In many sports, a foul is called for dangerous play, such as contact between players, in order to keep the game going safely. Specific standards for fouls vary depending on the sport, so you may find yourself saying things like, “I don’t understand why this play was a defensive foul.”
When determining whether a play is a foul in basketball, it is helpful to understand the concept of a “cylinder.”
What is a cylinder in basketball?
Here we will introduce the concept of the cylinder, which has an important meaning in basketball.
【table of contents】
■What is a basketball cylinder?
– Boundary line of the cylinder of the player who does not have the ball
・The boundary line of the cylinder of the player with the ball
■Why is there a cylinder for basketball?
■Example of contact resulting in a foul
・Contact that results in a defensive foul
・Contact that results in an offensive foul
■Know the cylinder and prevent fouls!
■What is a basketball cylinder?
Cylinder is an English word that means “cylindrical” or “cylinder”. In basketball, it refers to the cylindrical space a player can occupy.
The specific size varies depending on the height and size of the player and whether or not there is a ball, but the difference between the cylinder when holding the ball and when not holding the ball is determined as follows.
– Boundary line of the cylinder of the player who does not have the ball
Player cylinders for players on defense and those on the offensive side who are not in possession of the ball are limited as follows:
[Cylinder border]
・Front: up to the palm of your hand
・Back: up to the buttocks
・Side: To the outside of the arms and legs
The cylindrical space within the boundary line is the space occupied by that player. For example, if an offensive player forces his way into the cylinder of a defending player and a contact occurs, it will be considered a foul on the offensive player’s side.
While there is nothing wrong with extending your hands and arms forward, you cannot extend your hands forward beyond your feet or knees to increase the range of the cylinder.
Additionally, in a legal guarding position (a position in which the defenseman faces the opponent with both feet on the floor), it is possible to bend the hands at the elbows. When doing so, you need to raise your forearms and palms.
・The boundary line of the cylinder of the player with the ball
The boundaries of the cylinder for the offensive player in possession of the ball are defined as follows:
[Boundary line of ball holder’s cylinder]
・Front: Both feet ・Bent elbows and arms ・Up to the position where you are holding the ball above your waist
・Back: up to the buttocks
・Side: To the outside of the arms and legs
Another important point is that the offensive player in possession of the ball must be given sufficient space to perform plays such as dribbling, pivoting, shooting, and passing.
If an offensive player is attempting a play, such as a shot or pass, within his own cylinder, the defense cannot enter into the offensive cylinder to create contact.
If there is contact, it will generally be considered a foul on the defense’s part.
■Why is there a cylinder for basketball?
The basic premise for a foul in basketball is contact between players. A foul will then be determined based on whether the contact affected the play.
If it is not clearly determined who is responsible for the contact, the referee will not be able to determine which foul should be called.
If cylinders were not defined, the standards for fouls would change greatly depending on the referee’s thinking.
The cylinder can be said to be an important concept that serves as a standard for determining who is responsible for a foul.
Previously, cylinders were only applicable to defensive players, but with the 2021 rule revision, cylinders are now applicable to offensive players as well.
Care must be taken as plays that were previously called offensive fouls may now become defensive fouls.
■Example of contact resulting in a foul
Cylinder plays a big role in determining fouls in basketball, but what kind of contact actually constitutes a foul?
We will introduce examples of defensive fouls and offensive fouls.
・Contact that results in a defensive foul
The following plays are examples of contact that can result in a “defensive foul” in which the defense is fouled.
[Example of contact resulting in a defensive foul]
・Using arms and legs that come out of one’s own cylinder to impede offensive play[blocking]
・Pushing an opponent player with his hand out of his own cylinder[Pushing]
– Hitting an opponent player when trying to take the ball[hacking]
– Obstructing play by grabbing an opponent’s body[holding]etc.
Remember that as a general rule, the player who was there first will have priority in playing.
For example, if the offense is holding the ball and the defense rushes in and contact occurs, it will be a foul on the defense.
・Contact that results in an offensive foul
Examples of offensive fouls where an offensive player is fouled include the following plays:
[Example of contact that results in an offensive foul]
・The offense rushes towards the area the defense is protecting and contact occurs[Charging]
– A player who set up a screen against a defenseman (screener) moves his body and comes into contact with the defenseman[illegal screen]etc.
However, an exception is when the defense and offense come into contact within the semi-circle (no-charge semi-circle) area under the ring.
Even if the defense is first in the no-charge semi-circle area and the jumping offense makes contact with the defense, no offensive foul will be charged.
Of course, obviously malicious contact may result in an offensive foul, even if it is within the no-charge semi-circle area.
■Know the cylinder and prevent fouls!
In basketball games, where the game progresses quickly and there is a lot of contact between players, it is impossible to completely prevent fouls. Contact inevitably occurs during play.
Although it is not possible to eliminate fouls, it is possible to reduce the number of fouls if you understand the concept of cylinders. Why not be conscious of the cylinder when playing in a game?
Also, knowing the cylinder will make it easier to determine which foul is due. It’s also useful for watching games, so it’s useful to remember even if you don’t actually play.
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[Text]Alpen Group Magazine Editorial Department
