Is It a Foul?

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Vinski

It’s all pretty much a had to be there situation. If the defender taps/pokes the shooter after the shot is released, probably a no call. If he kind of just taps him as a course of his body’s movement settling into a defensive position, it’s probably incidental as long as it didn’t interfere with the shot.
If, however, the defender is standing there and as the shooter goes up, the defender lift his hand, sticks out his finger and then pokes him in the belly button while the shooter is in the air, I would call the foul. What would be the proper mechanic for tickling?

I think this breaks it down pretty well. I would only add that the purpose of this tactic is often not for that shot, but to cause the shooter to exercise caution on future shots. I was taught this technique by an older player when I was in school, with the rationale that the officials were most likely looking at the hands (yeah, I know, but I was 15) and the shooter would instinctively flinch the next time whether you actually poked him or not.

[Overnbach]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

I think this breaks it down pretty well. I would only add that the purpose of this tactic is often not for that shot, but to cause the shooter to exercise caution on future shots. I was taught this technique by an older player when I was in school, with the rationale that the officials were most likely looking at the hands (yeah, I know, but I was 15) and the shooter would instinctively flinch the next time whether you actually poked him or not.

I have a friend who does this to me quite often in pickup games. I am sad to say that it is pretty effective on me. I do start looking for it, and I sometimes flinch a bit. I'd like to see it called, if it is intentional.

Wouldn't you have a call if an opponent said, "Choke," just before the release of a free throw. Seems like a similar intent. (Eric does that, too.)

[Scratch85]

Originally Posted by Overnbach

Wouldn't you have a call if an opponent said, "Choke," just before the release of a free throw. Seems like a similar intent. (Eric does that, too.)

That is a completely different situation (disconcertion) and by rule does not apply here. Intent or otherwise.

This is post #29 on this thread, "Is It a foul". Apparently, officiating basketball is not as easy or "cut and dried" as some think.

Thanks a lot shawty.

It appears Eric is a pain in the ***!

[Mregor]

Used to see this quite often a few years back, but not much lately. There's only one reason for this intentional act of a slight jab to the abdomen, to gain an advantage. Why else do they do it? It makes the shooter flinch and then maybe in their head waiting for it on other shots. It's a foul. As I remember, didn't need to call it often, usually stops right away.

[just another ref]

Realistically, this will not often be called a foul simply because it will not be seen. The attention of the official is directed higher up. Even when a player is hit in the face, often the only way it is noticeable, is because the contact causes the affected player to flinch.