Helena Frye
The cylinder in basketball refers to an imaginary cylinder surrounding a player, extending from the floor to as high as they can jump or extend their arms and body. The cylinder also applies to the area above the basket rim, extending infinitely upwards. If a defensive player invades the cylinder of an offensive player, it is a foul. If the ball is touched while in the cylinder above the rim, it is goaltending. However, there is some debate about whether the entire ball must be within the cylinder for it to be considered goaltending. Some say that if any part of the ball is within the cylinder, it is goaltending, while others argue that it depends on whether the centre of the ball is in or out of the cylinder. Ultimately, it is up to the referee's judgment to determine whether goaltending has occurred.
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What You'll Learn
Goaltending rules
Goaltending is a rule in basketball that can be confusing for fans and officials alike. It is often mistaken for the similar violation of basket interference, which occurs when a player touches the basket, rim, or ball when it is directly above the rim.
The goaltending rule states that it is a violation to touch any part of the ball when it is within an imaginary cylinder above the rim. This cylinder is an imaginary projection from the rim upwards. The ball does not have to be completely inside the cylinder for goaltending to be called; if any part of the ball is inside, it is considered goaltending. This is a judgement call made by the official, who must decide if the ball has the potential to score.
The cylinder rule also applies to players. A defensive player may not invade the cylinder of an offensive player, which is an imaginary cylinder surrounding the player, extending from the floor to as high as they can jump or extend their arms. If a defender enters this space and makes illegal contact with an offensive player who is attempting a normal basketball play (such as shooting, passing, dribbling, or pivoting), it is a foul.
Goaltending was adopted by the NCAA in 1944, specifically because of George Mikan, a 6-foot-10-inch player who made it necessary to address this situation, as it was previously thought to be physically impossible.
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Basket interference
In basketball, basket interference refers to specific violations that occur near the basket. These violations are outlined below:
Touching the ball or basket
Reaching up through the basket
It is a violation to reach up through the basket from below and touch the ball, regardless of whether the ball is inside or outside the cylinder.
Pulling down on the rim
Pulling down on the rim of the basket so that it contacts the ball before returning to its original position, or during a shot attempt, is also considered basket interference.
Pass touched within the cylinder
In high school and NCAA games, if a pass is touched within the cylinder, it is considered basket interference, even if the play does not result in a goal. However, under WNBA rules, this would not be considered basket interference.
Dunking the ball
There is an exception to the above rules: if a player dunks the ball, they may maintain contact with the ball into the cylinder or grab the rim momentarily without incurring a penalty.
Cylinder Rule
The cylinder rule, which came into effect for the 2016-2017 season, defines the legal space that a player may occupy. This space is in the form of an imaginary cylinder surrounding the player, extending from the floor to as high as they can jump or extend their arms and body. The diameter of the cylinder is determined by the player's height and size, not extending beyond the hands/arms in front (with elbows bent), the buttocks at the back, and the legs on the sides.
This rule is designed to give offensive players more space to initiate basketball plays, such as shooting, dribbling, or passing, without defensive players invading their vertical space and making illegal contact. If a defensive player invades the cylinder and causes contact, they will be called for a foul.
Goaltending
Goaltending is a specific type of basket interference that occurs when the ball is touched "in the cylinder." This typically refers to when the entire ball is within the vertical cylinder formed by the rim, although there is some debate about whether it includes situations where the ball is only partially within the cylinder.
The interpretation of goaltending can vary, with some referees considering the direction of the ball and its potential to score, rather than strictly enforcing the cylinder rule.
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The cylinder rule
For offensive players, the cylinder rule establishes their legal space to start a basketball play, such as shooting, passing, or dribbling. If a defensive player invades this cylinder and makes illegal contact with the offensive player during a normal basketball play, a foul is called on the defender. This interpretation encourages more movement by offensive players and aims to promote sportsmanship in the game.
For defensive players, the cylinder rule defines their legal guarding position. They can raise their arms and hands above their heads or jump vertically within their cylinder but must maintain a vertical position. Moving under an airborne offensive player and causing contact is considered an unsportsmanlike foul and may even be disqualifying.
In addition to defining player space, the cylinder rule also relates to goaltending violations. Goaltending occurs when a player touches the ball "in the cylinder" above the rim, which typically means when the entire ball is within a vertical cylinder formed by the rim. However, there is some ambiguity in interpreting this rule, with varying opinions on whether only a part or the centre of the ball needs to be within the cylinder for a goaltending violation.
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Legal guarding position
A defensive player must be in a legal guarding position when a shooter begins their upward shooting motion. This means that the defender must be facing their opponent and within a distance of approximately one arm's length or 6 inches, whichever is greater. They must also have both feet on the playing floor and be upright, as well as be facing their opponent. The defensive player is allowed to raise their arm straight above to block the shot but must not move side to side or forward and backward illegally. If a defensive player violates these rules, they may be called for a defensive foul.
To be in a legal guarding position, the defender must establish themselves in a legal position before the offensive player starts to shoot. This means that the defender must be facing the opponent and be within the specified distance. The defender must also have their feet planted on the floor and be in an upright position.
It is important to note that the defensive player must maintain this legal guarding position until the offensive player releases the ball. Any illegal movement by the defender, such as moving side to side or jumping forward, will be considered a defensive foul. The defender must also avoid making contact with the offensive player, as this will also result in a foul being called.
In addition to the basic requirements of a legal guarding position, there are a few other important points to consider. First, the defender is allowed to jump vertically but must not move in any direction other than straight up and down. Second, if the offensive player drives to the basket, the defender is allowed to move laterally to maintain their legal guarding position. However, they must not make contact with the offensive player or impede their progress illegally.
It's worth mentioning that the rules regarding the legal guarding position can vary slightly depending on the basketball organization and level of play. For example, the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) may have slightly different interpretations of what constitutes a legal guarding position. As such, it is important for players and coaches to familiarize themselves with the specific rules of the organization they are playing under.
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Illegal screening
The "cylinder rule" in basketball is a rule that came into effect during the 2016-2017 season. It defines the space that a player may legally occupy as an imaginary cylinder surrounding the player. This cylinder extends from the floor to as high as the player can jump or extend their arms and body. The diameter of the cylinder should not extend beyond the player's hands/arms in front (with arms bent at the elbow), buttocks at the back, and legs on the sides. The dimensions of the cylinder may vary depending on the player's height and size.
Now, onto the topic of illegal screening. Illegal screening in basketball occurs when an offensive player makes prohibited contact while setting a screen or does not allow the defender adequate time or space to avoid the screen. The offensive player must give the defender enough time and distance to go over or under the screen, which is typically at least one or two steps. If the defender has to go over or under the screen due to the positioning of the screen, the offensive player must give them more time to react.
A moving screen is a colloquial term for an illegal screen, where the screener makes prohibited contact with a defender by moving their body while the defender tries to avoid the screen. The screener must stay within their own cylinder, which is an imaginary vertical plane approximately shoulder width, and not use any part of their body to make contact with the defender.
Illegal screens can also occur when the defender anticipates a screen and beats the offensive player to the spot, causing the offensive player to alter their positioning. This can result in the offensive player being charged with an offensive foul and losing possession of the ball.
It is important to note that the interpretation of an illegal screen can vary depending on the official, and there may be some subjectivity involved in determining whether a screen is legal or illegal.
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Frequently asked questions
No, if any part of the ball is above the rim, it is considered goaltending.
The cylinder is an imaginary barrier extending upwards from the rim.
Goaltending is a violation in basketball where a player touches the ball when it is in the cylinder.
Basket interference is a violation of the rules where a player touches the ball or any part of the basket (including the net) while the ball is on the rim of the basket.
Yes, the direction of the ball is relevant. If the ball is travelling towards the goal and it strikes the rim, it would be considered goaltending even if not within the cylinder.
