Reach No Reach

[shutupneff]

This is all kind of blowing my mind. I've always seen this play as usually legal and uncalled. I admit it can be tricky to get a good angle on the play to see any potential contact because the defender is suddenly changing the direction he's attacking from. However, there are really only two ways a foul can happen on the move: if the defender pushes/displaces the offensive player in the back with the off hand, or if the defender hits the offensive player's elbow while swiping for the ball. Ever since I've been reffing, if a defender attempts this move and I'm not in perfect position to see it, I assume it's legal unless the offensive player suddenly accelerates awkwardly or his dribbling hand shoots forward.

And, in my opinion, any ref who thinks that always calling it teaches the defender to play proper defense is a stuborn old fogie who deserves to be lightly mocked behind their back.