
Goaltending is a rule in basketball that was adopted in 1944 to prevent defensive players from touching the ball on its downward flight towards the basket. This rule was a response to players standing directly under the basket and swatting away every shot attempt. Goaltending is called when a defensive player touches the rim, net, or ball while it is in the net, preventing it from clearing the basket. It also applies to offensive players, who cannot affect a live field goal that has the chance to score. Goaltending is a serious violation that can result in points being awarded to the opposing team or a jump ball situation, depending on the circumstances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Touching the hoop | It is goaltending if a defensive player touches the hoop or net while the ball is in it, preventing it from clearing the basket. |
| Touching the ball | It is goaltending if a defensive player touches the ball when it is on a downward flight or above the rim. |
| Offense equivalent | Offensive interference rules are equivalent to goaltending for the defending team. An offensive player cannot affect a live field goal that has the chance to score. |
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What You'll Learn

Touching the rim, net, or ball when the ball is in the net
Goaltending is a defensive violation in basketball, and it occurs when a defender illegally touches the ball or the basket in a way that prevents a field goal. The specific act of touching the rim, net, or ball when the ball is in the net is a type of goaltending that prevents the ball from clearing the basket. This can occur when a player reaches up through the basket to touch the ball or when a player hangs on the rim, preventing the ball from passing through.
It is important to note that goaltending only applies when the ball has a chance to score, which is typically during a field goal attempt. If the ball is not in a position to score, then touching the rim, net, or ball may not be considered goaltending. Additionally, if a player has their hand legally in contact with the ball near their own basket, it is not considered a violation if they continue to touch the ball after it enters the cylinder or if they touch the basket in the process.
The penalty for goaltending varies depending on the location of the violation. If the violation occurs at the opponent's basket, the offended team is awarded two or three points, depending on whether the attempt was from the two-point or three-point zone. If the violation occurs at a team's own basket, no points are scored, and the ball is given to the offended team at the free-throw line extended on either sideline. In the case of simultaneous violations by both teams, no points are scored, and play resumes with a jump ball at the center circle.
Goaltending is a crucial rule in basketball that ensures fair play and encourages offensive strategies. It prevents defenders from interfering with legitimate scoring opportunities and promotes a balance between offensive and defensive play. Referees carefully monitor games for goaltending violations, and in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime, they can trigger a replay review to ensure that goaltending calls are accurate.
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Touching the ball during its downward flight
The goaltending rule applies when a defensive player touches the ball while it is above the basket ring and within an imaginary cylinder extending upwards from the ring. This cylinder concept is important because it defines the protected area where players cannot legally block or alter the path of the ball during its descent.
It's important to note that the rule only applies if the ball has a chance to score. For example, if a player touches the ball during its downward flight but it was clearly not going to go through the basket, it would not be considered goaltending. Additionally, if the ball has already touched the backboard above the ring level during its descent, touching it afterward is not considered goaltending.
The goaltending rule can be tricky for referees to call in real-time, especially with the speed and intensity of the game. To aid in this, the NBA has implemented a review system where referees can trigger a replay review in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime to ensure goaltending calls are correct.
Offensive players also have restrictions under offensive interference rules, which are similar to goaltending rules. An offensive player cannot affect a live field goal that has the chance to score, ensuring fairness and balance in the game.
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Touching the ball when it's above the basket ring
Touching the ball when it is above the basket ring is a violation in basketball and is considered goaltending. This rule was adopted in 1944 to prevent defensive players from standing in front of the basket and swatting away every opponent's shot attempt.
Goaltending is called when a defensive player touches the ball when it is within the imaginary cylinder above the basket ring. This applies to both the offensive and defensive players, with offensive interference being the equivalent of goaltending for offensive players.
The rule applies to all shots that have a chance to score, including field goal attempts. If the ball is on its downward motion towards the basket and is touched by a defensive player, it is considered goaltending. However, if the ball is on its upward motion, it can be blocked without committing a violation.
The penalty for goaltending varies depending on the location of the violation. If it occurs at the opponent's basket, the offended team is awarded two or three points, depending on the attempt. If the violation is at a team's own basket, no points are scored, and the ball is given to the offended team at the free-throw line.
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Touching the ball after it's touched the backboard
Touching the ball after it has made contact with the backboard is a violation in basketball and is considered goaltending. This rule was adopted in 1944 to prevent defensive players from standing in front of the basket and swatting away every opponent's shot attempt.
Goaltending is called when a defensive player touches the ball after it has touched any part of the backboard above the ring level during a field goal attempt. The same rule applies to offensive players, who cannot affect a live field goal that has the chance to score.
It is important to note that if a player near their own basket has their hand legally in contact with the ball, it is not a violation if their contact with the ball continues after the ball enters the cylinder or if they touch the basket in the process.
Referees can trigger a replay review in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime to ensure that goaltending or basket interference calls are correct.
Goaltending is a violation that results in the offended team being awarded points. If the violation occurs at the opponent's basket, the offended team is awarded two or three points depending on the attempt. If the violation occurs at a team's own basket, no points are scored, and the ball is given to the offended team at the free-throw line.
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Offensive interference
Goaltending in basketball occurs when a defender illegally touches the basketball after it has reached its apex and is on a downward trajectory towards the basket. The rule was introduced in 1944 to prevent defenders from simply swatting away every shot attempt.
During a field goal attempt, it is a violation to touch a ball that has the chance to score after it has touched any part of the backboard above the ring level, regardless of whether the ball is on its upward or downward flight. If the ball touches the backboard below the ring level, it is a violation to touch it while it is on its upward flight.
If a defensive basket interference violation is called, the shooting team is awarded the points for the field goal as if it had been made. On the other hand, if the violation is called against the shooting team, no points are scored, and the ball is given to the defending team.
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Frequently asked questions
Goaltending is when a defender makes a movement that involves the basketball and hoop, preventing a field goal attempt.
Goaltending occurs when a defensive player touches the ball on its downward flight or touches the rim, net, or ball while the ball is in the net, preventing it from clearing the basket.
Yes, if a player near their own basket has their hand legally in contact with the ball, it is not a violation if their contact with the ball continues after the ball enters the cylinder or if they touch the basket.
If the violation is 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. If the violation is at a team's own basket, no points are scored, and the ball is given to the offended team.
Yes, NBA referees can trigger a replay review in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime to ensure goaltending or basket interference calls were correct.















