In basketball, a block (short for blocked shot), not to be confused with blocking, occurs when a defensive player legally deflects a field goal attempt from an offensive player. The defender must not touch the offensive player's hands or otherwise a foul is called. In order to be legal, the block must occur while the shot is traveling upward or at its apex. If it is heading downward when the defender hits it, it is ruled as goaltending and counts as a made basket. Goaltending is also called if the block is made after the ball bounces on the backboard (NFHS excepted; the NCAA also used this rule until the 2009–10 season). Nicknames for blocked shots include "rejections," "stuffs," "facials," "swats," "denials," and "packs." Blocked shots were first officially recorded in the NBA during the 1973-74 season.
Largely due to their height and position near the basket, centers and power forwards tend to record the most blocks, but shorter players with high leaps can also be blockers, an example being Dwyane Wade, the shortest player, at 6'4", to record 100 blocked shots in a single season. A player with the ability to block shots can be a positive asset to a team's defense, as they can make it difficult for opposing players to shoot near the basket and by keeping the basketball in play, as opposed to swatting it out of bounds, a blocked shot can lead to a fast break, a skill Bill Russell was notable for. To be a good shot-blocker, a player needs great court sense and timing, and good height or jumping ability. One tactic is that a shot-blocker can intimidate opponents to alter their shots, resulting in a miss.
[edit] Shot blocking records in the NBA
[edit] Shot blocking records in the NCAA
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
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