"Hand is part of the ball"

[Sam K.]

Lighthouse, could you address this area?

Example. Player is dribbling or shooting and the defender in an attempt to swat the ball smacks the player's hand. Is this a foul?

Thanks!

[Lighthouse]

Sometimes. Here's the rule, but read it all.

RULE 10; Fouls and Penalties
Section 1. Personal Fouls

Art. 2. A player shall not contact an opponent with his hand unless such contact
is only with the opponent’s hand while it is on the ball and is incidental to an
attempt to play the ball.

I't all about how it looks to the official, at the time of contact.

[Sam K.]

Thanks, Lighthouse. What you wrote and what I recently read are consistent. I'm sure some parents in the top row of the gym might be unaware however.

http://www.pitmanstats.com/2012/06/17/most-misunderstood-hs-basketball-rules/

It is legal use of hands to accidentally hit the hand of the opponent when it is in contact with the ball. This includes holding, dribbling, passing, or even during a shot attempt. Striking a ball handler or a shooter on that player’s hand that is incidental to an attempt to play the ball is not a foul, no matter how loud it sounds or how much it hurts.