Goaltending
A basketball violation for interfering with a shot while the ball is on its downward path to the basket or above the rim.
Overview
A defender may block a shot, but not once the ball has begun its downward flight toward the hoop, is directly above the rim, or is on the rim. Touching the ball in any of these situations is goaltending, and the shooting team is credited with the score.
The rule also covers offensive players who touch the ball in the cylinder above the rim, known as basket interference. It stops tall players from simply swatting away every shot at the last moment.
Key points
- A shot may be blocked only before it starts its downward path.
- Touching the ball on or directly above the rim is not allowed.
- On a defensive goaltend, the points are awarded to the shooting team.
- Offensive interference in the cylinder cancels the basket.
Where it’s used
Sports that use goaltending:
Related rules
Traveling
A basketball violation for moving illegally with the ball without dribbling it.
Double dribble
A basketball violation for dribbling with two hands at once, or for dribbling again after picking up the ball.
Shot clock
A timing rule that requires the attacking basketball team to attempt a shot within a set number of seconds.
How it connects
The meaning-bearing relationships that place Goaltending in the wider knowledge graph — each one with the reason it exists.
Frequently learned together
Taught side by side in the same stage of a learning path.
- TravelingBoth are taught in the “Get to know the game” stage of the Basketball learning path.
- Double dribbleBoth are taught in the “Get to know the game” stage of the Basketball learning path.
- Shot clockBoth are taught in the “Get to know the game” stage of the Basketball learning path.
- Backcourt violationBoth are taught in the “Get to know the game” stage of the Basketball learning path.
- Personal fouls and free throwsBoth are taught in the “Get to know the game” stage of the Basketball learning path.
Explore across the knowledge base
Follow the threads that connect Goaltending to the rest of SocialSportHub.
Officiating
- Video ReviewVideo review lets officials re-examine footage of a contested moment to confirm or overturn a close call — a goal, a line, a foul — an aid used across many sports.
- Foul callA foul call is an official's ruling that a player broke a rule of contact or conduct, triggering a penalty such as a free kick, free throw or penalty.
- Out-of-Bounds CallAn official's ruling that the ball or a player in possession has left the legal playing area, stopping play and handing a restart or possession to the opponent.
Positions
- CenterThe center is usually the tallest player on a basketball team, playing near the basket to score inside, rebound, and protect the rim.
- Point guardThe point guard is basketball’s primary ball-handler and playmaker, running the offence and setting up teammates to score.
- Power forwardThe power forward plays near the basket in basketball, using strength to rebound, score inside, and defend the paint.
- Small forwardThe small forward is a versatile wing player in basketball who can score inside and outside while also defending multiple positions.
- LiberoThe libero is a defensive volleyball specialist who wears a contrasting shirt, plays only in the back row, and cannot attack the ball above the height of the net.
Techniques
- LayupA close-range basketball shot taken while moving toward the basket, laying the ball softly off the backboard or over the rim.
- Jump ShotA basketball shot released at the top of a vertical jump, letting the shooter get the ball over a defender with a soft, arcing release.
- Free ThrowAn unguarded basketball shot taken from the free-throw line, relying on a calm, repeatable routine rather than power.
- Crossover DribbleA basketball dribbling move that switches the ball quickly from one hand to the other to change direction and get past a defender.
- Volleyball SpikeA powerful attacking hit that drives the ball sharply downward over the net into the opponent's court, usually after an approach and jump.
Equipment
- BasketballA large, inflated ball with a dimpled surface used to play basketball.
- Football (soccer ball)A round, inflated ball used to play association football and futsal.
- Tennis racquetA strung frame with a handle used to hit the ball in tennis.
- Pickleball paddleA solid, flat paddle used to hit the perforated plastic ball in pickleball.
- Cricket batA flat-fronted wooden bat used by batters to hit the ball in cricket.
Skills
- ReboundingThe basketball skill of gaining the ball after a missed shot.
- ShootingThe skill of striking or releasing the ball toward the goal or basket to score.
- ServingThe skill of putting the ball or shuttle into play to start a point or rally.
- DribblingThe skill of moving with the ball under close control to beat opponents or keep possession.
- Ball controlThe skill of receiving and settling the ball quickly so it is ready to use.
Go deeper with Goaltending
Everywhere else on the platform that covers Goaltending — assembled from what actually references it, so nothing here is a dead end.
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Structured courses and paths on the platform that cover this directly.
Take it away
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How this page is maintained
- Content type
- Rule
- Provenance
- Tier A — evergreen educational
- Verified external sources
- 0
- Content updated
- 2026-07-09
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