FIBA RULES · GOALTENDING
Goaltending and basket interference in basketball: when touching the ball is illegal
A FIBA guide to goaltending, basket interference, legal touches around the rim and the points awarded when a violation is called.
When does goaltending occur?
On a field-goal attempt, goaltending occurs when a player touches the ball while it is completely above the level of the ring and the ball is on its downward flight to the basket or has already touched the backboard. On a free throw, touching the ball in flight before it touches the ring is goaltending.
When can the ball be touched legally?
A ball that is still on its upward flight may be touched legally, even above ring level. The goaltending restriction ends when the ball no longer has a possibility to enter the basket or when it touches the ring. After ring contact, however, the separate basket-interference rules still apply.
What is basket interference?
Interference includes touching the basket or backboard while the ball is in contact with the ring. A player reaches through the basket from below and touches the ball, or touches the ball or basket while the ball is within the basket. It is also interference when a player causes the basket to vibrate or grasps it in a way that unnaturally changes the ball’s bounce or direction.
What is the penalty and can replay be used?
For an offensive violation, no points are awarded and the opponents receive a throw-in. For a defensive violation, the offensive team is awarded 1, 2 or 3 points according to the type and location of the shot. Under the FIBA 2026 rules, the Instant Replay System may also be used to review a goaltending or basket-interference violation after a foul has been committed, at any time in the game.