
Kicking the ball in basketball is a violation. According to the official rule book, a player shall not kick the ball or strike it with their fist. If the violation is by the offense, the ball is awarded to the opposing team on the sideline nearest the spot of the violation but no nearer to the baseline than the free-throw line extended. If it is a defensive player who violates the rule, the offensive team retains possession of the ball on the sideline nearest the spot of the violation. The ball accidentally striking a player's foot or leg is not a violation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Kicking the ball in basketball | Violation |
| Reason | Not the kind of game basketball is |
| Penalty | Loss of ball |
| Exception | If the ball accidentally hits the foot, leg or fist, it is not a violation |
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What You'll Learn

Kicking the ball is a violation
The violation results in a penalty, where the ball is awarded to the opposing team. If the offence commits the violation, the opposing team gets possession of the ball on the sideline nearest the spot of the violation but no closer to the baseline than the free-throw line extended. On the other hand, if the violation is committed by the defence while the ball is in play, the offensive team retains possession on the sideline closest to the violation but no nearer to the baseline than the foul line extended.
The reason behind this rule is to maintain the integrity of the game. Basketball is primarily a game played with the hands, and kicking the ball is seen as disruptive rather than a legitimate attempt to control it. This rule also adds an element of judgement for referees, as they must decide whether a kick was intentional or accidental.
Some people have questioned this rule, arguing that kicking the ball could be advantageous in certain situations and suggesting that it should not be a violation. However, the act of kicking the ball is generally frowned upon and considered unsportsmanlike. Additionally, the difficulty of deliberately kicking the ball in a fast-paced game makes it an impractical strategy.
It is important to note that the rules may vary slightly depending on the governing body and the level of competition. For example, the rules for high school basketball in Minnesota may differ from those of the NBA or NCAA.
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Striking with the leg or foot
In basketball, striking the ball with any part of the leg or foot is considered a violation. This includes not just kicking the ball, but also using the thigh to deflect a pass or moving the foot under the basketball to stop an opponent from scoring.
For a foot or leg infraction to be called, the contact with the ball must be the result of a voluntary gesture. If a player accidentally hits another player's leg while attempting a pass, and that player then touches the ball with their leg, there is no violation.
If a violation occurs, the ball is awarded to the opposing team. If the violation is committed by the offense, the ball is given to the other team on the sideline nearest the spot of the violation but no nearer to the baseline than the free-throw line extended. If the violation is by the defense while the ball is in play, the offensive team retains possession of the ball on the sideline nearest the spot of the violation but no nearer the baseline than the foul line extended.
Some have questioned why kicking the ball is considered a violation, arguing that it seems fair and no different from striking the ball with the arms or hands. However, this is not the kind of gameplay that is encouraged in basketball, and kicking the ball can slow down the game as referees determine whether the kicking was intentional or not.
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Intentional kicking vs accidental
In basketball, a player is not allowed to kick the ball or strike it with their fist. Kicking the ball or striking it with any part of the leg is considered a violation when done intentionally. However, if the ball accidentally strikes the foot, leg, or fist, it is not deemed a violation.
The distinction between intentional kicking and accidental contact is crucial in enforcing this rule. For a foot or leg infraction to be called, it must be clear that the player voluntarily used their leg or foot to make contact with the ball. If a player is standing or making a legal defensive move, and an opponent's pass hits their leg, it is not a violation as the contact was not intentional.
The penalty for an intentional kicking violation typically results in a loss of ball possession. The ball is awarded to the opposing team, with specific rules dictating the exact location of the turnover. Interestingly, the penalty for an intentional kick is no more severe than a regular foul, and the player responsible for the kick is not given a personal foul.
While the rules clearly prohibit intentional kicking, some have suggested that deliberately kicking the ball in certain late-game situations could be strategically beneficial. By drawing a kicking violation, a player could potentially disrupt an opponent's offensive play without committing a personal foul. However, the execution of such a move during a game would be challenging and may not always be successful.
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Kicking to gain an advantage
Kicking the ball in basketball is considered a violation in the sport, and is therefore against the rules. This means that a player cannot use their leg to intentionally move or secure the ball. If a player accidentally kicks the ball, this is not considered a violation. However, if a player from the defending team kicks the ball, the offensive team retains possession of the ball.
The rules are slightly different depending on the league and the specific situation. For example, in the NBA, if the violation is by the offense, the ball is awarded to the opposing team on the sideline nearest the spot of the violation but no nearer to the baseline than the free-throw line extended. If the violation is by the defense while the ball is in play, the offensive team retains possession of the ball on the sideline nearest the spot of the violation.
Some people have suggested that kicking the ball could be used to gain an advantage in certain late-game situations, as it could be used to stop the play without committing a foul. However, this is not allowed under the rules of basketball, and is considered unsportsmanlike behavior. Additionally, it could be difficult to kick the ball deliberately, and if the kick is missed, it could result in a loss of possession or a change in the game's momentum.
Overall, while kicking the ball in basketball is not allowed and could result in a penalty or loss of possession, some players and commentators have suggested that it could be used as a strategic move in certain situations.
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Kicking to stop play
Basketball is a game primarily played with the hands, with players using their arms and hands to strike the ball. While the ball may sometimes accidentally come into contact with a player’s legs or feet, kicking the ball intentionally is illegal.
A kicked ball violation occurs when a player intentionally uses their foot or leg to interfere with the ball. This is a violation of the rules of basketball, as it is considered disruptive and not an attempt to control the ball. The rules are largely consistent across major basketball leagues, including the NBA, with some minor differences.
If a defensive player intentionally kicks the ball, it is deemed a violation and the offence retains possession. The shot clock resets to 14 seconds (or remains the same if greater). If an offensive player deliberately kicks the ball, it results in a turnover, and possession is awarded to the defence. In the NBA, an intentional kick by the defence results in a reset shot clock to 20 seconds (or the time remaining if greater), while an offensive kicked ball results in a turnover.
In some cases, a kicked ball violation can be advantageous to a team. For example, if a team does not have a foul to give in the final minute of a game, a kick-ball violation can accomplish the same thing as an "intentional" foul. However, it is important to note that the penalty for a defensive kick is a simple reset of the shot clock, so players must be cautious when using this tactic.
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Frequently asked questions
No, kicking the ball is a violation in basketball.
If the violation is by the offense, the ball is awarded to the opposing team on the sideline nearest the spot of the violation. If the violation is by the defense, the offensive team retains possession of the ball on the sideline nearest the spot of the violation.
A kick is defined as intentionally striking the ball with any part of the leg. The ball accidentally striking the leg is not a violation.
Kicking the ball is not allowed because it is seen as disruptive and not in the spirit of the game.










































