Basketball is one of the most amazing games played in around 195 countries of the world. The game has a great influence on youth. Basketball is not less than a war fought on the ground. Players strive to take over the ball and throw it into a basket.
For that reason, there are some rules that every player has to follow; if someone doesn’t, then strict action is taken against them. One of such rules is hand-checking in basketball.
The hand check rule in basketball is a rule that stops the player from holding the hand of the opponent to stop him from scoring or taking over the ball. But why was this rule imposed, and what is it actually?
I’m going to tell you everything about it in this article; ensure you go through the post comprehensively so you can clear your mind about the hand-checking rule in basketball.
Without talking more, let’s make our way to the topic.
Contents
What Is Hand Checking In Basketball?
Long ago, when any basketball player used to take control of the ball and try to throw it in the basket, the opponent players would hold his hands and stop him from doing so. This would result in a lot of fights and mess in the game because this wasn’t fear of defending yourself by holding someone’s hands.
It would take the game in another direction. For that reason, a rule called hand checking in basketball was imposed by the NBA to keep the players from holding each other’s hands. Since the rule was imposed by NBA, it’s also known as NBA hand checking rule.
This rule stops the player from holding and placing the opponent’s hand for self-defense. Except if he is in the basket close to the area with his Basket, all activities are unlawful.
However, when the players are playing on the field and are not near the basket, they can momentarily touch and hold each other’s hands. But, when they’re near to throwing the ball into the basket or somewhere near to the basket, holding hands is prohibited.
Nonetheless, the activity should not block the adversary’s developments in speed, rhythm, or balance. The opponent’s arms should not need to remain completely expanded. Simply putting a little part of their arm on the body of the opponent player will make moving or scoring more hard for them.
It’s very difficult for the ball handlers when they want to attack. However, ever since the rule changed, the opponent players face a lot of penalties now.
Because, now as a defender basketball player, you have to follow the strict rules. You need to be careful about the way you defend yourself. Because once you break the rules, very strict action can be taken against you or your team.
You can even be out of the game for this mistake. And you’d never want this to happen. Therefore, you tend to show more care and take every step with caution. So, the hand-checking rule in basketball has to be followed carefully.
Penalty For Hand-Checking In Basketball
I’ve just mentioned that when you hold the hand of your opponent, then strict action may be taken against you.
So, what could that action be, and how would it affect your game? Holding hands for the player is the fault of the player, not the whole team.
However, when any team breaks this rule 5 times, then the opposing team gets a free throw shot. And, if a single player breaks this rule more than 5 times, then the referee will send them out to the ground by saying” foul off”.
What is foul, you may ask. When you break any rule, it’s called foul. The player will then be permitted to sit on the seat except if the official sends him off.
What Was The First Time When This Rule Appeared In The NBA?
The Hand check rule was implemented in the 2004 to 2005 seasons in the NBA. This rule was to reduce the hand-checking moments in the game, which would always end up becoming clutter in the Match.
Also, it was easier for the Basketball players to stop their opponent from throwing the ball into the basket.
The hand check rule had completely put the player in a deep shock because hand-checking used to be one of the most used techniques to stop opponents from scoring.
But now, if you’re placing or holding the hands of the opponent, then you’d be called for a foul. At first, it was difficult for the players to accept this rule, Because it had literally completely changed the way they played basketball.
They needed more training to change the way they defended themselves. Some of the players even opposed this rule and tried to break it down, but the efforts were in vain.
Later on, the players started practicing playing following the hand-checking rule and becoming good at it too. Because this is all they could do, and they did.
Is Hand Checking Allowed in College Basketball?
It’s quite different playing football in the NBA and in a College, but the rules are the same for all types of grounds and teams. So, the hand-checking rule was also implemented in College basketball.
Because everyone knows that it’s an NBA hand-checking rule that it had announced itself on the entire game. Whether the teams are big or small, the rule would be the same for all of them.
However, when a basketball match is going on in a high school where cameras are not recording the game, then it would be quite tough to see whether someone is hand-checking or not.
But, it doesn’t change the rule. If someone got caught hand-checking during the match, the punishment would be the same for them.
When did the NBA Get rid of Hand Checking rule in Basketball?
Now, some of you may ask that when did the NBA ban hand checking rule in basketball? So, The NBA revised the rules and enforcement regarding hand checks in the 2004-05 season due to some serious concerns.
Point To Note
Hey Basketball lovers, I hope now you know what is hand-checking in a basketball game and why it was implemented. The hand check basketball rule had changed the basketball game completely.
Some people were not even ready to accept this rule. They’d criticize it and say, this rule has taken away the beauty of Basketball.
However, now everyone acknowledges that the Hand check rule basketball has made the game even more exciting and unpredictable.
