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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/bball-goaltending-downward-flight

A defender blocks a shot that is already coming down toward the hoop. What is that?

Goaltending, and the basket counts.

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  1. A clean block
  2. A jump ball
  3. Goaltending ✔

Why: You may not touch a shot on its downward flight when it has a chance to score. The shooting team gets the points as if the shot went in.

Huh, didn't know that: A goaltended three-point try counts for 3 points.

The dad joke
Why did the goalie switch to basketball? He heard there was goaltending.
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References

Answer: Goaltending. You may not touch a shot on its downward flight when it has a chance to score. The shooting team gets the points as if the shot went in.

  1. NBA Official Rules, Rule 11: Basket Interference and Goaltending official.nba.com/rule-no-11-basket-interference-goaltending
    Touch any ball from within the playing area that is on its downward flight with an opportunity to score.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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