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In basketball, the hand is considered an extension of the ball when it is in contact with it. This means that if a player's hand is in contact with the ball and an opponent hits the hand, causing the ball to go out of bounds, the team whose player had their hand on the ball retains possession. This rule can be observed in the NBA and FIBA rulebooks. The Manitoba Association of Basketball Officials (MABO) introduced a new signal to cover an infraction called Illegal Contact to the Hand. However, some people disagree with the statement and believe that only the hand is part of the ball, not the arm.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hand in contact with the ball | Considered part of the ball |
| Hitting the hand while it is on the ball | Not a foul |
| Hand not on the ball | No additional momentum or change in direction |
| Ball out-of-bounds | Retain possession if opponent hits hand causing ball to go out-of-bounds |
| Hand considered part of the ball | When blocking a shot |
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What You'll Learn
The ball is a continuation of the hand
In basketball, the hand is considered an extension of the ball when it is in contact with it. This means that if a defender makes contact with an opponent's hand while it is touching the ball, it is not considered a foul. This is known as incidental contact, which is allowed when players are reaching for a loose ball or performing normal offensive and defensive movements. The rule applies specifically to the hands and does not extend to other body parts like the forearm or body.
The interpretation of this rule can vary depending on the context and the specific actions of the players involved. For example, if a defensive player pushes the ball carrier's hand away while attempting a steal, it may be considered a foul. On the other hand, if a player has their hand in contact with the ball and an opponent hits their hand, causing the ball to go out of bounds, the team whose player had their hand on the ball will retain possession.
The hand being considered part of the ball also affects the way players handle the ball. Some players may tuck the ball under their arm, football-style, to protect it while driving through traffic. However, this practice is controversial, as it can affect the player's ability to quickly move the ball into a shooting or layup position.
Good hand positioning on the ball is crucial for players, especially when driving to the rim. By keeping one hand under the ball and the other at the full side of the body, players can better avoid steals and maintain balance during contact moments. Overall, the concept of the hand being an extension of the ball in basketball allows for more fluid and dynamic play while also setting boundaries for fair and safe competition.
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Hitting the hand while it is on the ball is not a foul
The hand is considered an extension of the ball in basketball when it is in contact with it. According to the NBA, if a player's hand is in contact with the ball and an opponent hits it, it is not considered a foul. This is because the hand is deemed to be part of the ball, and so hitting the hand is considered the same as hitting the ball. This rule is subjective and dependent on the referee, and there may be slight variations in how it is enforced depending on the level of basketball being played. For example, in Europe, under FIBA regulation, it is considered a foul if a player hits an opponent's hand so much that it hinders their movement.
The rule is in place to prevent players with large hands from having an unfair advantage, as they could cradle the ball in their hands without it being knocked away. However, this rule can be controversial, as some argue that hitting an opponent's hand while they are in contact with the ball should be considered a foul, especially when attempting a steal or block.
The interpretation of this rule can vary depending on the context of the contact. If the contact is incidental and does not affect the ball carrier's movement or provide an illegal advantage, it is usually not considered a foul. On the other hand, if the contact is excessive or affects the outcome of the play, it may be judged as a foul.
It is worth noting that there are exceptions to this rule. For example, the Manitoba Association of Basketball Officials (MABO) introduced a new signal for "Illegal Contact to the Hand" to cover infractions where there is hand-to-hand contact when the offensive player's hand is in contact with the ball.
In conclusion, while the rule states that hitting the hand while it is on the ball is not a foul, the interpretation and enforcement of this rule can vary depending on the context, level of play, and specific basketball organization's regulations.
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The ball going out-of-bounds
In basketball, the ball going out-of-bounds is governed by Rule No. 8: Out-of-Bounds and Throw-In. The ball is considered out-of-bounds when it touches a player who is out-of-bounds, any other person, the floor, or any object on, above, or outside a boundary, or the supports or back of the backboard. Any ball that rebounds or passes directly behind the backboard, in any direction, or enters the cylinder from below is also considered out-of-bounds.
The player is ruled out-of-bounds when they touch the floor or any object on or outside a boundary. For a player in the air, their position is determined by their last point of contact with the floor. If a player is dribbling the ball and steps out-of-bounds, they cannot return inbounds and continue their dribble. They also cannot be the first player to touch the ball after re-establishing an inbounds position.
If the ball goes out-of-bounds, it is given to the opposing team, with the throw-in taking place at the boundary line nearest the spot of the violation. An exception is if the ball goes out-of-bounds without being touched by a player in the game, in which case the throw-in occurs at the original spot. If the ball is simultaneously touched by two opponents before going out-of-bounds, a jump ball is held between the two players in the nearest restraining circle.
After a score, field goal, or free throw, the non-scoring team puts the ball into play from any point out-of-bounds at the endline where the points were scored. The ball can be passed to a teammate behind the endline, but it cannot be thrown into the backcourt. An exception is during the last two minutes of the fourth period and any overtime period, where the ball can be passed into the backcourt. However, if the offensive player fails to control the ball and it goes into the backcourt, their team cannot be the first to touch it.
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Illegal contact with the hand
In basketball, the hand is considered "part of the ball" when it is in contact with it. Therefore, contact with the hand of the player in possession of the ball by a defender is not illegal. However, aggressive punching or hitting of hands is considered a foul.
The interpretation of this rule can vary depending on the level of experience of the referees. In pickup games, for example, there are generally no fouls except for shooting fouls.
The rule was likely introduced to prevent players from cradling the ball in their fingers and laying it in uncontested.
The Manitoba Association of Basketball Officials (MABO) states that there is no exclusion for hand-to-hand contact when the offensive player's hand is in contact with the ball. FIBA introduced a new signal for this infraction called "Illegal Contact to the Hand."
To clarify, if a shooter has released the ball and it is no longer touching their hand, the follow-through cannot affect the shot. This is because there can be no additional momentum or change in direction once the hand is no longer in contact with the ball.
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Hand vs forearm contact
The hand is considered "part of the ball" when it is in contact with the ball, and any contact with a player's hand when it is in contact with the ball is not a foul. This means that if a defender bats at the ball to attempt a steal and only touches the hand of the ball carrier, a foul will not be called.
However, the forearm is treated differently. A defender may apply contact with a forearm to an offensive player with the ball who has their back to the basket outside the Lower Defensive Box. A defender may also apply contact with a forearm to an offensive player in a post-up position with the ball in the Lower Defensive Box. This forearm contact is solely for the purpose of maintaining a defensive position.
It is a blocking foul to use a raised forearm to delay, redirect, or prevent the progress of an opponent. It is not legal to extend the arms fully or partially in a position other than vertical so that the freedom of movement of an opponent is hindered when contact with the arms occurs. This includes extending the elbows when the hands are on the hips or when the arms are held horizontally.
In summary, while hand contact with the ball is generally not considered a foul, forearm contact is more restricted. Forearm contact is allowed in certain defensive situations, but it cannot be used to delay or redirect an opponent or extend into their space.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, when the hand is touching the ball, it is considered part of the ball.
No, there is no exclusion for hand-to-hand contact when the offensive player's hand is in contact with the ball.
No, only the hand is considered part of the ball.
Contact can affect the shot only when the ball is in the hands of the shooter.
If a player has their hand in contact with the ball and an opponent hits their hand, causing the ball to go out of bounds, the team whose player had their hand on the ball will retain possession.
