Basketball Rules Touch Ball After Out Of Bounds

Basketball is a popular and exciting sport enjoyed by millions of fans and players around the world. It requires skill, strategy, and teamwork to succeed, but it also has a set of rules that every player and fan should know. One of these rules is touching the ball after it goes out of bounds. In this article, we'll take a closer look at this rule and how it affects the game.

What Does It Mean to Go Out of Bounds?

In basketball, the playing court is surrounded by boundary lines that define the limits of play. The sidelines run the length of the court, while the end lines run the width. When the ball crosses any of these lines and touches anything outside the court, it is considered out of bounds. This includes the floor or any object, person or structure that is beyond the boundary lines.

The Out of Bounds Rule

When the ball goes out of bounds, the game is momentarily paused to allow the officials to make a ruling. The ball is awarded to the opposing team for a throw-in from the sideline nearest to where it went out. The player designated to take the throw-in must have both feet touching the floor out of bounds, and has a maximum of five seconds to release the ball. If the player fails to do so, it results in a turnover, and the possession goes to the other team.

Touching the Ball After It Goes Out of Bounds

Once the ball goes out of bounds, only the opposing team's players may touch it. If a player from the team that was not awarded possession touches the ball after it goes out of bounds, it results in a violation and a turnover. This is known as a "dead ball." The opposing team then gets to take possession of the ball from the sideline nearest to where the violation occurred.

Exceptions to the Rule

Like many rules in basketball, there are exceptions to the out of bounds rule. The most common exception is when a player jumps from within the court and catches the ball in the air before landing out of bounds. As long as the player releases the ball before landing and does not touch anything out of bounds, it is considered a legal play. This is known as a "save" or a "tip."

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What Happens When the Ball Hits the Line?

When the ball hits the sideline or end line, it is considered out of bounds, even if it bounces back into the court. This is because the line is considered part of the out of bounds area. If a player from the opposing team touches the ball while it is still in contact with the line, it is also considered out of bounds.

Conclusion

Knowing the rules of basketball is essential to enjoying and playing the game. The out of bounds rule and its exceptions are just one of many rules that players and fans need to know. Remember, only the opposing team can touch the ball after it goes out of bounds, unless a player jumps and catches the ball before landing out of bounds. Now that you know the rules, get out there and enjoy the game!