Andrew Pace
In basketball, the term back court refers to the area of the court behind the mid-court line. It includes the half of the court from the mid-court line back to the end line. Once the ball is advanced across the mid-court line into the front court, it cannot return to the back court. The back court is an important strategic area, and coaches use it to direct players on where to stand. It is also where defensive players can pursue an opposing player who has run ahead of the defense and block their shot attempt, known as a chase-down block. A block or blocked shot occurs when a defensive player legally deflects an offensive player's field goal attempt to prevent a score. This is done without touching or fouling the shooter. Goaltending is a type of violation called when a defensive player interferes with a shot on a downward trajectory to the basket or after it has hit the backboard.
Characteristics and Values of the Back Court in Basketball
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Back Court |
| Description | The back court is the area behind the mid-court line. It includes the half of the court from the mid-court line back to the end line. |
| Rules | Once the ball is advanced across the mid-court line into the front court, it cannot go back into the back court. |
| Common Fouls | Blocking fouls, where an attacking player makes contact with a defender below the waist or above the shoulders, causing them to lose balance and fall over. |
| Strategy | Having a shot blocker in the back court can be advantageous as it prevents the opposing team from scoring easily. |
| Terminology | Other terms used to refer to the back court include "defensive end" and "back block." |
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What You'll Learn
'Back Court' and 'Front Court'
The basketball court is divided into two halves by the midcourt line. The area behind this line is called the backcourt, and the offensive end of the court from the midcourt line to the baseline is called the frontcourt. Once the ball is advanced across the midcourt line into the front court, it cannot go back into the backcourt.
The point guard and the shooting guard occupy the backcourt since they mostly play out on the perimeter. Once the ball crosses the division line and is in the hands of any frontcourt offensive player, the status of the ball changes to frontcourt status. This allows offensive players to attempt a wide variety of shots from the field goal, such as the layup, the floater, the mid-range jump shot, and the three-point jump shot.
Offensive players can also execute a multitude of basketball cuts within the frontcourt, which could result in several scoring opportunities, particularly near the basket. Notable cuts include the backdoor cut, the Iverson cut, the Laker cut, the split cut, the V-cut, and the zipper cut. The split cut occurs when a perimeter player passes the basketball to a low post player and then cuts away from the post, typically to set or receive a screen. The V-cut is used by an offensive player to get open, receive the basketball, and create a potential scoring opportunity near the perimeter or near the rim. The zipper cut is used by a player to get open to receive the ball by cutting from the low post area or the corner through the lane to the top.
Additionally, players in the frontcourt can perform different types of passes. The kick pass occurs when a player throws the ball to a teammate near one of the perimeter areas of the court. The lob pass is when a player throws the ball with a high arc, usually over one or more defenders, to a teammate who could then catch the ball and potentially score. The skip pass occurs when a player throws the ball to a non-adjacent player that is two or more passes away.
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Blocking fouls
A blocking foul is a specific type of personal foul in basketball. It occurs when a player impedes the progress of an opponent, with or without possession of the basketball. There are two types of blocking foul: offensive and defensive. Offensive blocking is committed by players on the team with possession of the ball, while defensive blocking is committed by players who are not on offense or defense.
In the restricted area, if a defender is called for a blocking foul while an offensive player is shooting, the penalty is one or more free-throw attempts for the offensive player. Blocking fouls can significantly impact a game's outcome, as they can shift the momentum in either team's favour.
To avoid committing blocking fouls, players should stay focused on their opponents and maintain active footwork. Being aware of the ball's potential movement and managing fatigue can also help prevent these fouls.
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Goaltending
In basketball, goaltending is a violation that occurs when a defensive player interferes with a shot that is on a downward trajectory to the basket and has a good chance of going in, or when a defensive player blocks a shot after it has hit the backboard and is on its way into the basket. This is also referred to as offensive basket interference or basket interference. Goaltending results in the offensive team being awarded the points for the shot. The number of points awarded depends on the location of the violation and the scoring zone. For example, if the violation occurs at the opponent's basket in the three-point zone, the offended team is awarded three points.
The term "goaltending" specifically refers to the act of interfering with the ball when it is in or near the goal, or basket, in basketball. The rule against goaltending was adopted by the NCAA in 1944 due to George Mikan, a 6-foot-10-inch player who made it necessary to address this type of play. Prior to Mikan's arrival, goaltending was not addressed because it was thought to be physically impossible.
The back block in basketball refers to the block or blocked shot, which is a defensive move where a player knocks the ball out of the path to the basket, resulting in a missed shot without touching or fouling the shooter. The block or back block is a strategic area on the court, marked by two rectangular areas on either side of the basket, where coaches direct players to stand during a free-throw attempt.
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Chase-down blocks
In basketball, a chase-down block is a defensive play that occurs when an offensive player is initially ahead of the defenders, but a defender is able to chase them down and block their scoring attempt. This scoring attempt is usually a layup or a dunk.
To execute a chase-down block, a defender must possess speed and vertical jumping ability. The defender must first catch up to the offensive player, time their jump, and hit the ball with their hand. It is important to note that the defender should not make contact with the offensive player's hand unless they are also touching the ball, or a foul will be called. Additionally, the block must occur while the shot is travelling upward or at its apex.
One of the most well-known chase-down blocks occurred during the 2016 NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors. With less than two minutes remaining, Cavaliers forward LeBron James chased down Warriors forward Andre Iguodala and blocked his layup attempt, keeping the game tied. This play, known as "The Block", is considered one of James' greatest moments and was referenced in the song "Do You Mind" by DJ Khaled and Nicki Minaj.
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Blocked shot nicknames
In basketball, a block or blocked shot occurs when a defensive player legally deflects a field goal attempt by an offensive player to prevent a score. The defender must not make contact with the offensive player's hand (unless they are also touching the ball) or a foul is called. A blocked shot is counted as a missed field goal attempt for the shooter. Nicknames for blocked shots include:
- "Rejections"
- "Stuffs" or "Stuffed"
- "Bushed"
- "Spoinked"
- "Fudged" or “Double-fudged” (two-handed blocks)
- "Facials"
- "Swats"
- "Denials"
- "Packs"
In addition to the above, blocked shots are also sometimes referred to as "goaltending" when the ball is heading downward when the defender hits it, or when the block is made after the ball bounces off the backboard.
Centers and power forwards tend to record the most blocks due to their height and position near the basket. However, shorter players with good jumping ability can also be effective blockers. For example, Dwyane Wade, at 6'4" ,is the shortest player to record 100 blocked shots in a single season.
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Frequently asked questions
The back block in basketball is called the "back court". It refers to the area behind the mid-court line, which includes the half of the court from the mid-court line back to the endline.
A block, also known as a blocked shot, occurs when a defensive player legally deflects an offensive player's field goal attempt to prevent a score. The block must be made while the shot is traveling upward or at its apex, and without making contact with the offensive player's hand (unless the defender also touches the ball).
Nicknames for blocked shots include "rejections", "stuffs", "swats", "denials", and Chase-down blocks. A player who specializes in blocking shots is known as a shot blocker or rim protector.
