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You are here: Home / All The Lingo / Sports Terms That Begin With ‘H’ / Hand-Checking

Hand-Checking

hand check*ing

What Is The Definition Of Hand-Checking In Basketball?What Is Hand-Checking In Basketball? Definition & Meaning | SportsLingo

1. In basketball, hand-checking is a foul that is called when a defensive player obstructs an opponent using his hands or arm. This includes any contact which impedes the movement of the offensive player, such as placing a hand on the player and maintaining contact or extending an arm bar on the player to control their movement. Stricter NBA rules regarding hand-checks went into effect in 2004.

In addition, if a defender continually pokes and jabs at an offensive player, they can be called for a hand-checking foul. However, any incidental contact that does not obstruct the offensive player’s movement or speed will not be called for hand-checking.

This foul is commonly called on defenders who are guarding the ball handler, as they tend to use their hands more to go after the steal or to prevent the ball-handler from dribbling past them.

Examples Of How Hand-Checking Is Used In Commentary

1. After multiple warnings of being told to keep his hands back, Green gets called for a hand-checking foul.

Also Seen As:

1. Hand-Check

Sports The Term Is Used

1. Basketball

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