Ayrton Oneill
In basketball, a block, also known as a blocked shot, occurs when a defensive player legally deflects or nullifies an offensive player's field goal attempt. Blocks are an important part of the game as they can prevent easy baskets and alter the momentum of a game. There are two types of blocking fouls in basketball: offensive and defensive. A good shot-blocker will have great court sense and timing, as well as good height or jumping ability.
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What You'll Learn
Blocking fouls
A block in basketball refers to a blocked shot, which occurs when a defensive player legally deflects or nullifies an offensive player's field goal attempt. The block must be executed without making contact with the offensive player's hand (unless the defender also touches the ball) and while the shot is traveling upward or at its apex.
Now, a blocking foul is an infraction that occurs when a player impedes the progress of an opponent. There are two types of blocking fouls: offensive and defensive. An offensive blocking foul is committed by a player on the team with possession of the ball who has entered their personal playing zone. This can occur through physical contact with the defender in the air above the shoulders or below the knees, or by pushing or tripping the defender. It is not considered a foul if the contact happens before the defender moves towards the basket or if their momentum carries them into the lane.
On the other hand, a defensive blocking foul is committed by players who are not on offense or defense. This can occur when an attacking player makes contact with the defender below the waist or through actions like sitting in the lane to block passes. It's important to note that blocking fouls can have significant consequences, including personal fouls being added to the player's record and potential suspensions or fines.
To avoid committing blocking fouls, players should focus on their opponents, maintain active footwork, and always be aware of the ball's potential movements. Additionally, understanding the legal guarding position is crucial. This position is established when a defender has both feet on the court, faces their opponent, and can raise their hands or jump vertically within their cylinder of occupied space without making illegal contact with the opponent.
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Chase-down blocks
In basketball, a block or blocked shot occurs when a defensive player legally deflects or nullifies a field goal attempt by an offensive player to prevent a score. The defender cannot make contact with the offensive player's hand unless they also touch the ball, or it is considered a foul. The block must also occur while the shot is travelling upwards or at its apex.
A chase-down block is a specific type of block that occurs when a defensive player pursues an offensive player who has run ahead of the defence and blocks their shot attempt. This usually happens when an offensive player has a quick transition offence, such as a primary or one-man fast break, and the defensive team is unable to implement sufficient transition defence tactics. Therefore, a defender with speed and vertical jumping ability has the opportunity to chase down the offensive player and block their shot, typically from behind.
To execute a chase-down block, a defender must have great court sense and timing, in addition to speed and vertical jumping ability. It is also important to follow the offensive player's dominant hand and angle to catch up faster. While any player can technically execute a chase-down block, it is more commonly performed by small forwards, power forwards, or centres due to their height and strength advantages.
One of the most recognised chase-down blocks occurred in the 2016 NBA Finals when LeBron James blocked Andre Iguodala's lay-up attempt in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. Another notable chase-down block was by Detroit Pistons' Tayshaun Prince on Reggie Miller in Game 2 of the 2004 NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers.
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Legal blocks
A block, also known as a blocked shot, is a legal defensive play in basketball. It occurs when a defensive player uses one or both hands to legally deflect or neutralise an offensive player's field goal attempt. The block must be executed while the ball is in mid-flight on an upward trajectory towards the rim, and the defender must not make contact with the offensive player's hand unless they are also touching the ball.
To be legal, a block must adhere to specific rules and guidelines. Firstly, the defender must establish a legal guarding position before the offensive player's upward shooting motion. This involves positioning themselves in the path of the offensive player or dribbler before contact is made, a tactic often referred to as "beating them to the spot". The defender must also refrain from charging towards or colliding with the offensive player, especially when they are dribbling the ball.
In certain situations, a defender inside the "Restricted Area" can still perform a legal block. If the offensive player receives the ball inside the lower defensive box, the defender can establish a legal guarding position inside the Restricted Area. Additionally, a defender inside the Restricted Area can jump vertically to block or alter a shot without committing a foul.
The presence of a shot blocker on a defensive team is advantageous as it can deter opposing players from shooting near the basket. Shot blockers can also intimidate opponents, causing them to alter their shots and miss. Additionally, if a blocked shot remains in play, it can create opportunities for fast breaks and counterattacks.
While blocks are typically associated with defensive players, offensive players can also commit blocking fouls in certain situations. For example, during a screening action, if an offensive player moves their body to make contact with an opponent, they may be called for a blocking foul.
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Perimeter players blocking
In basketball, a block or blocked shot occurs when a defensive player legally deflects or stops an offensive player's field goal attempt. While post players like power forwards and centers usually achieve the most blocked shots, perimeter players like point guards, shooting guards, and small forwards can also block shots, typically near the perimeter areas of the court.
Perimeter players are generally shorter than post players and have fewer shot-blocking opportunities. However, they can utilize their speed to chase down opposing players and block their shots, usually from behind. This is known as a chase-down block, which requires good timing, court sense, and jumping ability.
To execute a chase-down block, a perimeter player must first identify an opponent with an opportunity to score quickly at the rim through a transition offense or fast break. They can then use their speed to catch up and block the shot, typically by hitting the ball into the backboard as the opponent attempts a lay-up.
It is important for perimeter players to avoid committing blocking fouls, which occur when a player impedes the progress of an opponent. Offensive blocking fouls are called when an attacking player makes contact with a defender above the shoulders or below the knees or waist, depending on the situation. Defensive blocking fouls occur when an attacking player makes contact with a defender below the waist.
By mastering the technique of blocking, perimeter players can not only prevent opponents from scoring but also boost their team's confidence and intimidate their opponents. This involves focusing on the ball rather than the opponent, maintaining an upright position, and timing their jumps effectively to avoid jumping too early or too late.
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Tactics and techniques
A block, or blocked shot, is a key part of basketball, and a good understanding of the rules and techniques can be beneficial to players. A block occurs when a defensive player legally deflects or nullifies an offensive player's field goal attempt, preventing a score. This must be done while the shot is in mid-flight on an upward trajectory, and the defender must not make contact with the offensive player's hand (unless they are also touching the ball).
A player with good height, jumping ability, and court sense can be a great asset to their team's defence. One tactic is to intimidate opponents, forcing them to alter their shots and miss. A good blocker can also chase down an opponent who has run ahead of the defence and block their shot, often hitting the ball into the backboard as they attempt a lay-up. This is known as a chase-down block.
To avoid committing a blocking foul, a player must stay focused on their opponent and maintain active footwork. It is also important to be aware of the ball's potential trajectory and to avoid making unnecessary movements that could give away space.
Perimeter players, such as point guards, shooting guards, and small forwards, can also utilise their speed to chase down opponents and block shots, typically from behind. While post players, like power forwards and centres, usually achieve the most blocked shots due to their height and position near the basket, shorter players with good jumping ability can also be effective blockers.
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Frequently asked questions
A block, also known as a blocked shot, happens when a defensive player legally deflects an offensive player's field goal attempt.
A block must occur while the ball is travelling upward or at its apex. The defender cannot make contact with the offensive player's hand unless they are also touching the ball, or it is considered a foul.
A blocking foul occurs when a player impedes the progress of an opponent. There are two types of blocking fouls: offensive and defensive. Offensive blocking fouls are called when an attacking player makes contact with a defender in the air above the shoulders or below the knees. Defensive blocking fouls are called when an attacking player makes contact with a defender below the waist.
A good shot-blocker should have great court sense and timing, as well as good height or jumping ability. One tactic is to intimidate opponents to alter their shots, resulting in a miss. Another strategy is to chase down an opponent who has run ahead of the defence and block their shot attempt.
Elmore Smith, George T. Johnson, and Manute Bol hold the record for most blocks in a single half, while Mark Eaton holds the record for most blocks per game in a season. Brittney Griner holds the record for the most career blocks in the NCAA. LeBron James is also known for his notable chase-down blocks.
