What Is Goaltending in Basketball? A Clear Rule Breakdown [2025]
Goaltending is a violation in basketball called when a player illegally interferes with a shot while it is on its downward arc toward the basket or while it is directly over or on the rim. This results in the shot being counted as made.
This guide will break down the rule for NBA, NCAA, and FIBA, explain the difference between goaltending and basket interference, and detail the penalties.
Key Takeaways:
- Goaltending results in the shot being counted (2 or 3 points awarded).
- It can be called on both defensive and offensive players.
- The key factor is the ball’s position and trajectory.
- Rules differ slightly between the NBA and international play (FIBA).
Defensive Goaltending: The Rules and Penalty
Defensive goaltending is the most common type of this violation. It occurs when a defensive player interferes with a shot that has a chance to score.
According to the NBA Rulebook (Rule 11, Section I), defensive goaltending is called when:
- A player touches the ball during a field goal attempt while it is on its downward flight and entirely above the rim level.
- A player touches the ball while it is inside the imaginary cylinder above the basket rim.
- A player vibrates the rim or backboard so severely that it causes the ball to take an unnatural bounce.
The Penalty: The shooting team is awarded the points for that shot (2 or 3 points). The points are credited to the shooter who attempted the shot.
What is Offensive Goaltending?
Offensive goaltending is less common but equally important. It occurs when an offensive player interferes with a shot to gain an unfair advantage.
Offensive goaltending is called when:
- A player touches the ball while it is on the rim or directly above the basket cylinder.
- A player pulls the rim down to cause the ball to bounce in.
- A player touches the ball after it has touched the backboard and is on a downward path toward the rim.
The Penalty: The play is immediately whistled dead. No points can be scored, and possession of the ball is awarded to the defensive team.
Goaltending vs. Basket Interference: What’s the Difference?
While often used interchangeably, there is a technical difference:
- Goaltending specifically refers to interfering with a ball in flight during a shot attempt that is on its downward arc.
- Basket Interference is a broader term that includes goaltending but also applies to interfering with the ball after a shot while it is on or within the rim/cylinder.
In practical terms, for most fans, the outcome is the same: a violation is called, and points are either awarded or nullified.
The History of the Goaltending Rule
The rule was created because of one man: George Mikan. In the 1940s, Mikan, a 6’10” superstar for the DePaul Blue Demons and later the Minneapolis Lakers, was so dominant that he could easily block shots right out of the air as they were about to fall into the basket.
To curb his dominance and keep the game fair, the NCAA instituted the goaltending rule in 1944, with the NBA following suit in 1945. This rule change forced defenders to block shots on their way up, not down, fundamentally changing defensive play.
FAQ: Your Goaltending Questions Answered
Q: Can you have goaltending on a free throw?
A: Yes. If a defensive player interferes with the ball on a free throw attempt before it touches the rim, it is a goaltending violation. The free throw is counted as made, and if it was the first shot of multiple, the shooter will take the next shot.
Q: Is it goaltending if the ball is still going up?
A: No. This is a legal block. A defender can legally block a shot as long as the ball is on its upward flight and has not yet reached the peak of its arc.
Q: What are the international rules (FIBA) for goaltending?
A: The major difference in FIBA rules is that once the ball touches the rim, any player can play the ball. This means a defender can legally swat the ball away off the rim, an action that would be called goaltending in the NBA.
Q: Does goaltending count as a block?
A: No. Statistically, a goaltending violation results in a made basket for the offensive player. It is not recorded as a block or a steal for the defender.
Conclusion: The Purpose of the Rule
The goaltending rule exists for one core reason: to preserve the integrity of the shot. It ensures that a perfectly good shot attempt isn’t unfairly negated by a defender after it has reached its peak, and it prevents offensive players from gaining an unsportsmanlike advantage by interfering with the ball around the rim.
Understanding this rule is key to appreciating the skill and timing required for a legal block versus simply being tall enough to reach over the basket.
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