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Arm bars are a commonly debated topic in basketball, with some arguing that they are an illegal move and others claiming that they are allowed in certain contexts. An arm bar is a move in which a player uses their arm to block, push, or hold an opponent. While the official rules of basketball do not explicitly mention arm bars, they do state that illegal use of hands and arms refers to holding, pushing, charging into, or impeding the progress of an opponent. This means that using an arm bar to push or hold an opponent is considered a foul and is therefore not allowed. However, some players and coaches interpret the rules differently, claiming that arm bars can be used defensively to create space or protect the ball without making significant contact. The legality of arm bars also depends on the specific league and level of play, with variations in how strictly rules are enforced by officials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Arm bars in basketball | Illegal; considered a foul |
| Extending arms | Legal if done vertically above the shoulders |
| Acceptable contact | Yes, but not extending arms, shoulders, hips, or legs into an opponent's path |
| Holding | Illegal; interferes with opponent's freedom of movement |
| Legal guarding position | Arms raised above the head with slightly bent elbows |
| Fending off | Legal if done without pushing or hitting |
| Use cases | Creating space on screens, protecting the ball |
| Exceptions | Post-ups, not drives |
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What You'll Learn
Arm bars and fouls
First, it's important to understand what an arm bar is in the context of basketball. An arm bar can refer to the use of a player's forearm or extended arm to impede an opponent's progress or gain leverage during dribbling or post play. The interpretation of what constitutes an arm bar can vary slightly, but it generally involves the extension of the arm or forearm.
Now, let's discuss the legality of arm bars in basketball. According to some sources, arm bars are illegal in basketball, regardless of whether a player is on offense or defense. Pushing or displacing an opponent with an arm bar is considered a foul. This is because basketball rules prohibit holding, pushing, charging into, or impeding the progress of an opponent by extending a hand, arm, leg, or knee. Any contact that reroutes an opponent is a foul and must be called immediately.
However, there are nuances to this rule. In some leagues, like the NBA, referees may allow some contact or arm bar-like movements to go uncalled to keep the game flowing. Additionally, there are specific situations where arm bars can be used legally. For example, when a defensive player has established an initial legal guarding position, they can use an arm bar to maintain their position or create space, as long as they don't extend their arms beyond their torso or make significant contact with the offensive player. This is often referred to as the cylinder concept, where a player's arm bar remains legal as long as it stays within their imaginary "coke can"-shaped cylinder.
Additionally, the use of arms to protect the ball or create space on screens is generally allowed, as long as it does not impede the opponent's movement or result in holding or pushing. It's worth noting that FIBA rules and official basketball games tend to have stricter interpretations of these rules, and violations can result in fouls.
In conclusion, while arm bars can be illegal in basketball and result in fouls, the context and specific league rules play a significant role in determining their legality. Players and referees must be aware of these nuances to ensure fair gameplay.
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Arm bars in offensive play
Arm bars are a key component of basketball, and their usage in offensive play can be a decisive factor in the outcome of a game. A well-executed arm bar can create space, protect the ball, and establish advantageous positioning. However, it is important to note that the rules surrounding arm bars in offensive play are nuanced and can vary depending on the specific league and context.
In offensive play, the use of arm bars is primarily governed by the concept of "legal guarding position". This position allows defenders to establish themselves in the path of an opponent, provided they do not move directly or obliquely toward the opponent when contact occurs. The arms may be extended vertically above the shoulders, but they must remain within the player's "cylinder" or "cocoon". This cylinder is an imaginary space surrounding each player, similar to being inside a "coke can", and any arm bar must stay within this space to be legal.
When a player is dribbling, the arm bar rules are particularly important. The dribbler cannot extend their free arm to prevent the defender from having a legal opportunity to steal the ball. Additionally, the arm bar must be established without pushing or making significant contact with the defender. This ensures that the dribbler is not impeding the defender's progress or using their arm bar to gain an unfair advantage.
The use of two hands or an extended arm bar by the offensive player is generally considered a foul. This is because it can restrict the defender's movement and provide an unfair advantage. However, there are nuances to this rule, and some leagues may have specific interpretations or exceptions. For example, in some cases, a single arm bar may be legal as long as the opponent has not turned in any direction, regardless of whether they have possession of the ball.
In summary, arm bars in offensive play can be a valuable tool for creating space and protecting the ball. However, players must be mindful of the rules and ensure that their arm bars do not impede the defender's progress or result in illegal contact. Understanding the nuances of the rules surrounding arm bars can give players an edge in offensive play while also ensuring fair competition.
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Arm bars in defensive play
Arm bars are a basic move in grappling and are considered legal in basketball under certain conditions. In defensive play, the use of arm bars is permitted to create space on screens. This allows the defensive player to slip the screen and get past the offensive player. However, it is important to note that the arm bar must stay within the defender's "cylinder". This means that the arm bar should not extend beyond the position of the defender's feet, with arms bent at the elbows.
When a defensive player has established a legal guarding position, they may use an arm bar to maintain their position but must not extend their arms, shoulders, or hips towards the offensive player. The defensive player must also be careful not to hold, push, or impede the progress of the offensive player, as this would result in a foul.
Additionally, the use of two hands or pushing the offensive player with an arm bar is not permitted and would result in a foul. The defender's elbows should be moving in a downward swinging motion, and throwing elbows towards an opponent's face is not allowed.
In the NBA, exceptions to these rules may occur, as referees may allow some contact to keep the game flowing. However, in FIBA games and official basketball games, these rules are generally strictly followed.
It is worth noting that the interpretation of legal contact may vary among officials, and they are often instructed to use their judgment when determining acceptable and unacceptable contact.
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Legal guarding position
A legal guarding position (LGP) is established when a player faces their opponent and has both feet on the floor. The player is then entitled to a spot on the playing court. There is no minimum distance required between the guard and opponent, but the maximum distance is 6 feet when closely guarded.
The principle of verticality applies to legal guarding positions. This means that from the initial position, the defender may rise or jump vertically and occupy the space within their vertical plane. The defender's hands and arms may be raised within their vertical plane while on the floor or in the air. It is legal to extend the arms vertically above the shoulders and they need not be lowered to avoid contact with an opponent when the opponent's actions cause the contact. This typically occurs when guarding a player making a throw-in, a player with the ball using pressing tactics, and a player with the ball who is trying for a goal by pivoting, jumping, etc.
The cylinder principle defines the space that each player is entitled to on the court. A player's arms must be inside their cylinder to be considered a legal guarding position. The responsibility for contact is always on the person who left their cylinder or the defender if they have not established a legal position.
It is important to note that a player who extends an arm, shoulder, hip, or leg into the path of an opponent is not considered to have a legal position if contact occurs. Holding is illegal personal contact that interferes with an opponent's freedom of movement.
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Arm bars in the NBA vs FIBA games
Arm bars are a basic move in basketball that can be used both offensively and defensively. However, there are strict rules about their use, and they are often the cause of fouls.
In the NBA, referees will often allow players to get away with more when it comes to arm bars and physical contact. For example, when a player is dribbling, they will hold and push their defenders out of their way. This is not allowed in FIBA games or official basketball games. This is because, in the NBA, referees will not call every single foul to keep the game going.
In FIBA games, the rules are stricter, and an arm bar must remain inside a player's "cylinder". This means that the arm bar remains legal only when it is inside an imaginary cylinder around the player's body. A single arm bar is legal, but if the opponent turns in any direction, the hand must be removed. This goes for a player with or without the ball, as long as the player is not holding or pushing off the opponent. If two hands are used, it is an automatic foul.
When a player is dribbling, they cannot extend their free arm to prevent the defence from stealing the ball. If any contact is made, an offensive foul must be called. In the NBA, this rule is often ignored, as mentioned above.
In general, a foul is any illegal personal contact or unsportsmanlike conduct on the court or sidelines of a game. Most player fouls involve contact that impedes an opposing player's gameplay.
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Frequently asked questions
Arm bars are generally considered illegal in basketball, as they can constitute a foul. An arm bar is a type of martial arts hold that is designed to cause an opponent to submit. In the context of basketball, an arm bar can involve a defender using their forearm or extended arm to impede an offensive player's progress or gain an advantage. However, there are some exceptions and nuances to the rules that allow for certain types of contact, such as when a defender is in a legal guarding position or when the offensive player is in a post-up position.
An arm bar is considered a foul when it involves holding, pushing, charging into, or impeding the progress of an opponent by extending the arm beyond what is considered normal or acceptable contact. This includes making contact with the opponent's back or re-routing them. Using two hands or extending an arm bar on the player is also considered a foul.
Yes, players can legally use their arms in a few specific situations. For example, players can extend their arms vertically above their shoulders when guarding a player making a throw-in or trying for a goal. Additionally, defensive players can use arm bars to create space on screens to slip through, as long as they do not restrict the offensive player's movement.
