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Basketball Instruction/Legal or illegal defensive technique while making a shot?

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Expert: - 6/14/2009


Question
Hello!

During the game one player consistently uses following technique, while making a shot with his right hand (yeah, he shoots with only one hand), he uses his left hand to move away the hand of a player that is trying to block the shot. During this preventing offensive player from making a block, the defensive hand is not locked into position, instead he sways his elbow and/or upper part of his arm to move away the defensive players hand. Is this a fault or not, and how much it is permitted for defensive player to use his free arm to protect himself from loosing the ball while dribbling or being blocked while shooting?

Thank you!

Answer
HI Karlo,

First of all, whether a player uses one or two hands to shoot the ball, they are NOT permitted to use a free hand/arm to push the defender out of the way. That is an offensive foul, and it gives the offensive player an advantage while shooting the ball. Also your confusing the offensive player and defensive player with each other. The team with the ball and shooting is on offense. The team that is defending is the Defense. The player with the ball, can extend their free arm and keep it straight but may not create contact with it by pushing the defender out of the way. I hope that makes sens to you.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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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

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