
In basketball, a tap is a term used to describe a player who has released the ball and has not yet returned to the floor. A try refers to the act of attempting to score a goal. According to the rules, a tap can be considered a try if the player is attempting to score. This interpretation has been a subject of discussion and rule changes over the years, with some considering it a dumb rule. The rules regarding taps and tries also vary in different regions and levels of play, such as at basketball summer camps or in official NBA rules.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is a tap a try for a goal in basketball? | Yes, a tap is considered a try for a goal in basketball. |
| Rules | Continuous motion applies to a try or tap for field goals and free throws. If a player is attempting to score, it is considered a try. |
| Airborne shooter | A player who has released the ball on a try for a goal or has tapped the ball and has not returned to the floor. |
| Fouls | A common foul is a personal foul that is neither intentional nor committed against a player trying or tapping for a field goal. |
| Taps game | Taps is a basketball game where one person takes foul shots and gets a point if they score a basket. If they miss, the other person tries to "tap" the ball in while jumping and gets two points. |
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What You'll Learn
- The tap and the try were considered the same for a few years in the 1970s
- A tap is considered a try if the player is attempting to score
- A tap is counted as a try or field goal attempt
- A tap is a try when a player is airborne and has not returned to the floor
- A tap is a try when a player is in continuous motion

The tap and the try were considered the same for a few years in the 1970s
During this time, the rules regarding the tap and the try were ambiguous and subject to different interpretations by officials and players. According to one source, this rule was considered "completely dumb" and forgettable, indicating that it was not widely accepted or understood.
The tap, or the act of tapping the ball into the basket, is usually considered a separate action from the try, or the attempt to score a goal. However, for a brief period in the 1970s, this distinction was blurred, and the two were considered equivalent. This meant that tapping the ball into the basket was likely considered a valid attempt to score, or a "try," which could result in points being awarded to the player or team.
The specific circumstances and consequences of this rule change are not detailed, but it is suggested that it may have only been in effect for one to two years before being reverted or modified. This reversion is supported by a referee who began officiating around 1980, who only recalls the latter two interpretations of the rule.
Despite its short duration, this rule change highlights the evolution of basketball's rules and the ongoing efforts to clarify and improve the sport's regulations. The tap and the try may have been considered the same for a brief period, but the game has since evolved to distinguish between these actions, ensuring fair and consistent scoring across the sport.
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A tap is considered a try if the player is attempting to score
The definition of a "tap" in basketball is somewhat ambiguous, with different sources providing varied interpretations. However, it appears that a tap is generally understood to be a specific type of action or movement in the game. According to some sources, a tap refers to when a player taps or deflects the ball, particularly during a field goal attempt or when trying for a goal. This interpretation is supported by various rule descriptions and forums discussing basketball terminology.
When considering whether a tap is considered a try for a goal, the intention of the player seems to be a crucial factor. If a player is deemed to be "attempting to score," then their action can be considered a try. This interpretation is supported by discussions in basketball forums, where individuals argue that if a player is intentionally directing the ball toward the basket, it should be considered a try, regardless of the specific body part used (hands, arms, or head).
The rules and interpretations regarding taps and tries have also evolved over time. One source mentions a "dumb rule" from the 1970s, where a tap and a try were considered different, but this rule apparently only lasted for a brief period. At present, it appears that the interpretation of a tap as a try is more inclusive, taking into account the player's intention rather than strictly defining the action based on specific body parts or movements.
The concept of a "tap" also appears in variations of basketball games, such as the game "Taps" mentioned in several sources. In this game, players take turns shooting and tapping the ball. The shooter gets a point for scoring a basket, while the tapper gets points for successfully tapping the ball into the basket after a missed shot. The rules of this game vary across different regions and time periods, with some specifying a limited number of tries for the tapper and others allowing unlimited attempts until the ball hits the ground.
In conclusion, while the term "tap" in basketball can have different interpretations, it generally refers to a specific action or movement involving the tapping or deflection of the ball. A tap is considered a try for a goal if the player is intentionally attempting to score, regardless of the specific body part used. The rules and interpretations have evolved over time, and the concept of a tap also appears in variations of basketball games, adding to the complexity and strategic options within the sport.
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A tap is counted as a try or field goal attempt
Basketball is a sport with a lot of rules and terminology, and it is important to understand these to understand the game. A tap is counted as a try or field goal attempt. This is when a player is airborne and has released the ball in an attempt to score, but has not yet landed on the floor. This is also referred to as an 'airborne shooter'.
The rules around what constitutes a tap or a try have changed over time, with some referees noting that at one time, a tap was not considered a try. However, this rule was short-lived and the current rules state that a tap is a try. This is because a tap is considered an attempt to score and so is counted as a try or field goal attempt.
The rules around taps and tries are important in the context of fouls. A personal foul includes contact with an airborne shooter when the ball is dead. An intentional foul is one that may be premeditated, but is not based on the severity of the act. A common foul, however, is neither intentional nor premeditated, and can include contact with a player tapping for a field goal.
The rules around continuous motion also apply to taps and tries. Continuous motion comes into play when a defensive player fouls during the interval between the habitual throwing movement of a try or the touch of a tap, and the moment the ball is clearly in flight. If an opponent fouls after a player has started a try for a goal, they are allowed to complete the customary arm movement. However, if a teammate fouls after a player has started a try, continuous motion does not apply.
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A tap is a try when a player is airborne and has not returned to the floor
Basketball has many rules and terms that are essential to understanding the game. One such term is "tap", which is a try or attempt to score a goal. A tap can be made when a player is airborne and has not returned to the floor. This is known as an airborne shooter.
The rules regarding taps and tries have evolved over time, with some sources indicating that at one point, a tap and a try were considered the same thing, then they were changed to be different, and then changed back to being the same. This evolution of rules has led to some confusion, with different players having varying interpretations of the rules.
The act of tapping involves touching the ball during a field goal attempt. It is considered a "field goal attempt" when a player touches any ball from within the playing area that is on its downward flight with an opportunity to score. Continuous motion applies to a try or tap for field goals, but it is only significant if there is a foul by a defensive player during the interval that begins when the habitual throwing movement starts a try or the touch on a tap.
In the context of basketball summer camps, the game "Taps" involves one person taking foul shots and earning a point if they score a basket. Another player stands under the basket, and if the shooter misses, they try to jump and "tap" the ball in while still airborne. This player typically has a limited number of tries to score a basket this way, and if successful, they earn more points than a regular basket.
In conclusion, a tap is indeed a try when a player is airborne and has not returned to the floor, as it indicates an attempt to score a goal. This specific scenario is an important aspect of basketball rules and gameplay, and understanding it is crucial for players, referees, and fans alike.
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A tap is a try when a player is in continuous motion
Basketball has a variety of rules and terms that are essential to understanding the game and keeping it fair. One such term is "tap", which is when a player taps the ball and has not yet returned to the floor, and is considered to be in the act of shooting. A tap is a try when a player is in continuous motion, and this applies to both field goals and free throws. Continuous motion is significant only if a defensive player commits a foul during the interval that begins when the habitual throwing movement starts a try or with the touch of a tap, and ends when the ball is clearly in flight.
The interpretation of the rules regarding taps and tries has evolved over the years. At one point in the 1970s, a "tap" and a "try" were considered the same, then they were changed to be different, and now they are considered the same again. This evolution of rules has caused some confusion among players and officials.
It is important to note that the rules regarding taps and tries also apply to other situations in basketball, such as team control of the ball. Team control continues until the ball is in flight during a try or tap for a goal, an opponent secures control, or the ball becomes dead. Additionally, neither team nor player control exists during a dead ball, a jump ball, or when the ball is in flight during a try or tap for a goal.
In conclusion, a tap is indeed a try when a player is in continuous motion in the sport of basketball. This rule has implications for other aspects of the game, such as team control and fouls. Understanding these rules is crucial for players, officials, and fans to ensure fair and consistent gameplay.
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Frequently asked questions
A tap in basketball is when a player taps the ball and has not yet returned to the floor.
A tap can be considered a try for a goal if the player is attempting to score. If the player taps the ball and it has a chance of scoring, it can be considered a "field goal attempt".
A "field goal attempt" is when a player touches a ball that has the chance to score. This can be during its upward flight after touching the backboard below the ring level or during its downward flight.











































