
Basketball is a sport that requires players to adhere to a strict set of rules. An illegal shot in basketball is referred to as goaltending and is an illegal shot block by the defensive player. It is called when the ball is on a downward trajectory from the shot arc and aimed at the hoop. Other illegal moves in basketball include pushing in the air, interlocking arms, and hand pushing in the air, especially as someone leaves the ground.
Characteristics and Values of an Illegal Shot in Basketball
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Goaltending | An illegal shot block by the defensive player when the ball is on a downward trajectory of a shot arc, aimed at the hoop. |
| Basket Interference | Players cannot touch the rim, stick their hands through the basket, or wedge the ball between the rim and the backboard during the shot or while the ball is still bouncing around the rim. |
| Throw-in | The thrower-in shall not carry the ball onto the court, fail to release it within 5 seconds, touch it on the court before it has touched another player, leave the designated spot, throw the ball so that it enters the basket before touching anyone on the court, step on the court over the boundary line before releasing the ball, throw the ball out-of-bounds without it being touched by a player, exit the playing surface to gain an advantage, or hand the ball to a player on the court. |
| Dribbling | A player may not run with the ball without dribbling it, step on or outside a boundary line during a dribble, be the first player to touch the ball after re-establishing an inbounds position, or dribble a second time after voluntarily ending the first dribble. |
| Offensive Player Action | Pushing in the air, interlocking arms, shoving an airborne player, and hand pushing in the air are all illegal actions. |
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What You'll Learn

Goaltending and basket interference
Basket interference occurs during a field goal attempt when a player touches the basket, the rim, or the ball when it is on the rim or directly above it. Like goaltending, when the defending team commits basket interference, the shooting team is awarded points as if the attempted field goal had been made. It is important to note that the rules for basket interference and goaltending do not apply if a player near their own basket has their hand legally in contact with the ball. In this case, 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.
To summarise these rules, players cannot touch the rim, stick their hands through the basket, or wedge the ball between the rim and the backboard during a shot or while the ball is still bouncing around the rim. An imaginary cylinder extending out above the rim is often used to help visualise this rule. If any part of the ball overlaps with this cylinder during a shot or while bouncing around, players cannot interfere with its pathway.
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Throw-in rules
The throw-in rules in basketball are as follows:
Firstly, a player shall not be the last to touch the ball before it goes out-of-bounds. If this happens, the penalty is the loss of the ball, and the ball is awarded to the opposing team at the boundary line nearest the spot of the violation. However, if the throw-in goes out of bounds without touching another player, the ball is returned to the original throw-in spot.
Secondly, a thrower-in must adhere to several restrictions: they cannot carry the ball onto the court; they must release the ball within 5 seconds; they cannot touch the ball on the court before it has touched another player; they must not move from the designated throw-in spot; they cannot throw the ball so that it enters the basket before another player touches it; they must not step over the boundary line before releasing the ball; they cannot throw the ball out-of-bounds without another player touching it; they must not exit the playing surface to gain an advantage; and finally, they cannot hand the ball to a player on the court. If any of these restrictions are violated, the penalty is the loss of the ball, and the ball is awarded to the opposing team at the original spot of the throw-in.
Thirdly, if a throw-in ends with a player scoring a field goal, the rules vary depending on the type of backboard used. If a fan-shaped backboard is used, the ball remains live. If a rectangular backboard is used, the ball remains live after touching the side edge, but it is a violation if it passes directly over the backboard. In this case, if the ball touches the top edge and rebounds in front of the backboard, it is still considered live.
Finally, during a throw-in, if an opponent reaches through the boundary line plane and slaps the ball from the thrower-in's hands, no violation has occurred and play continues. However, if the opponent grabs the ball and throws it through the basket, two points are awarded to their team.
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Dribbling rules
Dribbling is an essential skill in basketball, allowing players to advance the ball and maintain possession. However, there are rules and restrictions that govern how a player can dribble the ball. An illegal dribble occurs when a player violates these rules, resulting in a turnover and the opposing team gaining possession of the ball.
A double dribble is a common violation, where a player starts dribbling, stops, and then resumes dribbling again with the same hand. This can also occur if a player dribbles, pauses, and then dribbles again. To avoid this, players should ensure they only dribble with one hand and maintain a continuous motion. Switching hands while dribbling is also not allowed unless the player first comes to a complete stop.
Carrying, or palming, is another violation that occurs when a player's hand is positioned underneath the ball. This can also be called if a player carries the ball from one position to another with their hand on the side or bottom of the ball. It's important to note that simply having your hand under the ball does not constitute a violation; to violate, you must also apply vertical lift, carry the ball horizontally, or allow it to come to rest in your hand before dribbling again.
Excessive dribbling is not an official rule, but referees may call a violation if a player continuously dribbles without making a legitimate effort to advance the play. This is done to maintain fair play and uphold the integrity of the game.
In addition to these dribbling rules, players must also be mindful of other violations such as stepping out of bounds while dribbling. If a player is in control of a dribble and steps on or outside a boundary line, they cannot return inbounds and continue their dribble. They also cannot be the first player to touch the ball after re-establishing an inbounds position.
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Offensive interference
The penalty for offensive interference varies depending on the league and the specific situation. In the NBA, if offensive interference is called against the defending team, the shooting team is awarded the points for the field goal as if it had been made. On the other hand, if offensive interference is called against the shooting team, no points are scored, and the ball is given to the defending team. It is important to note that basket interference by the defensive team and goaltending are the only violations in basketball for which points are automatically awarded.
The logic behind offensive interference is to prevent an unfair advantage for the offensive team. Without this rule, offensive players could shoot the ball and then manually push it in if it misses and lands on the rim. However, some argue that this rule is pointless and does not provide any significant advantage, especially in international play where offensive interference is not called.
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Physical contact
First and foremost, it is essential to understand the concept of "illegal shots" in basketball. An illegal shot typically refers to a violation of the rules related to shooting the basketball. One common type of illegal shot is known as goaltending or basket interference. Goaltending occurs when a defensive player illegally blocks a shot that is on a downward trajectory toward the basket. It is important to note that the ball must be on its downward path after reaching the apex of its arc for goaltending to be called.
When it comes to physical contact, there are several key rules that players must adhere to:
- No pushing or shoving: Players are not allowed to push or shove their opponents, especially when they are in the air or leaving the ground. This type of physical contact is dangerous and can result in serious injuries.
- No interlocking arms: Interlocking arms with another player is considered a defensive hold and is not allowed. This move can restrict an opponent's movement and affect their ability to shoot or drive to the basket.
- Proper boxing out: Boxing out is a legal defensive technique used to establish rebounding position. However, it should be done without pushing or making illegal contact with the opponent. A proper box out typically involves forearm or body contact as the offensive player lands.
- No holding or grabbing: Holding or grabbing an opponent is not permitted. This includes grabbing an opponent's jersey, arms, or body, as it can restrict their movement and provide an unfair advantage.
- Legal guarding position: Defenders must maintain a legal guarding position when defending against an offensive player. This means being within an arm's length distance and actively trying to defend without holding or grabbing.
- Contact during shooting: Making excessive or unnecessary contact with an opponent while they are in the act of shooting is not allowed. This includes charging into the shooter or knocking them off balance.
It is important to note that the rules regarding physical contact may vary slightly depending on the basketball league or organization. Additionally, referees and officials have the discretion to make judgments on a case-by-case basis, considering the context and severity of the contact.
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Frequently asked questions
Goaltending is an illegal shot block by the defensive player. It is called when the ball is on the downward trajectory of a shot arc, aimed at the hoop.
Basket interference occurs when a player interferes with the shot, resulting in the opposing team gaining possession of the ball.
Basket interference can include touching the rim, sticking hands through the basket, or wedging the ball between the rim and the backboard.
The penalty for goaltending or basket interference is an automatic bucket for the offensive team.
Other illegal moves in basketball include pushing in the air, interlocking arms, and hand pushing while the other player is in the air. Additionally, mishandling of the ball can result in a penalty, such as a double dribble, travel, or carry. In terms of free throws, a violation occurs if the free throw shooter steps over the plane of the free throw line or purposely fakes a free throw attempt.











































