Amanda Knapp
Hip checking in basketball is a tactic used by players to gain a rebounding, defensive, or offensive advantage. While the sport is often considered non-contact, players frequently bump, collide, and push against each other, which can result in fouls. Hip checking can be dangerous, leading to injuries such as bruises, strains, concussions, or even broken bones. The legality of hip checking in basketball depends on the specific context and rules of the game, with some leagues and referees interpreting and enforcing the rules differently.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hip checking | A hip check can be subtle or obvious, but it involves moving towards an opponent to impede them. |
| Legal status | Hip checking is not explicitly mentioned in the rules. However, any contact that obstructs normal basketball movement or causes injury is considered a foul. |
| Fouls and penalties | An offensive foul is called when a player initiates non-basketball contact (e.g. leading with a foot or extended knee). A defensive foul is called when a player dislodges an opponent who has established a position. Flagrant fouls are unnecessary or excessive contact and carry fines and potential ejection. |
| Player conduct | Players are entitled to any spot on the court, provided they get there legally and without contact. Defensive players must be allowed to take a position between their opponent and the basket during throw-ins. |
| Hand checking | Placing a hand on an opponent's hip to guard them is considered a hand check and is illegal contact. It becomes a foul if it obstructs movement or applies force. |
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What You'll Learn
Hip checking is a common tactic in basketball
Basketball is often thought of as a non-contact sport, but in reality, players constantly bump, collide and push against one another to gain better positioning. Hip checking is a common tactic used by basketball players to attain an advantage over their opponents. It involves a player setting a pick or screen by placing themselves in the defender's path and then moving towards the impeded defender as they run by. This can result in collisions, which can be dangerous and cause injuries such as bruises, strains, concussions or even broken limbs.
Hip checking is a tactic often used by defenders to control the offensive player. If the offensive player is in the three-second lane for more than the allotted time, the defender may be forced to 'hand-check' as they cannot control the offensive player for an extended period. This can involve placing a hand on the opponent's hip, which is considered a hand check and is illegal contact. However, it is not a foul until it obstructs normal basketball movement. It becomes a foul if the defender puts up resistance or applies force, which can be deemed unnecessary and excessive contact and result in a flagrant foul.
Some players may instinctively use their hands to move, stop, or influence their opponent's movement, which is illegal. Using two hands or forearms is always technically illegal. However, players can use one hand or forearm to track an opponent, but not to influence their movement. This is a common tactic used by defenders to control the offensive player's movement and gain an advantage.
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It can cause injuries like bruises, strains, concussions, or broken limbs
While basketball is often considered a non-contact sport, players constantly bump, collide and push against one another to attain better rebounding, defensive and offensive positioning. Hip-checking is a move where a player strikes their opponent with a hip thrust to their hips or lower abdominal region, disrupting their momentum and path of travel.
Hip-checking is an illegal offence in basketball, deemed to be "contact that results in the re-routing of an opponent". When a referee sees a player perform a hip check, play immediately stops and the referee assesses a personal foul. A hip check that a referee deems to be delivered recklessly or with intent to injure the opponent can result in a flagrant foul, the most severe citation a player can receive. The offending player is ejected, and the fouled player shoots two free throws, and their team retains possession of the ball.
Hip-checking can cause injuries like bruises, strains, concussions, or broken limbs. Even mundane hip checks can be dangerous, as a solid blow to the hip area may cause a contusion on the pelvic or hip bone. These injuries, referred to as hip pointers, are common in basketball and can put a player on crutches for days or weeks. In extreme cases, a blow to the hip can result in a hip or pelvic fracture, necessitating a long rehabilitation period.
Pelvis, hip, and thigh injuries are common in professional basketball players, with a clinical incidence of 1.50 per 100 players. These injuries represent a significant burden, with professional basketball players demonstrating a higher proportion of hamstring and adductor strain compared to NFL players.
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It is considered a foul if you put up resistance or apply force
Basketball is often considered a non-contact sport, but players frequently bump, collide and push against one another to gain better positioning. This is known as a "hip check". While hip checking is not always illegal, it is considered a foul if you put up resistance or apply force.
A hip check can be used to set a pick or screen, a fundamental basketball tactic where a player helps a teammate get away from their defender by placing themselves in the defender's path. The player setting the pick will often move towards the defender as they run by, sometimes resulting in a collision. While this tactic is common, it can also lead to fouls if the player initiating the contact obstructs the normal basketball movement of their opponent.
For example, if a defensive or offensive player has established a position on the floor and their opponent initiates contact that results in dislodging them, it is considered a foul. Similarly, during throw-ins, defensive players must be allowed to take a position between their opponent and the basket, and it is a foul for an offensive player to move into the path of the defender after they have started their upward jumping motion.
Hip checks can also occur when a running offensive player collides with a stationary defender who is standing perpendicular to their direction of travel. In these situations, a hard hip check can cause a fall and result in injuries such as bruises, strains, concussions, or broken limbs. Even milder forms of hip checking can be dangerous, as a solid blow to the hip area may cause a contusion on the pelvic or hip bone, an injury known as a "hip pointer" that is common in basketball.
Therefore, while hip checking is not inherently illegal in basketball, it is considered a foul if it involves putting up resistance or applying force that obstructs the normal movement of an opponent. Players must be careful when using this tactic to avoid causing injuries or committing fouls.
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Hand-checking is illegal if it impedes an opponent
Hand-checking is a defensive strategy in basketball where a player uses their hands to impede or control an opponent's movement. While it was a common tactic in the past, hand-checking is now illegal in basketball due to rule changes implemented by the NBA following the 2003/04 season.
The NBA's hand-checking rule states that it is illegal for a defensive player to use their hands, forearms, or any other body part to impede the forward or lateral movement of an offensive player. This includes any contact that restricts the offensive player's movement or applies force, even if it is incidental and does not affect the player's progress.
Referees are instructed to call a foul for hand-checking, but they are encouraged to do so only after observing the players' behavior early in the game. A warning is typically given to the offending player, and if the behavior continues, a foul should be called. This approach allows players to adjust to the level and type of contact permitted within the game.
It is important to note that not all contact is considered hand-checking. For example, incidental contact with the hands that does not impede an opponent's progress is not illegal. Additionally, a defensive player may use an arm bar when defending in post play but not when face-to-face with an opponent or when guarding the ball handler.
The hand-checking rule has had a significant impact on the sport, increasing the speed and excitement of the game and allowing perimeter players to thrive. However, some fans and players have expressed nostalgia for the physicality of the pre-rule era, arguing that the new rules have led to an excessive number of foul calls and stoppages in play.
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Unsportsmanlike behaviour can result in fines or suspension
While hip checking is not explicitly mentioned in the NBA's official rules, the league does have regulations in place to address unsportsmanlike behaviour, which can include hip checking depending on the context.
According to the NBA's official website, unsportsmanlike behaviour is defined as "acts of deceit, disrespect of officials, and profanity." The penalty for such actions is a technical foul, and repeated offences can result in expulsion from the game and a minimum fine of $2,000. A flagrant foul, which is an unnecessary and excessive contact committed by a player against an opponent, is also considered unsportsmanlike. The offender is ejected following a review and is subject to a fine of up to $50,000 and/or suspension.
In the context of hip checking, it is important to note that any form of unnecessary or excessive contact could be considered a flagrant foul. While light contact is generally permitted in basketball, as players constantly bump, collide, and push against each other, more aggressive forms of contact like hip checking could be interpreted as unsportsmanlike behaviour.
For example, a hard hip check on a running player could cause them to fall, potentially resulting in injuries such as bruises, strains, concussions, or broken limbs. Even milder forms of hip checking can be dangerous, as a solid blow to the hip area may cause a contusion on the pelvic or hip bone, an injury known as a "hip pointer" that is common in basketball and can require a lengthy rehabilitation period.
Therefore, while hip checking may not be specifically mentioned in the rules, it could still be penalised under the broader category of unsportsmanlike behaviour if it is deemed excessive or results in injury. As such, players should exercise caution and respect for their opponents to avoid unsportsmanlike conduct and the potential fines or suspensions that may result.
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Frequently asked questions
Hip checking is not explicitly mentioned in the official NBA rules, but it is considered a form of "hand checking", which is illegal. A hand check becomes a foul if the defender puts up resistance or applies force to the offensive player. However, it is not a foul if there is no obstruction of normal basketball movement.
A hip check is a fundamental basketball tactic where a player helps a teammate get away from their defender by placing themselves in the defender's path. This often involves moving towards the defender as they run by, which can result in collisions and falls.
If a hip check is called as a foul, the penalty depends on the severity of the contact. Unnecessary contact is considered a flagrant foul, while unnecessary and excessive contact is deemed unsportsmanlike and can result in ejection, fines, and/or suspension.
