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Glam Monitor

Can you intercept a shot in basketball?

Author

Christopher Ramos

Updated on May 28, 2026

In basketball, a block or blocked shot occurs when a defensive player legally deflects a field goal attempt from an offensive player to prevent a score. The defender is not allowed to make contact with the offensive player's hand (unless the defender is also in contact with the ball) or a foul is called.

Can you block a shot from behind in basketball?

Is it legal to block a shot if I am behind the player? Yes, it's completely legal to block someone's shot behind them, as long as you don't foul them.

Can you airball a shot and catch it?

“You can't rebound your own airball!”

Yes, you can. It doesn't matter whether your shot hits the rim, the backboard, or just air molecules — as long as its an intentional shot, you can be the first person to touch it on a rebound.

Can you stop with the ball in basketball?

At any point, the ball-handler can stop dribbling and pick up the ball. When a player decides to pick up their dribble, they grab the ball and hold it without moving any further after taking their two allowed steps. Once a player picks up their dribble, they can no longer dribble again.

Can you block a shot after it hits the backboard?

Slapping the backboard is neither basket interference nor goaltending. A technical may be assessed when a player strikes the backboard so forcefully it cannot be ignored, but simply slapping the backboard in an attempt to block a shot is neither a violation nor a technical foul.

44 related questions found

What is an illegal block in basketball?

A blocking foul is an illegal act that will be called on a defensive player who does not get into position in time prior to the dribbler moving in that direction. The referee will use the dribbler's speed to determine how much space on the court the defensive player needed to make prior to setting up the screen.

Can you goaltend a free throw?

We all know to award the free throw (assuming by the defense) and charge a technical foul to the offending player in a high school game. cylinder during a free-throw attempt. 10-4-9: Player Technical: A player shall not: Commit goaltending during a free throw.

Can you block a three pointer?

This is called goaltending and is prohibited. In basketball, if you block a shot after it's started descending, it is ruled to be goaltending and the basket is counted automatically.

How do you execute a basketball shot?

To shoot accurately, square your shoulders to the basket and place your feet shoulder length apart. With your knees bent slightly and back leaning towards the basket, put the fingers of your shooting hand under the ball and tuck your elbows close to your body. Flick your wrist towards the hoop to release the shot.

Are you allowed to punch a basketball?

A player shall not kick the ball or strike it with the fist. Kicking the ball or striking it with any part of the leg is a violation when it is an intentional act.

Can you touch the rim in basketball?

Section I—A Player Shall Not: Touch the ball or the basket ring when the ball is sitting or rolling on the ring and using the basket ring as its lower base or hang on the rim while the ball is passing through.

Is hitting the net an airball?

The Ball hits the Net, but not the Rim: Air Ball? For this scenario, the overwhelming rule is that, yes, this would be an air ball. In general, an air ball is a shot that does not touch the rim. If it only hits the net underneath the rim, then it would be considered an air ball.

Can you catch your own air?

1. “You can't rebound your own airball!” Yes, you can. It doesn't matter whether your shot hits the rim, the backboard, or just air molecules — as long as its an intentional shot, you can be the first person to touch it on a rebound.

Can you block a dunk?

To perform a successful block against a slam dunk, jump straight up instead of charging forward to swat the ball off the scorer's hands. If you are not confident of swatting the ball away, jump straight up without flailing your arms to get in the way and force your opponent to take a low-percentage shot.

How do you block in basketball without fouling?

Keep your feet on the floor when the shot (or shot-fake) occurs, and don't foul the outside shooter. Close-out with feet on the floor - don't "fly" at the shooter, trying to block the shot.

Can you grab the ball out of someone's hands in basketball?

Can you grab the ball out of someone's hands in basketball? This is indeed allowed as long as you: – Only touch the ball. – Touch the opponent's hand only in the area that is contacting the ball.

How do you execute a jump shot?

How to Shoot a Jump Shot

  1. Start with your knees bent and the ball in front of your forehead, with feet and elbows pointed at the basket.
  2. If right-handed, have your right hand under the ball and your left hand on the side of the ball. ...
  3. Jump straight up. ...
  4. At the top of your jump, snap your wrist and extend your arm.

How do you run dribbling?

  1. Steps to Dribbling. Use your fingertips. ...
  2. Keep the ball low. The ball should bounce somewhere between your knee and hip. ...
  3. Be aware of where the ball bounces. ...
  4. Keep your body between your defender and the ball. ...
  5. Look up. ...
  6. Change your speed. ...
  7. Don't stop. ...
  8. Pass the ball.

Can you goaltend a dunk?

If a player grabs the rim, and then dunks, that is illegal, but putting the ball directly through the hoop is in no way, and never has been, offensive goaltending. Offensive goaltending is tipping in a ball that is on or directly above the rim, interfering with the shot.

Is goaltending a foul in basketball?

If a defensive player touches a ball at any time during a free throw attempt, basketball rules qualify that as a goaltend. This infraction counts as a technical foul against the offending player, giving a point to the opposing team.

Can you block a shot at the rim?

A blocked shot is legal for a defender as long as the ball is not above the height of the rim or is falling down towards the rim. Goaltending often occurs when defenders try to block shots and do not get to the ball soon enough.

What happens if a player shoots the ball before the buzzer?

A goal counts if the shot was released before the official's whistle signaling the end of play for any period of the game, even if it goes in after having previously contacted part of the goal or a defensive player (post-whistle shots that contact an offensive player in any way before entering the goal, however, do not ...

How long can a player stay in the key?

The three seconds rule (also referred to as the three-second rule or three in the key, often termed as lane violation) requires that in basketball, a player shall not remain in their team's foul lane for more than three consecutive seconds while that player's team is in control of a live ball in the frontcourt and the ...

What is the double dribble rule in basketball?

Definition of double dribble

: an illegal action in basketball made when a player dribbles the ball with two hands simultaneously or continues to dribble after allowing the ball to come to rest in one or both hands.