Can you block a basketball after it hits the backboard?
Mia Kelly
Published Jan 24, 2026
It is not goaltending if, after contacting the backboard, the ball is touched by a defensive player, provided the ball has not reached its apex and it is not inside the cylinder. Comment: It is legal for a defender in the normal course of trying to block a shot, to contact the backboard with his hand.
Are you allowed to block shots in basketball?
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.
What happens if the basketball hits the top of the backboard?
If the basketball hits the top of the backboard, the ball is still in play. The same is true for the sides and bottom of the backboard as well as the front. However, just because the ball can hit the top does not mean that it can hit all parts of the backboard and its supporting features.
Can you block a shot above the rim?
FIBA rules allow a defender to block any shot that is over the rim and the ball is on its upward flight. The prohibition against goaltending was adopted by the NCAA in 1944 (and later by the NBL) specifically because of George Mikan.
Is hitting the backboard goaltending?
A batted ball against the backboard is not a trapped ball.) Touch any ball from within the playing area that is on its downward flight with an opportunity to score. This is considered to be a “field goal attempt” or trying for a goal. Touch the ball at any time with a hand which is through the basket ring.
41 related questions foundCan you pin the ball against the backboard?
It is legal to pin the ball against the backboard if it still on the way up and not in the imaginary cylinder above the basket. In NCAA-M, yes, if the ball is above the level of the basket when touched.
Can you throw it off the backboard to yourself and land?
Self Pass Off The Backboard
Passing it off the backboard is completely legal. The reason it's legal a pass toward the backboard or rim is considered a shot. The referee has no judgement if the player is trying to score or trying to pass the back to themselves.
Can you hit the backboard in high school basketball?
Slapping the backboard is neither basket interference nor goaltending. A technical may be assessed when a player strikes the backboard so forcefully it cannot be ignored, but simply slapping the backboard in an attempt to block a shot is neither a violation nor a technical foul.
Where do you hit the backboard in basketball?
The best spots are off to the sides but far enough in from the end of the court to give shooters a good angle on the backboard . There's also a small area a few feet in front of the free-throw line where banks shots should be preferred.
How do you legally block in basketball?
To block a shot legally, a defensive player must knock the ball off course as it travels an upward angle and before it has started to descend toward the basket. This prevents a player with great leaping ability from standing in front of the basket and swatting away shots as they fly toward the basket.
Can you block a dunk?
To perform a successful block against a slam dunk, jump straight up instead of charging forward to swat the ball off the scorer's hands. If you are not confident of swatting the ball away, jump straight up without flailing your arms to get in the way and force your opponent to take a low-percentage shot.
What is an illegal block in basketball?
A blocking foul is an illegal act that will be called on a defensive player who does not get into position in time prior to the dribbler moving in that direction. The referee will use the dribbler's speed to determine how much space on the court the defensive player needed to make prior to setting up the screen.
Who can commit a technical foul?
A maximum of two technical fouls for unsportsmanlike acts may be assessed any player, coach, trainer, or other team bench person.
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- Technical fouls shall be assessed players, coaches or trainers for fighting. ...
- This rule applies whether play is in progress or the ball is dead.
What are the violations of basketball?
A violation in basketball is called on any player who breaks or violates a rule of the game defined in the league rulebook.
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Goaltending, Interference, and Other Violations
- Goaltending or basket interference.
- Kicking the ball.
- Striking the ball with a fist.
Are self alley oops legal?
-- Blaise Bernie's answer: Yes. Under the traveling rule, a player who attempts a shot or pass may not be the first to touch the ball unless it touches the backboard, rim or another player. Therefore, a player can intentionally pass the ball to himself off the backboard or rim.
Does an off the backboard pass count as an assist?
According to NBA spokesman Mark Broussard, though, the league's position is that no pass off the backboard should count as an assist.
Can you catch your own pass NBA?
A player may not be the first to touch his own pass unless the ball touches his back- board, basket ring or another player. Upon ending his dribble or gaining control of the ball, a player may not touch the floor consecutively with the same foot (hop).
Can you dribble after the ball hits the backboard?
A ball which touches the front face or edges of the backboard is treated the same as touching the floor inbounds, except that when the ball touches the thrower's backboard, it does not constitute a part of a dribble. The fact that it can't be considered a dribble leaves you with nothing to call it but a try.
Can you goaltend a dunk?
If a player grabs the rim, and then dunks, that is illegal, but putting the ball directly through the hoop is in no way, and never has been, offensive goaltending. Offensive goaltending is tipping in a ball that is on or directly above the rim, interfering with the shot.
What happens if you get 16 technical fouls?
A player assessed an unsportsmanlike technical foul is fined, and accumulating sixteen unsportsmanlike technical fouls during the regular season will result in a one-game suspension. For every two technical fouls received thereafter during that regular season, the player or coach's suspension increases by one game.
Do coaches have to sit after a technical?
Violations not only result in the coach being charged a direct technical foul, but a loss of coaching box privileges, meaning that the coach must sit on the bench for the remainder of the game.
Do NBA players get fined for technical fouls?
Players receive a $1,000 fine for each of their first two technical fouls—a number that increases by $500 at different levels until capping at $2,500, per NBA.com. Flagrant fouls, meanwhile, usually equate to a $15,000 fine, per Eskimo.com.
How many seconds do you have to inbound the ball after a dead ball?
You have five seconds to inbound the ball. If you are unable to make an inbound pass, call a timeout. Otherwise, it's a turnover.
Is blocking foul basketball violation?
A blocking foul in basketball is a foul assessed to a defensive player who is not properly positioned and makes contact with an offensive player to stop their movement.
How do you block in basketball without fouling?
Keep your feet on the floor when the shot (or shot-fake) occurs, and don't foul the outside shooter. Close-out with feet on the floor - don't "fly" at the shooter, trying to block the shot.