Basketball Rule: Goal Tending Penalty for Blocking Shots

Question
Hello Bret,

I was reading somewhere online (can't seem to find it anymore) that there was a serious penalty for blocking a descending shot on it's way to the basket. Can you shed more light on this for me?

Answer
HI Corine,

When a Player takes a shot attempt and the ball is on it's downward flight no player may touch the ball. If a defensive player touches it, the penalty is called "Goal Tending", and the official will immediately blow his/her whistle and the basket is counted. In other words if the shot attempt was made in front of the 3-point arc, then the team that shot the ball would be awarded 2 points. If the shot was made beyond the 3-point arc then the team would be awarded 3 points.

I hope that answers your question.