General
hops
What does hops mean?
How high a player can jump; great leaping ability.
"Rookie's got serious hops — he touched the top of the backboard."
Origin
Slang for vertical leap, common in playground basketball.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'hops' mean in basketball?
It refers to a player's jumping ability, or how high they can leap; having 'serious hops' means being a great jumper.
Is 'hops' the same as vertical?
Yes, hops is slang for vertical leap, describing the same jumping ability in more casual playground terms.
What's another word for 'hops'?
'Ups' is a common alternative, as in 'he's got crazy ups,' both meaning strong leaping ability.
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