Helena Frye
In basketball, a block or blocked shot is a defensive move that involves legally deflecting an offensive player's field goal attempt to prevent a score. This typically happens when the ball is in mid-flight on an upward trajectory towards the rim. The defender must not make contact with the offensive player's hand unless they are also touching the ball, or it's considered a foul. Blocks are important as they can deter opposing players from shooting near the basket and can lead to fast breaks for the defensive team. One notable example of a chase-down block is LeBron James' game-saving play in the 2016 NBA Finals, now known as The Block.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Block/Blocked Shot | A block or blocked shot occurs when a defensive player legally deflects or nullifies a field goal attempt from an offensive player to prevent a score. |
| Legal Block | The block must occur while the shot is traveling upward or at its apex. The defender cannot make contact with the offensive player's hand unless they are also in contact with the ball. |
| Scoring | A deflected field goal that is made does not count as a blocked shot but as a successful field goal attempt for the shooter. For the shooter, a blocked shot is counted as a missed field goal attempt. |
| Goaltending | If the ball is heading downward when the defender hits it, it is ruled as goaltending and counts as a made basket. |
| Basket Interference | If the defender swats the ball away while it is above the basket ring and within the imaginary cylinder of the basket ring, it results in a basket interference violation instead of a valid blocked shot. |
| Chase-Down Block | A chase-down block occurs when a player pursues an opposing player who had run ahead of the defense and then blocks their shot attempt, usually a layup or dunk. |
| Common Positions for Blocking | Centers and power forwards tend to record the most blocks due to their height and position near the basket. Small forwards are also adept at blocking. |
| Skills for Blocking | Good shot-blockers need great court sense and timing, and good height or jumping ability. |
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What You'll Learn
Blocked shots
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 block must be executed while the ball is in mid-flight on an upward trajectory towards the rim or at its apex. The defender cannot make contact with the offensive player's hand unless they are also in contact with the ball, otherwise, it is ruled a foul. If the ball is heading downward when the defender hits it, it is considered goaltending and counts as a made basket.
A blocked shot is counted as a missed field goal attempt for the shooter. It is also recorded in the box score for a player and their team after a game. Nicknames for blocked shots include "rejections", "stuffs", "swats", "denials", and "chase-down blocks". The latter occurs when a player pursues an opponent who has run ahead of the defense and blocks their shot, often by hitting the ball into the backboard as they attempt a lay-up.
Great court sense, timing, height, and jumping ability are key attributes of a good shot-blocker. Their presence on the court can be a significant asset to a team's defense, as they can intimidate opponents and make it harder for them to shoot near the basket. 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.
Some notable chase-down blocks include Tayshaun Prince's game-saving block on Reggie Miller in the 2004 NBA Eastern Conference Finals and LeBron James' block on Andre Iguodala in the closing minutes of the 2016 NBA Finals.
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Chase-down blocks
A chase-down block in basketball occurs when a defender pursues an opposing player who has run ahead of the defence and blocks their shot attempt. This usually happens when an offensive player has an opportunity to score points quickly, and a perimeter defender uses their speed to chase them down and block their shot, often from behind.
While any player can technically execute a chase-down block, they are more commonly performed by players in the small forward, power forward, or centre positions. This is because these players tend to have the height and wingspan to block shots effectively. However, shorter players with good jumping ability can also be effective blockers.
One of the most famous chase-down blocks occurred in the 2016 NBA Finals when LeBron James blocked Andre Iguodala's layup attempt in the closing minutes of the game. This play, known as "The Block", helped the Cleveland Cavaliers win the championship and ended their 52-year drought.
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Goaltending violations
Goaltending is a violation in basketball that occurs when a player interferes with the ball as it is on its way to the basket. This can occur when the ball is in a downward flight, entirely above the rim, and has the possibility to enter the basket without touching the rim. Goaltending is often confused with basket interference or offensive goaltending, which occurs during an attempted field goal when a player touches the basket, rim, or ball when it is on the rim or directly above it.
The rules regarding goaltending can vary slightly depending on the league and level of play. In the NBA, WNBA, and NCAA basketball, goaltending is called when the ball has already touched the backboard while being above the height of the rim, regardless of whether it is in an upward or downward flight. If goaltending is called on a field goal attempt, the shooting team is awarded the points as if the field goal had been made. In high school and NCAA basketball, if goaltending is called on a free throw, the shooting team is awarded one point, and a technical foul is called on the offending player.
In FIBA rules, a defender is allowed to block any shot that is over the rim and the ball is on its upward flight. There is no cylinder rule in FIBA, meaning that a player can swat the ball after it has touched the rim and is above the rim within the cylinder. However, players cannot touch the ball if it is directly above the hoop in the cylinder or if any part of the ball is within the basket (below the rim).
To ensure fair officiating, replay reviews can be used in the final two minutes of the fourth period and any overtime periods to determine whether a goaltending or basket interference violation was called correctly. If both teams commit a violation simultaneously, no points are scored, and play is resumed with a jump ball between any two opponents at the center circle.
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Blocking fouls
A blocking foul is a 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 called when the attacking player makes contact with the defender in the air above the shoulders or below the knees. It is not considered a foul if the contact occurs before the defender has made a move towards the basket or if their momentum carries them into the lane. Defensive blocking is called when the attacking player makes contact with the defender below the waist.
To avoid committing a blocking foul, a defender must establish and maintain a legal guarding position. This is achieved when both of a defender's feet are on the playing court, they are facing their opponent, and their torso is in front of the offensive player. The defender can maintain a legal guarding position while raising their hands or jumping vertically, but they cannot extend their arms, shoulders, hips, or legs outside their cylinder of occupied space to make illegal contact with an opponent. If a defender charges towards an opponent, collides with them, or fails to maintain a legal guarding position, they will likely be called for a blocking foul.
In pickup games, blocking fouls may be tolerated to a certain extent, with players accepting physicality as part of the game. However, using one's body to push opponents off their line or out of the way is generally frowned upon and will likely be called as a blocking foul. The interpretation of blocking fouls can vary depending on the level of play, with NBA screens, for example, being called differently in high school or college games.
To summarise, blocking fouls are an essential aspect of basketball that players must understand to improve their game and avoid penalties. By knowing the rules and techniques for blocking fouls, players can utilise them effectively while also minimising the chances of committing infractions.
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Shot-blocking tactics
In basketball, a block or blocked shot is a legal deflection of a field goal attempt by a defensive player to prevent an offensive player from scoring. The defensive player must not make contact with the offensive player's hand unless they are also touching the ball, or it will result in a foul. The block must occur while the ball is travelling upward or at its apex.
Timing is Crucial
Watch the offensive player's body language for clues that they are about to shoot. As soon as you sense a shot is coming, move quickly to position yourself between the shooter and the basket. Jumping to block at the right moment is key—too early and the offensive player can adjust, too late and you will miss your chance.
Positioning
Stay light on your feet with knees bent and weight balanced, ready to react and jump. Maintain an upright "vertical" position when contesting the shot. Focus on the ball, not the player, and keep your eyes on the shot.
Height and Jumping Ability
While height is an advantage for blocking shots, even shorter players can become effective blockers by developing their jumping ability.
Intimidation
A player with good shot-blocking skills can intimidate opponents, forcing them to alter their shots and miss.
Chase-Down Blocks
A chase-down block occurs when a player pursues an opponent who has run ahead of the defence and blocks their shot attempt. This often involves hitting the ball into the backboard as the opponent tries to complete a lay-up.
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Frequently asked questions
A block, or blocked shot, happens when a defensive player legally deflects or nullifies a field goal attempt from an offensive player to prevent a score. The block must occur while the shot is travelling upward or at its apex.
A chase-down block occurs when a defensive player pursues an offensive player who has run ahead, and blocks their shot attempt, usually a layup or dunk. This often involves hitting the ball into 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.
If the ball is on a downward trajectory when blocked, it is ruled as goaltending and counts as a made basket. If the defender swats the ball away while it is above the basket ring and within the imaginary cylinder, it is called basket interference.
