
Basketball is a fast-paced sport with a multitude of rules that can be challenging to keep up with. Goaltending is a violation in basketball, which occurs when a defender interferes with the ball as it is on its way to the basket. This can be done by touching the ball when it is in a downward flight, or already touching the rim, among other ways. Goaltending is often confused with basket interference, which occurs when a player touches the basket, rim, or ball when it is directly above the rim. Goaltending results in the opposing team being awarded points for the basket, whether the ball went in or not.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Goaltending is a violation of the rules in basketball, where a player interferes with the ball while it is on its way to the basket. |
| Types | Goaltending can occur in several ways:
|
| Penalty | If a player commits goaltending, the opposing team is awarded points as if the basket had been made. In high school and NCAA basketball, if goaltending is called on a free throw, the shooting team gets one point, and a technical foul is called on the offending player. |
| Similar Violation | Goaltending is often confused with basket interference or offensive goaltending, which occurs when a player touches the basket, rim, or the ball when it is directly above or on the rim. |
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What You'll Learn

Goaltending is a violation, not a foul
Goaltending is a violation in basketball, not a foul. It occurs when a defender interferes with the ball on its way to the basket. This can be done in several ways, such as touching the ball when it is in a downward flight, or when it is above the basket rim and within an imaginary cylinder projecting above the rim. Goaltending can also occur if a player touches the rim or the backboard while the ball is in the cylinder or if the ball has a chance of entering the basket.
The rule against goaltending was adopted by the NCAA in 1944, specifically because of George Mikan. Before Mikan, who stood at 6 ft 10 inches, goaltending was not addressed as it was thought to be physically impossible. However, with the introduction of taller and more skilled players, the rules of the game had to evolve to ensure fairness and safety.
When goaltending is called, the shooting team is awarded points as if the attempted field goal had been made. In high school and NCAA basketball, if goaltending is called on a free throw, the shooting team is awarded one point, and a technical foul is called against the offending player. It is important to note that goaltending is different from basket interference, which occurs when a player touches the basket, rim, or the ball when it is on the rim or directly above it.
While basketball is a fast-paced sport with evolving rules, goaltending remains a clear violation. It is not considered a foul, which typically involves unfair physical contact between players. Goaltending focuses on player interference with the ball and can result in penalties and points awarded to the opposing team.
In conclusion, goaltending is a distinct violation in basketball that involves specific forms of player interference with the ball. It is not classified as a foul, as fouls generally refer to physical contact between players. Understanding the difference between violations and fouls is crucial for players, referees, and fans to ensure a fair and exciting game.
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It occurs when a player interferes with the ball
Goaltending is a violation of the rules in basketball. It occurs when a player interferes with the ball while it is on its way to the basket. This interference can take several forms. One way is when a player touches the ball when it is in a downward flight, indicating a potential entry into the basket. Another instance is when a player reaches up and through the net and rim to make contact with the ball. Touching the ball after it has made contact with the backboard and is on its way to the basket is also considered goaltending. This violation can also occur when the ball is within an imaginary cylinder projecting above the rim, or when it is already touching the rim.
Goaltending is often confused with basket interference or offensive goaltending, which occurs during an attempted field goal when a player touches the basket, the rim, or the ball when it is on the rim or directly above it. FIBA rules allow a defender to block any shot that is over the rim and the ball is on its upward flight. The prohibition against goaltending was adopted by the NCAA in 1944, and later by the NBL, due to the emergence of high-jumping players like George Mikan.
If goaltending is called for interference with a field goal, the shooting team is awarded the points for the field goal as if it had been made. In high school and NCAA basketball, if goaltending is called on a free throw, the shooting team is awarded one point, and a technical foul is called against the offending player. The penalty for goaltending results in the opposing team being awarded points for the basket, regardless of whether the ball went in or not.
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The ball must be on its way to the basket
Goaltending is a violation of the rules in basketball. It is a type of player interference with the ball while it is on its way to the basket. The ball's trajectory and position are crucial factors in determining whether a player has committed goaltending.
Firstly, goaltending occurs if a player touches the ball when it is in a downward flight towards the basket. This includes touching the ball when it has a chance of entering the basket by reaching through the net and rim. The ball may be in the cylinder, an imaginary area projecting upwards from the rim, or even touching the rim itself.
Secondly, goaltending can also be called when a player touches the ball above the basket rim. This imaginary cylinder projecting above the rim is a critical zone. Touching the ball within this area constitutes goaltending, even if the ball is not in a direct line above the rim.
Thirdly, in some variations of basketball, such as high school, NCAA, WNBA, and NBA, goaltending is called if the ball has already made contact with the backboard. This applies when the ball is above the height of the rim, regardless of whether it is in an upward or downward flight path.
Finally, it is important to note that goaltending does not apply if a player near their own basket has their hand legally in contact with the ball. If their contact with the ball continues after it enters the cylinder or touches the basket, it is not considered a violation.
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Goaltending results in points for the shooting team
Goaltending is a violation of the rules in basketball. It occurs when a defender interferes with the ball while it is on its way to the basket. This can happen in several ways, including touching the ball when it is in a downward flight, reaching up through the net to make contact with the ball, or touching the ball when it is within an imaginary cylinder projecting above the rim. Goaltending results in points for the shooting team as if the attempted field goal had been made. In other words, the shooting team is awarded the points for the field goal that was interfered with, regardless of whether the basket was made.
In high school and NCAA basketball, if goaltending is called on a free throw, the shooting team is awarded one point, and a technical foul is called against the offending player. This means that even if the free throw attempt misses the basket, the shooting team will still be awarded one point for the goaltending violation. This rule emphasizes the importance of allowing the shooters to have a fair chance at making their shots without interference from defenders.
The rules regarding goaltending can vary slightly at different levels of basketball. For example, in the NBA, WNBA, and NCAA basketball, goaltending is called if the ball has already touched the backboard while being above the height of the rim, regardless of whether it is in an upward or downward flight. On the other hand, in high school basketball, goaltending is called when a player interferes with a free throw at any time during its flight towards the basket. The specific interpretations and applications of the goaltending rule can vary depending on the league and the officiating crew.
Goaltending is closely related to another violation called basket interference or offensive goaltending. This occurs when a player touches the basket, the rim, or the ball when it is on the rim or directly above it during an attempted field goal. Like goaltending, basket interference results in points being awarded to the shooting team as if the field goal attempt had been successful. It is important for players, coaches, and officials to clearly understand the rules and interpretations specific to the level of play to ensure fair and consistent application of the rules.
Understanding the goaltending rule is crucial for players, coaches, and officials to ensure fair play and maintain the integrity of the game. By penalizing defenders who interfere with the ball on its way to the basket, the rule promotes scoring opportunities and discourages unsportsmanlike defensive plays. While goaltending can be a complex violation to officiate due to the fast-paced nature of the game, it plays a significant role in shaping the strategy and outcome of basketball games.
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Basket interference is similar to goaltending
Goaltending is a commonly misunderstood basketball violation that is similar to basket interference. Both violations involve a player interfering with the ball or basket during a field goal attempt.
Basket interference occurs when a player touches the basket, rim, or ball when it is on the rim or directly above it. Goaltending, on the other hand, involves blocking a shot that is in flight towards the basket. Both violations result in an award of points to the shooting team, as if the attempted field goal had been successful.
One key difference between the two violations is that goaltending can only be committed by a defender, while basket interference can be committed by either an offensive or defensive player. Additionally, goaltending requires that the player's actions be intentional, while basket interference can be called even if the player's actions are accidental.
Another difference is that goaltending is considered a more serious violation than basket interference. If the violation occurs at the opponent's basket, the offended team is awarded two points for a two-point attempt and three points for a three-point attempt. In the case of basket interference, the offended team is awarded the points as if the basket had been made, but there may be additional penalties depending on the specific circumstances of the play.
Both goaltending and basket interference are important rules in basketball that help to ensure fair play and encourage players to make legitimate defensive and offensive plays. While there are some differences between the two violations, they both ultimately serve to prevent players from interfering with the ball or basket in a way that can give their team an unfair advantage.
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Frequently asked questions
Goaltending is a violation of the rules in basketball. It occurs when a defender interferes with the ball while it is on its way to the basket.
Goaltending occurs when a player touches the ball when it is:
- In downward flight
- Above the basket rim and within an imaginary cylinder projecting above the rim
- Already touching the rim
- After it has touched the backboard and has a chance of going in the hoop (this rule varies at certain levels of the sport)
If goaltending is called for interference with a field goal, the shooting team is awarded the points for the field goal as if it had been made. In high school and NCAA basketball, if goaltending is called on a free throw, the shooting team is awarded one point, and a technical foul is called against the offending player.
Basket interference, or offensive goaltending, occurs during an attempted field goal when a player touches the basket, the rim, or the ball when it is on the rim or directly above it.
Yes, FIBA rules allow a defender to block any shot that is over the rim and the ball is on its upward flight.










































