Take a look at a few of the myths of the game:

 

1. A defensive player must be stationary to take a charge

How many times do you hear spectators,  players and coaches say “that was a blocking foul; the defensive player was still moving at the time of contact” – WRONG !

Once a defensive player has initially obtained a legal guarding position (feet on the floor, initially facing and there first), the defensive player may always move to maintain position and may even have one or both feet off the floor when contact occurs with the offensive player.

After obtaining a legal guarding position, the defensive player is allowed to move sideways, or backwards to stay in the path of the dribbler (but not directly into the dribbler).

Look to see who caused the contact! Dispel the myth.

 

2. A post player should be given one step to turn and face the basket

A post player should be expected to be guarded as closely as possible from all sides. When a post player turns or rises to shoot and makes contact with a defensive player, who has obtained a legal guarding position, it is either a no call or a foul on the offensive player if the contact is such that an advantage is gained or the defence is placed at a disadvantage.

 

3. A dribble that bounces above the dribbler’s head is an illegal dribble

There is no restriction as to how high a player may bounce the ball, provided the ball does not come to rest in the player’s hand. When in contact with the ball, as long as the dribbler’s hand stays on top of or on the side of the ball, the dribble is legal, regardless of the height of the ball or the number of steps between bounces.

 

4. Reaching in is always a foul

The underlying factor which must occur with a foul is, there must be contact. Therefore the mere fact a defensive player “reaches in”, often from an unfavorable defensive position (behind or from the side), cannot be called a foul unless there is contact. Usually when contact occurs from a player “reaching in” a foul should be called as the offence are usually put to a disadvantage.

 

5. A player who shoots an air ball and catches the ball is guilty of travelling

A shot for a field goal is when the ball is held in the hands and then projected through the air towards the opponents’ basket. A shot for a goal ends when the ball has no longer the possibility to directly enter the basket.

An air ball, if determined by the official is a legitimate try for a goal, may be rebounded or caught by any player, including the shooter.