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Faizan
One of the most widely accepted myths in basketball is that reaching into a dribbler's space counts as a personal foul. However, the term "reaching in" isn't found in the official NBA (National Basketball Association) rulebook. Get the facts on "reaching in," and find out why there's so much confusion about one of basketball's most basic rules.
"Reaching in" Against a Dribbler
"Reaching in" itself is not a foul. However, if a defender reaches in to steal possession from the offensive player, the defender must not make contact that, according to the NBA rulebook, "results in a re-routing of an opponent." The rulebook also says that "incidental contact with the hand against an offensive player shall be ignored if it does not affect the player's speed, quickness, balance and/or rhythm."
Exceptions
An exception to "reaching in" would be contacting the offensive player's hand while it is touching the ball. When a player's hand is in contact with the ball, the hand is considered part of the ball.
Reaching "Over the Back"
Reaching over an offensive basketball player's back to block a shot is legal as long as the defender does not make illegal contact with the offensive player's body. The defensive player can legally contact the ball or a hand in contact with the ball when attempting to block a shot over the offensive player's back. Any other contact that affects the player's balance or rhythm is a foul.
"Reaching in" Against a Dribbler
"Reaching in" itself is not a foul. However, if a defender reaches in to steal possession from the offensive player, the defender must not make contact that, according to the NBA rulebook, "results in a re-routing of an opponent." The rulebook also says that "incidental contact with the hand against an offensive player shall be ignored if it does not affect the player's speed, quickness, balance and/or rhythm."
Exceptions
An exception to "reaching in" would be contacting the offensive player's hand while it is touching the ball. When a player's hand is in contact with the ball, the hand is considered part of the ball.
Reaching "Over the Back"
Reaching over an offensive basketball player's back to block a shot is legal as long as the defender does not make illegal contact with the offensive player's body. The defensive player can legally contact the ball or a hand in contact with the ball when attempting to block a shot over the offensive player's back. Any other contact that affects the player's balance or rhythm is a foul.
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