Offensive Goaltending
Offensive goaltending occurs when teams on the offense conduct illegal activities that go against the NBA rules. The offense team's score is not counted, and they lose possession of the ball after this act.
An example of offensive goaltending would be when players from the offensive team touch the rim or board for the ball to enter the net. Taking the rebound ball before it reaches below the basket level is also considered illegal and incurs a penalty for the team.
The image illustrates that when Andrew Wggins pushes the ball in the downward incline for a perfect score, it was nullified due to goaltending.
If the offensive player pushes the ball inside the rim or dunks when it is already in the rim circumference, it is offensive goaltending, and the team loses the point and possession of the ball.
Difference Between Blocking And Offensive Goaltending
Blocking is the method to stop the ball from reaching the desired target after being shot. Defensive players can legally deflect or tackle the ball.
While they can touch the ball during upward motion after it leaves the opponent's hands, they will be penalized if the ball has already started coming downwards before the touch.
Basketball players on the defense can legally block and deflect the ball, but there is a fine line before it becomes goaltending.
If the player catches or derails it off from the initial track when it is in an upward movement, then it is considered a block, but if it starts coming down before the touch, then it is considered goaltending.
A downward arc is vital for the touch to be deemed illegal by the referees. Similarly, a player might get a goaltending violation when going for a rebound before the ball comes below the level of the rim.
Even when there is no possibility of the ball entering the basket in some scenarios, it is still illegal to touch the ball while it is above the rim.