What Does Brick Mean in Basketball? Explained

By Sarah Miller · August 20, 2044

In basketball, a “brick” refers to a missed shot that hits the rim or backboard with little chance of going in, often rebounding violently. The term is slang used by players, fans, and commentators to describe poor shooting accuracy.

Understanding the Term 'Brick' in Basketball

The word “brick” in basketball has nothing to do with construction materials—it's a vivid metaphor for a shot that fails spectacularly. When a player launches a shot that clangs off the rim or backboard at a sharp angle, it's said to have been “bricked.” This term emphasizes both the sound and visual impact of a poorly executed field goal attempt.

Origins of the Term

While the exact origin is debated, “brick” likely emerged from streetball culture, where missed shots were likened to heavy, lifeless objects that fall straight down. Over time, the term gained popularity in professional commentary and media.

Common Contexts Where 'Brick' Is Used

During live broadcasts when a player misses an easy layup
In post-game analysis highlighting inefficient scoring
Among teammates joking about a cold shooting night
In social media reactions after high-profile misses

Brick vs. Other Types of Missed Shots

Not all missed shots are considered bricks. A brick implies a complete failure in trajectory, timing, or touch. Below is a comparison of common miss types:

Shot Type	Description	Example Scenario	Is It a Brick?
Rimmed Out	Ball circles the rim before popping out	Close jumper with good rotation	No
Brick	Hard miss off rim/backboard with no chance	Three-pointer hitting front iron	Yes
Short Shot	Falls short of the basket	Jump shot stopping midway	Sometimes
Long Shot	Goes beyond the basket	Three-pointer flying over the rim	Sometimes
Air Ball	Misses rim and backboard entirely	Shot launched too flat	No (but still a miss)

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows that while many shot types result in misses, only those striking the rim or backboard without realistic chance of success qualify as true “bricks.” Air balls, though embarrassing, aren't technically bricks because they don’t hit any part of the basket.

Impact of Bricking on Game Performance

Frequent bricking can disrupt offensive rhythm and boost opponent morale. Teams that brick multiple shots in a row often face fast breaks due to long rebounds. Analysts track shooting efficiency using metrics like effective field goal percentage (eFG%) to quantify how often players avoid bricking.

Notable Players Known for Occasional Bricking

Even elite scorers have games where they struggle:

Kobe Bryant – Famous for high-volume shooting, including tough, low-percentage attempts
James Harden – Takes many step-back threes, some of which result in bricks
Devin Booker – High usage guard who occasionally forces difficult shots

However, these players also make clutch shots, balancing their brick totals with high reward plays.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bricks in Basketball

What does it mean when a shot is called a brick?

A “brick” is a missed shot that hits the rim or backboard hard with little chance of going in. It reflects poor shot quality in terms of arc, speed, or alignment.

Is an air ball considered a brick?

No. An air ball completely misses the rim and backboard, so it’s not classified as a brick. Bricks specifically involve contact with the basket structure.

Who coined the term 'brick' in basketball?

The exact originator is unknown, but the term became widespread through urban basketball courts and later entered mainstream sports commentary in the 1990s.

Does bricking affect a player's stats?

Yes. Every brick counts as a missed field goal, lowering a player’s field goal percentage (FG%) and potentially impacting advanced metrics like true shooting percentage (TS%).

Can a dunk be bricked?

Rarely, but yes. If a player attempts a dunk and hits the rim hard enough to bounce off without going in, especially under pressure, it may be jokingly called a “bricked dunk.”