Conversation Starters About Basketball

March Madness has started! Yesterday they announced all of the teams who made the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament this year. I mention this becasue basketball is one of my favorite sports.

I played basketball from the ages of 11-19, and enjoyed it thoroughly. I was even privileged enough to play basketball at the university level. I love the teamwork aspects of basketball, as well as the excitement of the game. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a last-second shot or a breakaway layup.

Basketball has its own set of rules and vocabulary to go with it. That’s why I created this English lesson around the game of basketball. It includes an essential list of vocabulary words, as well as questions you can ask that are English conversation starters. Use the following questions to talk about basketball with other English language learners. Make sure to use some of the vocabulary associated with the game as you discuss the questions in conversation.

Vocabulary:

• basketball
• hoop
• court
• coach
• team
• teamwork
• foul
• shot
• three-pointer
• goal
• arc
• league
• sport
• offense
• defense
• dribble

English Conversation Starters About Basketball:

• Have you ever watched a basketball game before? 
• Is basketball popular in your culture? 
• How many players are on a basketball team? 
• What are the rules to basketball? 
• What are the different positions on a basketball team? 
• What are some things that you are required to do on the basketball court? 
• What are some things that you are not allowed to do on the basketball court? 
• Have you ever played basketball before? What position did you play? 
• Why is it an advantage to be tall as a basketball player? 
• Can short people be good basketball players? 
• What skills and abilities are essential to be a good basketball player? 
• What do the lines on a basketball court look like? What do the lines represent? Are there any basketball players from your country in the NBA?
• What basketball teams do you follow? What is interesting about this team to you?
• What is the difference between a basketball team and a basketball league?
• What equipment do you need to play basketball?
• What makes basketball exciting? What makes it boring? 
• Are there any professional NBA basketball players from your country? Who are they? What makes them special? 

Funny Video:

Here is a satirical video about some stereotypes you may encounter if you play basketball recreational with other people.