Amanda Knapp
The NBA's 2021-22 season saw a revision in rules to limit instances of players drawing fouls using non-basketball moves. This interpretive change in officiating was aimed at overt, abrupt, or abnormal non-basketball moves by offensive players with the ball, such as using their off-arm or leg to initiate contact with a defender. These non-basketball movements will now result in offensive fouls. The new rules have sparked discussions among players, coaches, and analysts, with some expressing concern over the impact on the game and the challenges for referees in making quick decisions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason | To limit instances where players draw fouls |
| Type of Moves | Overt, abrupt, or abnormal |
| Examples | Offensive player using their leg to draw contact, offensive player using their off-arm to gain an advantage, moving sideways or backward into the defensive player while dribbling or shooting to initiate contact |
| Season | 2021-22 |
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What You'll Learn
Overt, abrupt, or abnormal moves
The NBA has been revising its rules for the 2021-22 season to limit instances of players drawing fouls using "non-basketball moves". The league announced an "interpretive change in the officiating of overt, abrupt, or abnormal non-basketball moves by offensive players with the ball in an effort to draw fouls".
One example of an abnormal non-basketball move is when an offensive player uses their leg to draw contact. In this case, the player overtly extends their leg into a defender to initiate contact. Another example is when an offensive player uses their off-arm to gain an advantage by initiating contact with a defender. These non-basketball movements will now be considered offensive fouls during the 2021-22 season.
Another non-basketball move is when a player moves sideways or backwards into the defensive player while dribbling or shooting to initiate contact. The play will be ruled as either a non-call or an offensive foul based on the severity of the contact.
The NBA is looking to eliminate non-basketball moves, but it remains to be seen how this will impact the game. Players, coaches, and analysts have expressed mixed opinions on the matter. Some argue that these moves are a normal part of the game, while others believe they go against the spirit of fair play.
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Use of the off-arm to gain an advantage
The NBA has been taking steps to eliminate "non-basketball moves" used by players to gain an advantage and draw fouls. One such non-basketball move is when an offensive player uses their off-arm to gain an advantage by initiating contact with a defender. This move involves the offensive player extending their off-arm and using it to make contact with the defender, which is considered a foul.
To understand this better, we can visualise each player having their own 'cylinder' of personal space. This cylinder is like an imaginary round phone booth that surrounds each player, extending slightly wider than their body. If an offensive player moves out of their cylinder and makes contact with the defender within their cylinder, it is considered an offensive foul. So, if an offensive player uses their off-arm to slap or push a defender, it is a foul. Similarly, extending the arm during arm-bars is a foul because the arm extends beyond the player's cylinder.
However, it is important to note that making contact with a defender within your own cylinder is not a foul. This means that an offensive player can legally use their off-hand to move a defender out of their personal space. During dribble moves, the cylinder shifts and changes width as players adjust their stance, so determining fouls can be tricky. The rules favour the offence when claiming space, which is why defenders must establish their position first to take a charge successfully.
The NBA's interpretive change in officiating aims to reduce these non-basketball moves, but it is a challenging task for referees, as the game moves quickly and players are highly skilled at creating illusions of contact.
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Moving sideways or backwards to initiate contact
In basketball, moving sideways or backwards to initiate contact with an opponent is generally considered a foul. This is especially true if the player with the ball is not moving and the defender moves toward them and initiates contact.
In the 2021-22 season, the NBA revised its rules to limit instances of players drawing fouls using "non-basketball moves". One such move is when an offensive player moves sideways or backwards into a defensive player while dribbling or shooting to initiate contact. This is considered an abnormal non-basketball move, and the play will be ruled as either a non-call or an offensive foul depending on the severity of the contact.
It is important to note that the rules of basketball allow for some degree of physical contact between players. For example, in a rebounding scenario, it is acceptable to lean against another player or use your torso, shoulders, and even a little bit of forearm shoving to gain an advantage, as long as you do not lift your elbow and prevent the other player from moving too much.
Additionally, if two opponents are moving in the same direction and path, the player who is behind is responsible for avoiding contact. The player in front may stop or slow down but must not move backward or sideward into their opponent.
Overall, moving sideways or backwards to initiate contact is generally considered a non-basketball move and may result in a foul being called, depending on the specific circumstances and the severity of the contact.
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Leg kicks
The leg kick is a non-basketball move used by players to draw fouls. It involves a player kicking their legs out during jump-shot attempts to create contact with a defender. This move can also create extra space for the shooter, allowing them to "elevate and shoot" over longer defenders.
The leg kick has been a tactic used by players like Dirk Nowitzki, Dwyane Wade, and Kobe Bryant. It became a hot-button topic during the 2021-22 NBA season, with the league announcing an "interpretive change" in the officiating of these non-basketball moves. This change aimed to limit instances of players drawing fouls using abrupt or abnormal movements.
The "Reggie Miller Rule" specifically addresses the leg kick, with officials calling offensive fouls on shooters who blatantly kick out their legs to initiate contact. This rule not only impacts the offensive mindset of players but also protects aggressive perimeter defenders.
The adjustment to the rulebook has been a topic of discussion for the competition committee, with some suggesting that it may be added on in future years. The change has also received attention from players and coaches, with some questioning how their playing style would adapt to the new rules.
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Jumping into a defender in the air
Previously, if a defender jumped into the air, an offensive player could jump into them and draw a foul. This was a tactic used by many players, including Hall of Famer Reggie Miller, who noted that this technique made up a significant portion of his free throws throughout his career. However, the NBA has been looking to eliminate these non-basketball moves, which are used to draw fouls rather than make baskets.
The new rule interpretation states that if an offensive player overtly extends a portion of their body, usually a leg, into a defender, it will be considered an offensive foul. This change aims to reduce the incentive for players to initiate contact and seek fouls rather than make baskets.
Some people argue that jumping into a defender is bad basketball and can be dangerous for the player landing. It is also frustrating for fans who want to see players trying to get baskets rather than fouls. Additionally, it can be challenging for referees to officiate these plays, as the action happens very quickly and can sometimes involve illusions.
Overall, the move of jumping into a defender in the air is considered a non-basketball move due to its abnormal and abrupt nature, and the NBA has taken steps to limit its use by re-evaluating the rules and interpreting them in a way that discourages these types of plays.
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Frequently asked questions
Non-basketball moves are individual actions used by players to draw fouls from defenders.
Non-basketball moves are a concern because they are used by players to draw fouls and gain an advantage over defenders. The NBA is looking to eliminate these moves to make the game fairer and reduce the impact of illusions and guesswork on the part of referees.
The NBA has revised its rules to limit instances of non-basketball moves and will strictly monitor and enforce these new guidelines during the 2021-22 season and beyond.
Examples of non-basketball moves include when an offensive player uses their leg or off-arm to initiate contact with a defender, or when they move sideways or backwards into the defender while dribbling or shooting.
