text: what do these 2 nba terms mean- handcheck, and pumpfake? please no one-worded answers. if the answer can be a little detailed so i can have a mental image of what im reading a hand-check is when the defensive player puts his arm against the offensive player to try to slow him down.   a pump-fake is when the offensive player with the ball motions as if he is going to shoot the ball but holds back, hoping his defender will jump out of position, so he can drive to the basket or take an open shot.