Basketball Instruction/blocking call

Advertisement

Expert: Bret Temple - 3/7/2009


Question
if a defender is moving backwards trying to get out of the way and the ball handler runs into them is that a block or a charge or anything?

Answer
HI John,

This is actually a great question. And unfortunately there is no exact answer. The reason is that either a block, a charge, or a no call might be the appropriate call. It depends on a lot of factors.

1. Where was the defender when the ball-handler began his move to the basket
2. Where was the ball-handler when he/she began his/her move to the basket in relation to the defender.
3. Was the ball-handler out of control when he/she made contact with the defender.


And no matter what the answers are to the questions above, it's at the interpretation of what the official sees.

So in answer to your question it can be both a block or a charge..

I will tell you one thing. IF a defender is moving, whether forward or backward, statistically, they will almost always pick up the Block call rather than taking a charge.

Basketball Instruction

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Bret Temple

Expertise

My expertise is in the art of Officiating Basketball and I can answer questions pertaining to basketball rules; youth level through CIF High School, NCAA college and NBA rules as well. I can either help define a specific rule for you, or interpret a specific rule to clarify how other officials and I view and call the game.

Experience

I have been a Basketball Official now for over 19 years, officiating at all levels. I have attended numerous training camps throughout the years in an attempt to constantly become a better official. I have been evaluated by top Officiating organizations and I've had the honor of being selected to officiate at the highest levels including former Division 1 College and NBA players.

Organizations
NASO (National Association of Sports Officials) CBOA (California Basketball Officials Association)

Education/Credentials
El Sorrino Officials Association Accreditation CIF Certified(California Interscholastic Federation) WCPBL(West Coast Professional Baskeball League) The NBA Developmental League training

Past/Present Clients
Los Angeles City Parks and Recreation, Calabasas Basketball League, Calabasas Semi-Pro Men's League, AYBA California Interscholatic Federation, ARC League , (WCPBL)West Coast Professional Basketball League, Gary Grant Youth Basketball Program

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.