Hand checking is a basketball term which means to physically block or impede the path of an offensive player with the use of one’s own body. Hand checks are legal so long as they are deemed to be incidental, meaning that they must not impede the progress of the opponent more than is necessary, and must not cause physical contact.
What is hand checking
Hand checking rules exist because hand checking can be considered fouls, which disrupt the game play for both players. If someone is getting hand checked, it means that there opponent has used their body to block them or impede their progress in some way.
The referee can call a foul for hand checking if the player is using their body to impede the progress of their opponent.
How to avoid getting called for hand checking
- Hand checking is legal so long as it isn’t more than necessary to keep the opponent from advancing.
- Hand checking is illegal if it impedes progress more than necessary.
- Allow the ball-carrier to decelerate before you use your body to impede their progress in this way.
Why do refs call a foul on hand checks
Hand checking is a way to try and keep player from dominating by utilizing their body. Referees will call a foul on a hand check if the player is using their body to impede the progress of their opponent.
Hand checking is legal so long as it isn’t more than necessary, but can cause more contact than desired.
Some examples of a foul on the player with the ball and defender making contact by using their hands or arms to impede progress, deny access, gain leverage or create separation are:
- The defender uses his hands or arms to illegally force the player with the ball from driving close to the defender’s body.
- The defender uses his hands or arms to block a lane by leaning both of his forearms vertically against each other.
- The defender grabs the player with the ball from behind without first going for a steal by going between his legs.
Some examples of when the defender is not fouled are when they are trying to differentiate their player from driving into them. They are also not fouled if the defender is trying to gain leverage. The defender can also be considered so aware if they are trying to create separation. The referee will call a foul if the defender grabs the player with the ball from behind without first going for a solve by going between their legs.
Conclusion
Hand checking is a basketball term which means to physically block or impede the path of an offensive player with the use of one’s own body. Hand checks are legal so long as they are deemed to be incidental, meaning that they must not impede the progress of the opponent more than is necessary, and must not cause physical contact.
The hand check rules exist because if someone were being constantly checked in their every move on court it would disrupt game play for both players.
