The term "alley-oop" most commonly refers to a play in basketball where one player throws the ball near the basket and a teammate jumps, catches the ball in mid-air, and scores—usually with a dunk or layup—before touching the ground. This play highlights teamwork, timing, and athleticism.

The word "alley-oop" actually comes from the French phrase "[allez hop!](javascript:void(0))," which was an acrobatic shout, and was later borrowed into English sports terminology. While it is now almost exclusively associated with basketball, it was originally also used in American football to describe a high-arching pass caught by a leaping receiver in the end zone.

Alley-oops are exciting because they often happen quickly and involve a high jump and a successful finish close to (or above) the rim, making them a crowd- pleasing move.