[stripes1977]

I agree with sleeper and I think the key word there is advantage. Just like all situations, we should only call those fouls that create an unfair advantage for one team (and of course the ones that affect player safety).

I think you'd have to look at this situation to ensure that the grabbing is indeed not impeding the defender's ability to move. Keep in mind he can always disengage and try again...that is unless the holding in this case prevents him from disengaging.

I'm no expert, but I don't know that the rulebook says anywhere that its okay to hold as long as you push the opponent backwards. While I agree that this likely isn't going to get called, I think it generally comes down to individual plays and deciding if there is an unfair advantage.