How much can ball handler use his arm?

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by BigBaldGuy

What you just described woud you allow the defender to do those things against the ball handler? The ball handler doesnt get special treatment because he/she has the ball. I personally think we let the offense get away with way too much opposed to what we call on the defense (also in the post). If the defender has established LGP...then we need to penalize "illegal" contact by the ball handler when it affects the defenders RSBQ.

When an offensive player pushes with their arm, this is a foul on the offensive player regardless of whether the defender has LGP. LGP is only relevant for block vs. charge. All other types of fouls (this one is illegal use of hands) are independent of LGP.

[Travelling Man]

Play On or "call a foul"--this is always a dilemma. How do we percieve what the "intent" was in sticking out their arm (i.e., chicken winging it)?
If advantage is created, then whistile it is what I do.
In cases where the offensive dribbler is using it to ward off a pesky defeneder who is actually D'ing him/her up pretty good---then I'll call that offensive foul. I don't err toward "just giving" offensive players rights of way.

[just another ref]

Originally Posted by Travelling Man

Play On or "call a foul"--this is always a dilemma. How do we percieve what the "intent" was in sticking out their arm....

Perhaps the quotes mean you know this. Intent, in this case, has nothing to do with it.

[Rob1968]

Let's take a look at 4-24-5 . . . "It is not legal to use hands on an opponent which in any way inhibits the freedom of movement of the opponent . . ."
And, more the to OP-
4-24-7 . . ."It is not legal to use the hand and/or forearm to prevent an opponent from attacking the ball during a dribble or when throwing for goal."
Of course, Basketball Rules Fundamentals 10. applies..."Personal fouls always involve illegal contact . . ."

Many coaches teach ballhandlers to set the off hand/forearm, in a position to discourage the defender from reaching in, and it becomes a moment of judgement by the covering official as to whether contact on that arm constitutes a foul, by the offense or defense.

[BigBaldGuy]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

When an offensive player pushes with their arm, this is a foul on the offensive player regardless of whether the defender has LGP. LGP is only relevant for block vs. charge. All other types of fouls (this one is illegal use of hands) are independent of LGP.

I agree...thank you for the clarifying.