Pass into the line, thought processes

[Schmidt MJ]

Illegaly touching only applies behind the NZ and only if it is an intentional act by the ineligible player. If the ball simply hit the player then there is no foul, If the player batted, knocked down, tipped, etc... or otherwise made an attempt to play the ball then you have illegal touching. If all this occurs beyond the NZ, then you have OPI. If the ball had been touched by the defense prior to the ineligible player touching the ball then you have no foul as all players are now able to touch/catch the ball.