Swell Period

The time in seconds between successive swell lines — a key indicator of wave energy and quality, often more important than height.

Offshore Wind

Wind blowing from the land out to sea — the ideal wind for surfing, grooming waves clean and holding them up.

Surfboard Volume

The litres of foam in a surfboard — the key number determining flotation, paddling ease and wave-catching ability.

Wetsuit Thickness

The neoprene thickness of a wetsuit (e.g. 4/3mm), matched to water temperature — thicker is warmer but less flexible.

Pickleball

The Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone)

The 7ft zone on each side of the pickleball net where volleying is forbidden — central to the sport's tactics.

Two-Bounce Rule

In pickleball, the serve and the return must each bounce once before either side may volley.

Third-Shot Drop

A soft pickleball shot landing in the opponents' kitchen, letting the serving team advance to the net.

Dinking

Soft, controlled pickleball shots that drop into the opponents' kitchen during net exchanges.

Volleying

Hitting the ball out of the air before it bounces — permitted in pickleball except from within the kitchen.

Bowling

Strike (Bowling)

Knocking down all ten pins with the first ball of a frame — scored as 10 plus the next two rolls.

Spare (Bowling)

Knocking down all ten pins across both balls of a frame — scored as 10 plus the next one roll.

Perfect Game (300)

The maximum possible ten-pin bowling score of 300, achieved by bowling twelve consecutive strikes.

Bowling Average

Total pins scored divided by games bowled — the standard measure of a bowler's skill, used for handicaps.

Bowling Handicap

Bonus pins added to a bowler's score based on their average, allowing fair competition between different abilities.

Split (Bowling)

A difficult spare leave where the remaining pins have a gap between them, with the headpin knocked down.

Fencing

Right-of-Way (Priority)

The fencing rule (in foil and sabre) that decides who scores when both fencers land a hit.

Measure (Fencing Distance)

The distance between fencers — controlling it is the foundation of fencing tactics.

Parry & Riposte

A defensive blade deflection (parry) followed immediately by a counter-attack (riposte).

The Lunge (Fencing)

Fencing's classic attacking action — an explosive extension driving the point to the target.

Fencing Weapons (Foil, Épée, Sabre)

The three fencing weapons, each with distinct target areas, scoring methods and rules.

Wrestling

Takedown

Taking the opponent from a standing (neutral) position down to the mat and gaining control — the fundamental wrestling score.

Pin (Fall)

Holding both of the opponent's shoulders to the mat — winning the match instantly regardless of score.

Near-Fall / Exposure

Exposing the opponent's back toward the mat without pinning — scoring points in all wrestling styles.

Technical Superiority

Winning a wrestling match early by building a large enough points lead.

Wrestling Styles

The main forms of wrestling: freestyle, Greco-Roman (both Olympic) and folkstyle (US schools/colleges).

Skateboarding

Ollie

The fundamental skateboarding trick — popping the board into the air with your feet, with no hands.

Kickflip

A skateboard trick where the board flips a full rotation along its length mid-air before the skater lands back on it.

Grinds & Slides

Skateboard tricks where the trucks (grind) or the deck (slide) move along an edge such as a rail or ledge.

Transition Skating

Skating curved ramps — quarter pipes, half pipes and bowls — emphasising flow, speed, carving and airs.

Stance (Board Sports)

Whether a rider leads with the left foot forward (regular) or right foot forward (goofy) in skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding.

Judo

Ippon

The match-winning full score in judo — a clean throw on the back, a 20-second pin, or a submission.

Judo

Waza-ari

A half-point score in judo; two waza-ari combine to make ippon and win the match.

Judo

Shido

A penalty in judo for minor rule infringements; a third shido results in loss of the match.

Judo

Nage-waza (Throwing Techniques)

The throwing techniques of judo — its defining category, divided by the body part used to execute the throw.

Judo