How to Define Blocking in the NBA

The game of NBA basketball has many rules that to the casual fan can be very confusing. One of these rules is the blocking foul. However, when defined and explained properly the blocking rule is relatively easy to understand.

Instructions

    • 1

      Understand that the blocking foul is a judgement call by the referees. They have to make the call in a split second, which is why this rule is one of the most controversial in the NBA.

    • 2

      Know that recently in the NBA, there has been a concerted effort to call the blocking foul more often.

    • 3

      Realize that first a defensive player must be moving and not have established position for a blocking foul to be called. Next, the offensive player must have possession and be in control of the basketball.

    • 4

      Recognize that in the NBA there is an area underneath the basket where blocking is an automatic foul call if there is defensive contact on the person with the basketball. This area is called the restricted zone and is marked by a dotted semi-circle.

    • 5

      Be aware that a defensive player must give the offensive player enough space to receive a pass for a referee to call blocking. In other words if the offensive player is in the air the defensive player cannot move in underneath the airborne player. A defensive player must allow sufficient space for the offensive player to land safely on the ground.

    • 6

      Dustinguish between blocking and charging in the NBA. Charging is the alternative foul that a referee can call instead of blocking. This is a foul called when a defensive player has position and the offensive player runs over him.