The hand-checking rule was one of the most important rules in the NBA. It changed the game's entire structure. The classic defense system in the NBA league was completely transformed by it. Hands checking allows for a quicker pace.
What is the hand-check rule? Why has the NBA been so affected by it? We'll find out more from Scott Fujita by reading the article!
What is the HAND CHECKING RULE?
A defender cannot place or hold an opponent's hand. This is called the hand check rule. All actions by defenders are prohibited unless he is within the basket-near zone with his back towards the basket.
Defenders may temporarily touch an opponent's hand on any part of the field. The action should not hinder the opponent's speed, rhythm, balance, or movement.
The arms of the defender don't need to be fully extended. It doesn't take much to make scoring or moving more difficult for the defender.
When ball handlers want to attack, it is extremely detrimental. However, defenders now face greater disadvantages after the rule changes.
You will need to be more cautious when protecting as a defender. Your reflexes, movements and sharp wits will be your main tools. You don't want the game ruined by your negligence.
WHAT IS THE PENALTY FOR HAND CHECK NBA
Hand-checking is an individual error of the fouler. A team that has five fouls per match will get a free throw shot.
Referees will send players off if a player commits six fouls. Unless the referee sent the player off, the player was allowed to remain on the bench.
WHAT WAS HAND CHECKING LIKE AT THE NBA LEAGUE?
In the 2004-2005 NBA season, the NBA introduced the hand check rule. This rule clearly shows an effort to reduce hand checking. It clarifies fouls in blocking and applies the three-second defense rules.
The NBA was completely screwed by the hand check rule. Hand check was once the main defense used by ball handlers to control speed and actions.
Since 1994, hand check play has been a huge hit in the NBA. This tactic was eventually abandoned to allow for more fluid and free play.
BASKETBALL GAMES IN THOUGHTS
Most of you are familiar with the fact that the NBA was dominated back then by great centers. To compete for a championship, one had to have a dominant centre. It was slow and the perimeter game wasn't as well developed as it is today.
Although hand-checking is a contributing factor, it wasn't the only one. The modern NBA was created by executives and coaches who saw the game from a different perspective. Analytics that drive many of the decisions and adjustments made in the modern NBA are not as well-known today.
The game was more physical because it was dominated by big men. Hand-checking was allowed which made many situations that would have been a foul today not be called back then. This probably didn't bother spot up shooters as much, since their game wasn't centered on driving.
It is clear, however, that this would discourage players from driving to the rim. Even if your primary defender could be overcome, which is a huge "if", there is a large center under the rim. Stretch fives are non-existent.
You'll get hit hard and you won't be able to make free throws. You can see a great example of this by watching any defensive compilation of Bad Boy Pistons on YouTube. They pushed the rules to their absolute limits.
The seeds of change
Although the show's center stars were dominant in the 80s and 90s, it doesn't mean that the perimeter stars didn't exist. Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Reggie Miller are just a few examples of some of the most notable. You're probably thinking that one name is missing from this listing.
This name is almost entirely responsible for the end of hand-checking. Basketball fans were introduced to a new type of basketball when Jordan's Bulls began dominating the NBA.
The team was based around a revolutionary system with two perimeter stars in Jordan, and Pippen. Because everyone wanted to be Mike, the Bulls dominated the league. He was the face and symbol of the NBA.
Fans who couldn't identify as 7' tall men could find Jordan's style of play both innovative and appealing. Young players wanted to improve their perimeter skills and the NBA was more popular than ever. The potential was being realized by the NBA leadership.
The league changed the rules to allow hand-checking when MJ retired. This was done in an effort to encourage more perimeter play and not have MJ as the league's top perimeter player. They might have been concerned (read: totally worried) about how their rating would decline without MJ.
The ratings plummeted like a rock, as was expected. The new rules were not implemented well (hence the quotation marks), but they were thrown out the window when MJ (and ratings) returned.
THE END OF HAND CHECKING ERA
Michael Jordan's three-point throws in the third quarter changed the game. This gives young players the opportunity to play active perimeter. We don't need to have a dominant center in order to win.
Mike retired from the NBA in 2001, so hand-checking rules are still a little difficult. Everyone knows that perimeter play is the future for the NBA. This is the right time to make a shift.
The hand-check rule was officially introduced after the 2003-04 season. The old strikers were also slowly retiring. Potential perimeter ball handlers are the new players who will replace the old ones.
This era saw some notable players such as LeBron James and Kobe Bryant shine. They must be stopped by the defense. This is a difficult task, which creates suspense in the crowd when they watch the match.
The pace of the game became more rapid after a few seasons. Slowly, the NBA league is gaining popularity. We are able to witness the best scoring phases firsthand.
FINAL THOUGHTS
There were two distinct eras in NBA basketball. They survived and prospered in both eras.
There have been many opinions on the hand check rule. Many believe that the hand check rule alters the tournament's nature and makes it too easy. We all now recognize that the hand check rule makes the game more exciting and unpredictable.
Defenders are forced to consider ways to defend themselves against offensive players by this rule. We couldn't look away from the game's rapid pace and flexibility.
Scott Fujita hopes you find this article interesting. Follow our other articles!
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