I've had it explained that a closed fist punch allows the ball to be dislodged from an opponent's grasp easier than other methods and that along with the associated danger of throwing punches (even if directed at the ball) are the primary reasons the action became a violation. I could be wrong in saying that was the original reason for the rule, but it makes sense for me.
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My job is a decision-making job, and as a result, I make a lot of decisions." --George W. Bush
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