Sports Pundit

Goaltending

Daniel Theis (27) is called for goaltending a shot by Shake Milton (18) during a basketball game, Aug. 23, 2020
Daniel Theis (27) is called for goaltending a shot by Shake Milton (18) during a basketball game, Aug. 23, 2020

Goaltending is a violation in basketball where a player interferes with the downward trajectory of the ball as it makes its way to the basket.

This rule is implemented by the [National Collegiate Athletic Association][1] (NCAA), the [Women’s National Basketball Association][2] (WNBA), and the [National Basketball Association][3] (NBA). [FIBA][4] or the Federation International de Basketball Amateur, however, allows for some interference in the ball’s trajectory to the basket.

Definition of Goaltending

Goaltending is when a player interferes with the downward arc of the ball. For the interference to be a violation, the ball must appear to have a good chance of going into the basket and it must have any of the following:

  • The ball must be above the rim of
the basket.
  • The shot needs to have been made
intentionally.
  • The ball needs to appear to have a
good chance of making it into the
basket.
  • The ball may have already bounced
off the backboard and is on its way
down into the basket.

Origin of the Rule Against Goal Tending

In the earlier phases of professional basketball, goaltending was not much of a concern as the players lacked the physical capability to interfere with the ball when it is already above the rim of the basket.

As the players got taller, however, the rule was implemented. The NCAA was the first one to put the rule in place. It is believed to have been in response to George Mikan who stood 6 feet 10 inches.

Penalty

The penalty for goaltending is to award the would-be score of the interfered ball to the offended team. If it was a three-point shot, the team will be awarded three points. If it was a two-pointer, they will be awarded that as well. In cases where a free throw was goaltended, the offended team will get the point.

In the rare case that a player goaltends a ball from his team, no points will be awarded or deducted and the ball will be handed over to the opponents. The offending player also gets a technical foul.

Goal Tending Vs Basket Interference

The NBA Ruling does not easily differentiate Goal Tending from Basket Interference. In their list of rules, Goaltending does not have its listing, instead, it appears as.

Rule No.11: Basket Interference – Goaltending

It can be hard to differentiate between the two, but any goaltending is considered basket interference. The penalty for either is the same.

How Often Does Goaltending Happen

Professional players have this rule ingrained in their heads but it can still happen. Especially during an intense game, when the clock is running out. In general, goaltending is not common, especially in professional basketball but it does happen.

It does not only happen to amateur or rookie players. Some of the more surprising goaltends were committed by some of the best players including Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James.


[1]: https://www.sportspundit.com/basketball/terms/1724-ncaa
[2]: https://www.sportspundit.com/basketball/terms/1811-wnba
[3]: https://www.sportspundit.com/basketball/terms/1723-nba
[4]: https://www.sportspundit.com/basketball/terms/1901-fiba

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