Applying the New Continuous Motion Rule on Drives

Correct positioning is the foundation for officiating drives to the basket, as all three officials must work together to ensure freedom of movement for ball handlers and cutters. This play illustrates a common defensive error where #22 Blue uses two hands to disrupt the speed and balance of the dribbler. The primary officiating challenge here is applying the updated continuous motion rule. Under the new guidelines, a player fouled after the dribble has ended may complete the step they are on or a single pivot to finish their shooting motion. In this instance, because White #1 was fouled while his left foot was on the floor and subsequently took two additional steps, the action exceeds the legal limit for continuous motion. This remains a non-shooting foul, and officials must be diligent in tracking footwork to make the correct determination.

Play BreakDown

All three officials are in a good initial starting position for this drive to the basket. We must allow freedom of movement on ball handlers and cutters. On this play White #1 drives to the basket and Blue #22 places two hands on the dribbler, affecting his speed and balance. The next part of this play is determining if we should be shooting free throws. The new continuos motion rule state that’s a player with the ball who is fouled after the dribble has ended and believed to be attempting a shot may complete a pivot or the one step the player is on in order to complete the shooting motion. Here, White #1 is fouled with his left foot on the floor, he continues to take two steps after the illegal contact, making this a non shooting foul.

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