preventing the opponent from saving the ball?

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by ysong

Listening...

It was exactly as Bob said. Contact alone is not illegal.


If B1's arms are extended into A1's path AND A1 has a reasonable chance to actually save the ball, it could be a foul.

If B1 is throwing a hip into A1 AND A1 has a reasonable chance to actually save the ball, it could be a foul.

If B1 is moving into/towards A1 AND A1 has a reasonable chance to actually save the ball, it could be a foul.

If B1 is moving towards the ball keeping their torso in A1's path and is doing so in a way that makes it difficult for A1 to get to the ball, it will likely not be a foul. B1 earned the better position and is not required to yield it to A1 just because A1 wants the ball. B1 is not required to actually save the ball in order to realize the advantage of the position.

Imagine if B1 were, instead, going for the ball and A1 made the same contact, would it be a foul on B1, no. In fact, you could have a foul on A1 for coming through B1 (pushing). Now, if B1 just goes for it a little less enthusiasticaly...a bit slower....does that give A1 the right to come through B1? No. A1 has to go around B1...but B1 doesn't have to permit it.

All of this assumes A1 and B1 start from positions that are near each other....A1 is NOT running full speed towards the ball. If A1 was running full speed, B1 would be required to be in A1's path a little sooner...as guarding principles on a moving opponent without the ball require that B1 is in the path allowing time/distance for A1 to adjust.