
In basketball, a block or blocked shot occurs when a defensive player legally deflects a field goal attempt from an offensive player to prevent a score. Blocked shots were first officially recorded in the NBA during the 1973-74 season. However, the rules and recording of rebounds, which occur after any missed shot, were introduced much earlier, in the 1950-51 season.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First recorded blocked shots in the NBA | 1973-74 season |
| First recorded rebounds in the NBA | 1950-51 season |
| Offensive and defensive rebounds first recorded in the NBA | 1973-74 season |
| Block definition | A defensive player legally deflects a field goal attempt from an offensive player to prevent a score |
| When is a block awarded? | When a player appreciably makes contact with the ball to alter the flight of a FGA and the shot is missed |
| When is a rebound awarded? | When a player retrieves the ball after a missed field goal or free throw |
| When is a steal awarded? | When a player's positive, aggressive action(s), including contact with the ball, causes a turnover by an opponent |
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What You'll Learn
- A block is awarded when a defensive player legally deflects a shot
- A steal is awarded when a defensive player intercepts a pass
- A rebound is awarded when a player retrieves the ball after a missed shot
- A block must occur while the shot is travelling upward or at its apex
- A foul is called if the defensive player makes contact with the offensive player's hand

A block is awarded when a defensive player legally deflects a shot
In basketball, a block or blocked shot occurs when a defensive player legally deflects a shot by an offensive player to prevent a score. The defender is not allowed to make contact with the offensive player's hand (unless they also make contact with the ball) or a foul is called. For a block to be legal, it must occur while the shot is travelling upward or at its apex. If the ball is heading downward when the defender hits it, it is ruled as goaltending and counts as a successful basket. Blocked shots were first officially recorded in the NBA during the 1973–74 season.
A blocked shot is awarded to a player when they noticeably alter the flight of a shot attempt and the shot is missed. The defensive player's catch is responsible for changing the shot, so a block (and a rebound) are awarded. The ball may or may not have left the hand of the shooter for the block to be counted. If a blocked shot is kept in play instead of being knocked out of bounds, it can lead to a fast break. A good shot-blocker can intimidate opponents and make them alter their shots, resulting in a miss.
A steal, on the other hand, is awarded to a defensive player when their positive, aggressive actions, including contact with the ball, cause a turnover by an opponent. A steal must always include touching the ball but does not need to be controlled. Steals happen when there is interference with the normal handling or passing of the ball, not from a shot.
In basketball, a rebound is a statistic awarded to a player who retrieves the ball after a missed field goal or free throw. Rebounds are a routine part of the game and can be grabbed by either an offensive or defensive player. They are divided into two main categories: offensive rebounds and defensive rebounds. The majority of rebounds are defensive because the defending team tends to be in a better position to recover missed shots. Offensive rebounds give the offensive team another opportunity to score.
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A steal is awarded when a defensive player intercepts a pass
In basketball, a block or blocked shot occurs when a defensive player legally deflects a field goal attempt from an offensive player to prevent a score. The defender is not allowed to make contact with the offensive player's hand (unless the defender is also in contact with the ball) or a foul is called. The first blocked shots were officially recorded in the NBA during the 1973–74 season.
A steal, on the other hand, is a different concept in basketball. A steal is awarded when a defensive player's positive, aggressive actions, including contact with the ball, cause a turnover by an opponent. Steals occur when there is interference with the normal handling or passing of the ball, not from a shot. Steals must always include touching the ball but do not necessarily have to result in controlled possession.
While blocked shots and steals are both defensive actions in basketball, they differ in their specifics. A blocked shot involves legally deflecting a field goal attempt by an offensive player, while a steal results from intercepting or disrupting the opponent's handling or passing of the ball.
It is important to note that the interpretation of these actions may vary slightly depending on the specific rules and guidelines of different basketball organizations. The NBA, for example, may have different interpretations of what constitutes a block or a steal compared to other basketball leagues or organizations.
Additionally, the height and position of players can influence their effectiveness in blocking shots. Typically, centers and power forwards record the most blocks due to their height and proximity to the basket. However, shorter players with good jumping ability, such as Dwyane Wade, can also be effective blockers.
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A rebound is awarded when a player retrieves the ball after a missed shot
In basketball, a rebound is a statistic awarded to a player who retrieves the ball after a missed shot. Rebounds are a routine part of the game. If a shot is made, possession of the ball will change; if not, the rebound allows the defensive team to take possession. Rebounds are divided into two main categories: offensive rebounds and defensive rebounds. In an offensive rebound, the ball is recovered by the offensive side and possession does not change. In a defensive rebound, the defending team gains possession. The majority of rebounds are defensive because the defending team tends to be in a better position to recover missed shots. Offensive rebounds give the offensive team another opportunity to score, either right away or by resetting the offense.
Rebounds were first officially recorded in the NBA during the 1950–51 season. Both offensive and defensive rebounds were first officially recorded in the NBA during the 1973–74 season and in the ABA during the 1967–68 season. Wilt Chamberlain led the NBA in rebounds in 11 different seasons and has the most career rebounds in the regular season (23,924) and the highest career average (22.9 per game). Dennis Rodman has the highest career rebounding average of any player since the NBA began recording offensive and defensive rebounds in 1973–74.
A blocked shot, on the other hand, occurs when a defensive player legally deflects a field goal attempt from an offensive player to prevent a score. Blocked shots were first officially recorded in the NBA during the 1973–74 season. A blocked shot is awarded to a player when they make contact with the ball, altering the flight of a field goal attempt, and the shot is missed. The ball may or may not have left the hand of the shooter for the block to be counted.
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A block must occur while the shot is travelling upward or at its apex
In basketball, a block or blocked shot occurs when a defensive player legally deflects or alters the flight path of a field goal attempt by an offensive player. This prevents the offensive player from scoring. For a block to be legal, it must occur while the shot is travelling upward or at its apex. If the ball is already descending when the defender hits it, it is ruled as goaltending and counts as a successful basket for the shooter.
Blocked shots were first officially recorded in the NBA during the 1973-74 season. Players who are taller and play near the basket, such as centers and power forwards, tend to record the most blocks. However, shorter players with good jumping ability can also excel at blocking shots. An example is Dwyane Wade, who, at 6'4" , is the shortest player to record 100 blocked shots in a single season.
A blocked shot is credited to a player when they make contact with the ball and alter the flight of a field goal attempt, resulting in a miss. The ball may or may not have left the shooter's hand for the block to be counted. If a deflected field goal attempt goes in, it is not considered a blocked shot but a successful field goal attempt, and the shooter's team is awarded points.
To be an effective shot-blocker, players need excellent court sense and timing, in addition to height or jumping ability. One strategy employed by shot-blockers is to intimidate opponents, causing them to alter their shots and miss. A chase-down block occurs when a defender pursues an opponent on a fast break and then blocks their shot attempt.
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A foul is called if the defensive player makes contact with the offensive player's hand
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. While blocking a shot, the defender is not allowed to make contact with the offensive player's hand unless they are also in contact with the ball. If the defensive player makes contact with the offensive player's hand, a foul is called.
A blocked shot is awarded to a player when they noticeably alter the trajectory of the ball on a field goal attempt (FGA) and the shot is missed. The defensive player's catch is responsible for changing the shot, so a block (and a rebound) are awarded. The ball may or may not have left the offensive player's hand for the block to be counted. A blocked shot is counted as a missed field goal attempt for the shooter.
There are two types of blocking fouls in basketball: offensive and defensive. An offensive foul occurs when an offensive player makes contact with a defensive player, causing them to lose control of the ball. This can happen through a drive to the hoop or any other action that causes physical interaction between the players. A defensive player may commit a blocking foul by sitting in the lane and attempting to block passes traveling in either direction within 2.5 feet of the hoop. Blocking a shot ends the attack of the offensive foul and makes it an automatic shot attempt for the defensive player's team.
A steal, on the other hand, is credited to a defensive player when their positive, aggressive actions, including contact with the ball, cause a turnover by the opposing team. A steal does not need to be controlled but must always include touching the ball. Steals typically occur when there is interference with the normal handling or passing of the ball, not from a shot.
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Frequently asked questions
A blocked shot occurs when a defensive player legally deflects or rejects a field goal attempt from an offensive player to prevent a score. The defender is not allowed to make contact with the offensive player's hand unless they also make contact with the ball, or a foul is called.
Blocked shots were first officially recorded in the NBA during the 1973-74 season.
A blocked shot can result in a fast break for the defending team, or it can be rebounded by either the offensive or defensive team. A rebound is a statistic awarded to a player who retrieves the ball after a missed field goal or free throw.
A steal is awarded to a defensive player when their positive, aggressive action interferes with the normal handling or passing of the ball by an opponent. A steal must always include contact with the ball but does not need to be controlled. A blocked shot, on the other hand, occurs when a defensive player legally deflects a shot attempt by an offensive player.











































