MOST MISUNDERSTOOD BASKETBALL RULES

I have listed here the most misunderstood Basketball rules(Fouls) used in SriLankan Basketball matches and practices. As a Basketball player I am glad to share this with you all. The Reference is given below.

1. Charging Foul:

An offensive foul consisting of illegal personal contact by pushing or moving into an opponent’s torso. This usually happens when an offensive player drives to the basket and “runs over” a defensive player. If a basket is made on a “charging” call, the basket will not count. The defensive player does not receive any free throws on player control (the person charging has the ball) fouls.

2. Blocking Foul:

A defensive foul that is illegal personal contact which impedes the progress of the offensive player. This usually happens when a defensive player “bodies” an offensive player driving to the hoops. The referee’s decision to call a charge or block will usually depend on the position of the defensive player when contact is made; was the defensive player set (not moving) and was contact made to the defensive player’s torso (middle of their chest)?

3. Three Seconds In The Lane:

Offensive players must move out of the lane before three seconds elapse. The offense must have control of the ball on the offensive end of the court for the count to start. Once the ball leaves the player’s hand when shooting, the count stops. There is no count during rebound-put backs. For example, all five offensive players may be in the lane rebounding the ball and immediately “putting back” another shot and there will be no 3-second call made regardless of how long they are occupying the lane.

4. Carrying or Palming the Ball:

This violation occurs when an offensive player dribbles the ball so that it rests and stays in the palm of the hand. Dribbling the ball with the hand on the side of the ball is not carrying.

5. Traveling:

When an offensive player “runs” with the ball or moving their pivot foot after they have stopped dribbling. A player who falls to the floor with the ball has not traveled unless they get up.

6. Over and Back:

Once the offense brings the ball over the half court line, the offense cannot go back across the line. In order to be “over” the line, the offensive player with the ball must have the ball and both feet over the half court line at the same time. If a player has one foot on each side of the half court line and dribbles back and forth past the half court line, the ball has not yet gone “over”. The violation of going ”back” occurs when any part of the ball handler touches the floor on or past the half court line or the ball is dribbled on or past the half court line.

7. Traveling Out of Bounds:

A.  Any out of bounds play other than after a made basket – The person taking the ball out of bounds must stay within a three foot area of the place where the referee administers them the ball. The person inbounding the ball may move both feet, however, if they step beyond the three feet area, it is a violation.

B.  After made baskets – When a basket is made, the opposing team may “run” the entire baseline when trying to inbound the ball. This includes returning from a time out. The ball may also be passed to a teammate who is positioned entirely out of bounds on the baseline and there is no violation.

8. Other Fouls

A. Flagrant Fouls – involves violent contact with an opponent, including punching, kneeing, or kicking.

B. Intentional Fouls – this occurs when the player is not directly going for or playing the ball.

C. Technical Fouls – This violation can be committed by either a player or a coach. It involves no contact with an opponent or contact while the ball is dead.

Examples include taunting, vulgarity, profanity or obscene gestures.

Reference : THE GYM, SpringField, IL.

A picture of the Basketball Court: