Quote:
Originally posted by Mark Dexter
Calling more handchecks came up in another thread, and it got me thinking that the handcheck is the hardest call for me to make.
What a handcheck is usually is fairly simple. I have a problem in determining when to call the foul. If B1 is handchecking A1, and A1 does not seem to be affected (although, according to the book, any handcheck gives an advantage) while backing down toward the basket, do you usually:
(1) Call the foul while A1 is backing in?
(2) Wait for the shot, and call a shooting foul?
(3) See if the shot is affected, and then call a shooting foul?
Thanks in advance for the help.
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Believe it or not Mark, this is actually a tough call for me to. Of all the plays in basketball you wouldn't think handchecking would be a difficult call but it is very judgemental and subjective and it seems like all refs have different views on when to call it. I have been taught to call a handcheck when it affects the speed/quickness/balance/rhythm of the dribbler with an exception. If a defender places a hand or forearm on a dribbler above free throw line extended and leaves it on there for a count of two to call it even if does not affect sqbr as a message to get them to get it off. I do say "hands" every now and then to the defensive player. If a dribbler is making a strong move to the basket and the forearm or hand is left on but it is on the side or back of the player and has no affect on sqbr I would let the play go as exciting drives to the basket are what we want. We don't want a game interruptor call here. Incidental contact with the hand or forearm where it is not left on or plays where the dribbler is initiating the contact by backing down into the defensvie player should be left alone. Handchecking is good to get early as a temposetter to get the defensive players to stop it. If you let it go early it gets worse and worse and becomes tough to reel in. If the player is facing the basket I tend to call it tighter and if they are making a north/south move I tend to call it tighter. I rarely have handchecking fouls on shots. This would generally be something you would get before the shot is taken. If you do feel it is necessary to call during a shot it should be a pretty good affector of sqbr. Call a push or hold instead of a handcheck here if you are going to award two shots.