[SubPlayer]

Hello Folks,

So here’s a common situation.
In close to the paint, I am closely defending a player (who either has or does not have possession). I get in front of them and when they move in toward the basket, I set my feet, stand up, and stick my stomach out to contact them.
Here are some key points: they hit me in the numbers, I am not straight up and down (in my cylinder), my legs are leaning forward, my back is leaning back, and I am hitting them with my stomach to stop their forward progress.

So…am I committing a foul?
If so:
• What foul?
• Would most HS refs call it?
• Would most college refs call it?
• Would any NBA ref call it?
Am I violating the offensive player’s position on the court?
Am I violating the offensive player’s next move from that position?


Here’s another common related situation.
I am closely defending a player. I use the tactic above to stop them. Then I back off slightly (there’s no contact) and move laterally to keep in front of them. When they next come in toward the basket, I meet them with my stomach punch. All the points from the previous situation apply.

Have I committed a blocking foul?
If not,
• Is the key point that determines no blocking foul the fact that the offensive player hit me in the numbers?
• Is there ANY way that I can commit a blocking foul in a situation that has all those factors? If so, how?


Thanks,