what is the rule on "pinning" the ball against the backboard? - Defense blocks the shot but in doing so purposely or accidentally holds the ball to the backboard for a second. no call right? I can see how the momentum of a swatting hand would be hard to stop--you can't just throw it into reverse and pull your hand back.

I believe that could depend on where the ball was relative to its flight and position over the hoop.... Ie. Goaltending or Basket Interferrence

If the ball is touched on the way down and has an opportunity to go in, it doesn't matter whether if it's pinned or not, it's GT.

If the ball is in the cylinder and is pinned, it is BI.

But if the ball is pinned to the backboard when the shot is on it's way up, the play is perfectly legal.

Nice concise answer BSKTBALREF ! I will remember that for future reference.

Just to add to that, the ball could have already hit off the glass, and still be pinned to the glass, as long as it is still on the way up, and not in the cylinder.

I couldn't agree with Dennis more. I can't tell you how many times I've heard a player/coach start yelping after a player pinned or blocked a shot after it had hit off the board. You know the argument, "If it hit the glass it has to be on its way down!!!" Sorry but no.

Walter and Dennis
 

The ball also has to have a chance to go in too. It can be going down off the glass and be below the rim and/or not have a chance to go in. It might be rare, but these things are also required.

Peace

Agreed.