Is a hook shot legal? How about a slamma jamma?

Question
Last week my league disappointed me.  The ref repeatedly allowed the other team to utilize what I call the old "Wilt Chamberlain hook shot" to return the ball to my side of play.  The ref advised that it was not a "lift".  I argued that it was a lift because at some point it was being propelled vertically until it crossed the player's vertical plane and then started down.  I also argued that it was a carry based upon the excessive time in contact with the hand.  I finally argued that it was closer to a throw/fling than it was to a hit.  What is the correct call?  Are these overhand flings legal?  I have to play this team this week in the finals and as the captain my team expects me to resolve. Thanks

Answer
Hey John!

It's great to hear from you!  Welcome to www.allexperts.com

a) You didn't tell me what kind of league you played in.  Do you play in slop league?  do the player throw the ball around like a back yard game?  a boy's PE game? jungle ball?  Is it a rec mixed league where the women are scared of the ball and scared of the men and there's a rule where they have to touch the ball once?  If so, then nearly everything you do is a lift, and your point is moot.  I've reffed those leagues before, and when someone comes to me and says, "Aren't you going to call that?", I respond with, "If you also want me to call all YOUR lifts, then I'll call that." Conversation is over.  Once I responded, "If I were to call all the lifts, you'd guys couldn't do 5 consecutive touches w/o me blowing the whistle. Let's play."  

b) I don't remember the Wilt hook shot.  Sorry.  But I did just look for it on YouTube.  After about 6 mins of video, I saw one.  NO WAY your refs let the players on your court do THAT?!?!  No way.  (Loved the Wilt finger roll!  Amazing!!)  

c) I believe what you're talking about is the "power dink," as some people call it, or the "slamma jamma" shot.  I see D1 women's ball every weekend, and many MB's do it, and no ref has called a lift yet.  I wouldn't either.  In fact, I train my MB's to do it.  We work on it from the first week I meet them.  For the smaller MB's, the slam may be their best shot!  

Now, when is the slam a lift?  Yes, I agree with you, if the ball is held excessively.  (But again, if you're playing in a "back yard" adult league, nearly EVERY contact is held excessively.)  

I don't know if I've answered your question.  If I haven't please re-ask it.  

I hope you have a great week!  I'll be at Gardner Webb this Friday and UNC Asheville on Sunday to watch Big South matches.  If you're in North Carolina, come on over!  Matches are free!  

Coach Houser