Amanda Knapp
In basketball, an arm bar or stiff arm is a technique used by players to block an opponent by extending their forearm. While it can be used both offensively and defensively, it is considered an offensive foul if a player uses their arm to hinder a defender from making a defensive move. In the NBA, using an arm bar defensively is technically illegal, but officials may allow it if it does not impede the offensive player's progress. To avoid penalties, players must understand when and how they can use their hands during gameplay.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Holding foul called | When a player grabs another player by the jersey or any body part |
| Holding foul signal | Fist point with one hand, arm outstretched, then "grabbing" the wrist with the other hand |
| Pushing foul called | When a player pushes another player |
| Pushing foul signal | Putting two arms out and making a pushing motion with the hands |
| Elbow foul called | When a player connects with an opponent with their elbows |
| Elbow foul signal | Both arms in the air making an 'X' |
| Technical foul called | When a coach or player behaves unsportsmanlike |
| Technical foul signal | Both hands making a 'T' |
| Arm bar foul called | When a player uses their forearm to maintain distance from an opponent |
| Arm bar foul signal | Not mentioned |
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What You'll Learn
An 'arm bar' is a defensive technique
An arm bar is a defensive basketball technique where a player extends their forearm to maintain distance from an opponent, often used when guarding. It is used to control the movements of the opponent and can be seen in both post-defense situations and guard play.
In the NBA, using an arm bar defensively is technically illegal, and an illegal forearm occurs when a defender initiates contact with their hands or forearms against an opposing player, affecting that player's movement or shot attempt. However, officials tend to allow some leeway if it does not impede the offensive player's progress. To avoid penalties, defenders must understand when and how they can use their hands, as illegal use of an arm bar could lead to fouls being called on the defensive player if they impede the progress of an offensive player through excessive contact.
The arm bar is a key skill in basketball, and mastering it can transform a player's defensive game. It is not just about offense, but also about effective defense. Using an arm bar to shield the ball while dribbling can be advantageous.
There are rules governing the use of arm bars in basketball. For example, a single arm bar is legal in post play, but if the opponent turns in any direction, the hand must be removed. This applies whether the opponent has the ball or not, as long as the player is not holding or pushing off the opponent. If two hands are used, it is considered an automatic foul. Similarly, a defensive player can have one arm on the opponent's back at a 45-degree angle, but when the offensive player turns to face them, the arm must be removed. This is to ensure that the arm bar is not used to push or hold the opponent away.
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Stiff arming is a type of push
While the term "free arming" was not found in the search results, "stiff arming" is a term used in basketball. Stiff-arming is a type of push. It involves extending one's arm or forearm to block an opponent from getting close. This technique is used to create space between the ball handler and a defender.
Stiff-arming is a tactic used by basketball players to keep an opponent at bay. It can be used to disrupt an opponent's shooting percentage and ball-handling abilities. When used correctly, stiff-arming can be an effective defensive strategy. However, it is important to note that using one's hand, elbow, or forearm to hinder an opponent is not always considered legal and can result in a foul.
The legality of stiff-arming in basketball depends on how it is executed and the discretion of the referee. According to NFHS Rule 10, Section 6, "A player shall not use the forearm and/or hand to prevent an opponent from attacking the ball during a dribble or when throwing for goal." This rule aims to prevent players from deliberately hindering their opponents' defensive moves.
Referees play a crucial role in interpreting and enforcing the rules regarding stiff-arming. They consider factors such as who initiated the contact and whether the contact affected the play when determining if a foul has occurred. It is important for players to understand the proper use of their hands and arms to avoid penalties while maintaining effective defensive principles.
Stiff-arming is a strategic move in basketball that requires skill and discretion. While it can be an effective defensive tactic, players must be cautious not to impede their opponents excessively or use their arms offensively, as this can lead to fouls being called against them.
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Free throw penalties
Free throws, or foul shots, are unopposed attempts to score points by shooting from behind the free-throw line. Free throws are awarded after a foul on the shooter by the opposing team, or after a technical foul. In the NBA, a technical foul results in one free-throw attempt for the other team. In NCAA basketball, "Class A" technical fouls (serious unsportsmanlike conduct) result in two free throws, while "Class B" technical fouls (less egregious violations) result in one.
If a team commits a certain number of fouls in a single period, the opposing team is awarded free throws for each subsequent foul, regardless of the type committed. In the WNBA, for example, this limit is four fouls per quarter. In NCAA men's basketball, one free throw is awarded at the seventh foul of the half, and if the player makes the free throw, another is given. This is called "shooting a one-and-one". At the tenth foul of the half, two free throws are awarded.
If a free throw attempt is to remain in play and a teammate of the shooter violates, no point can be scored and the opposing team will inbound on either sideline at the free-throw line extended. If both teams commit a violation during this free throw, a jump ball is administered at midcourt between any two opponents in the game. If there is a violation and the free throw attempt is not to remain in play, then play will continue from that point.
In basketball, players are not allowed to grab another player by the jersey or any of their body parts. If this happens, a holding foul is called. Players are also not allowed to push their opponents. If a referee sees a push, they will call a foul. An intentional foul results in two shots for the offensive team and possession of the ball. If a referee deems a foul extremely aggressive, they can call an "unsportsmanlike foul" in international and NCAA women's play, or a flagrant foul in the NBA and NCAA men's basketball.
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Legal hand usage
The legal use of the arms and hands in basketball usually occurs when guarding the player making a throw-in, the player with the ball using pressing tactics, and a player with the ball who is maneuvering to try for a goal by pivoting, jumping, etc.
When playing defense, it is important to always show your hands and play vertically. This makes it difficult for an official to call a foul on the defensive player when they can see that the defensive player's hands are up and arms are not outstretched, impeding the movement of the offensive player.
When playing offense, a player may continue to move after gaining a guarding position, as long as they are not moving directly or obliquely toward their opponent when contact occurs. A player who extends their hand, forearm, shoulder, hip, or leg into the path of an opponent and thereby causes contact is not considered to have a legal position. A player is entitled to a vertical position, even to the extent of jumping straight up or holding their arms above their shoulders, as in post play or when double-teaming in pressing tactics.
When the defense undercuts (initiates lower body nonverticality), slaps, pushes, holds, elbows, or generally demonstrates rough, physical movements or tactics, this is a foul on the defense and must be called without warning. A player who uses their hands, forearms, or elbows to prevent an opponent from maintaining a legal position has committed a foul.
In 2014, the NFHS Rules Committee added Article 12 to Rule 10.6 on contact, which states that the following acts will constitute a personal foul when committed against a ball-handler/dribbler:
- Contacting the player more than once with the same hand or alternating hands
- A legal screen must be stationary with hands and arms close to the body prior to contact. When these two requirements are not met, and when there is sufficient contact delivered by the screener to bump, slow, or displace, it is a foul on the screener.
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Foul calls
Common fouls are the most frequent type of foul and can be called on both offensive and defensive players. They typically involve illegal contact, such as a defender physically blocking their opponent's path without establishing a legal guarding position or making contact while attempting to steal the ball. Common fouls also include holding fouls, where a player limits their opponent's movement, and hand-checking fouls, where a player uses their hands to impede an opponent's progress.
Flagrant fouls are deemed unnecessary or excessive by the referees and are often called for contact that could cause injuries. This includes actions like swinging an elbow at an opponent or body-checking a player in mid-air. Flagrant fouls are considered more serious but are less common than common fouls.
Technical fouls, on the other hand, are related to unsportsmanlike behaviour by players or coaches. They can result in penalties such as fines in professional leagues and are signalled by referees making a "T" shape with their hands.
Double fouls occur when two players from opposing teams commit fouls simultaneously. While these fouls add to the individual players' foul counts, they do not impact team fouls and do not result in free throws or turnovers.
Additionally, foul calls can be related to specific actions, such as kicking the basketball or using illegal arm bars. An arm bar is a defensive technique where a player extends their forearm to maintain distance from an opponent. While this technique is technically illegal in the NBA, officials may allow it if it does not impede the offensive player's progress. However, any forceful contact resulting from an arm bar may still lead to a foul call.
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Frequently asked questions
An arm bar is a defensive technique where a player extends their forearm to maintain distance from an opponent. It is used when guarding an opponent with the ball to control their movements.
In the NBA, using an arm bar is technically illegal. However, officials may allow it if it does not impede the offensive player's progress. An arm bar becomes illegal when a defender uses their forearm or hands to affect the opposing player's movement or shot attempt.
A stiff arm is a pushing motion used to hold an opponent back. This is considered a foul by the NFHS.
During a free throw, players are not allowed to raise their arms or make sudden movements when in the visual field of the shooter. If the opposing team violates this rule and the free throw is missed, a substitute free throw will be administered.
