rules clarification

[l5316]

While waiting to see where UK would play this weekend, a discussion came up about a play that occurred in a game that I think involved UCLA. A player was near the out of bounds line in under the basket and took a shot that went over top of the backboard. The ball did not touch any part of the backboard. As I understand it, the shot was not allowed because of having been made over the top of the backboard. I immediately called BS, but the participants in the conversation said that it was discussed by the announcers that the shot should not be allowed because of the fact that it went over the backboard. I don't know if the shot actually went in, but apparently that wasn't a factor. It's been several years since I held a license, but stranger things have happened about rules changes since that time. Is there a rule that would prohibit a shot being taken over the top of the backboard by a player who was actually behind the backboard?

[lighthouse]

While waiting to see where UK would play this weekend, a discussion came up about a play that occurred in a game that I think involved UCLA. A player was near the out of bounds line in under the basket and took a shot that went over top of the backboard. The ball did not touch any part of the backboard. As I understand it, the shot was not allowed because of having been made over the top of the backboard. I immediately called BS, but the participants in the conversation said that it was discussed by the announcers that the shot should not be allowed because of the fact that it went over the backboard. I don't know if the shot actually went in, but apparently that wasn't a factor. It's been several years since I held a license, but stranger things have happened about rules changes since that time. Is there a rule that would prohibit a shot being taken over the top of the backboard by a player who was actually behind the backboard?

Yes, and we discussed it on another thread after that game. If the ball goes over the backboard in any direction, it's a violation. And please remember, NEVER listen to the announcers.

[l5316]

Thanks for that. Do you know what the reasoning is behind this rule?

[lighthouse]

Thanks for that. Do you know what the reasoning is behind this rule?

Not really, the rule has been in as long as I've been around. FWIW, the rule only applies to a rectangular backboard, it's different if the backboard is fan shaped.