During Game 4 of the 2022 Western Conference Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Dallas Mavericks, something unusual happened at the free-throw line. As Warriors forward Draymond Green attempted his first shot, the ball rolled around the rim before coming to an unexpected stop on the back of the rim.
The unexpected event caused laughter from the audience and players, including Mavericks star guard Luka Doncic. While it is very rare, it is physically possible, as evidenced by similar incidents in the past. Although the primary goal in basketball is to get the ball through the hoop and net, we will examine the intriguing phenomenon of “what is rim rest basketball” – when the ball sits on the rim and stops rotating or spinning.
What to do if it happens?
When a ball comes to rest on the rim during a basketball game, it can cause confusion and uncertainty for players and spectators alike. At lower levels of play, players may use a long pole or another ball to knock the game ball off the rim so that play can continue. Professional basketball has specific rules that dictate how to handle rim rest situations.
Typically, a jump ball is called after the whistle blows, and a dead ball is declared. Two players will then jump in the center of the court to tap the ball toward a teammate. In some cases, possession may be awarded to the opposing team if the ball comes to rest on the rim during live gameplay.
During Draymond Green’s rim rest incident in the Western Conference Finals, his first free throw attempt was ruled as no good, and he was allowed to proceed with his second attempt. This is an example of how the rules of the game dictate how to handle unusual occurrences like rim rest.
Basketball Rims FAQs
Q: Can you block a shot through the rim?
It’s against the rules for defensive players to block shots by reaching through the rim. The hands and arms must always be kept above or around the rim. Doing otherwise is considered goaltending, encompassing a range of illegal actions preventing a ball from going through the hoop. Apart from being against the rules, attempting to block a shot through the basket is also not recommended, as it exposes your fingers to potential injury from the ball or the rim.
Q: Does the ball have to hit the rim to be a rebound?
Rebounding is a crucial part of basketball, and the terms “cleaning the glass” and “hitting the boards” are often used interchangeably to refer to it. Typically, rebounds are defined as missed shots that bounce off the rim or backboard and are then grabbed by a player, either offensively or defensively.
However, the definition of a rebound is broader than that. If a player grabs the ball after a shot attempt, whether or not it hit the rim or backboard, it qualifies as a rebound, as long as the shot attempt was made before the shot clock expired.
Determining whether or not a ball pushed toward the rim is a shot attempt can be challenging for the official scorer, especially in the NBA. In some cases, a ball thrown toward the basket to be dunked or laid in by a teammate may be recorded as a pass rather than a shot attempt, depending on the scorer’s judgment. If the defensive team steals the ball, it will be recorded as a turnover, but if a teammate comes away with the ball after the unorthodox pass, it may not be specifically recorded in the stats.
Q: What is it called when the ball doesn’t touch the rim?
This is what we call “airball” when someone shoots and doesn’t hit any part of the rim or backboard. This is considered kind of embarrassing for the players, especially for NBA players. But, like in every sport, you can always miss an easy shoot or waste an important opportunity. No one is perfect, and everyone at some point misses.
However, it’s important for players not to be too discouraged by shooting an airball, as it can happen to even the best players. There will always be another opportunity to make a play and redeem oneself on the court.
Q: Why do some hoops have a double rim?
When you’re playing basketball outdoors, you might notice that the hoop has two rims instead of one. These double rims are thicker than the ones you see in college or professional arenas, and they’re there to help the hoop hold up better in bad weather.
But playing with a double rim can be tough for some players. When you shoot the ball, it’s less likely to bounce in on a double rim, making it harder to score. Some players may try to avoid hitting the rim altogether and aim to swish their shots instead.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Basketball is a game with all sorts of details and rules that can make it both challenging and fun. From being embarrassed by shooting an airball to challenging yourself with a double-rim hoop, this is all part of the fun! But with determination and practice, anyone can overcome these challenges and become a better player.
So the next time you’re on the court, take a moment to appreciate all the little things of the game, from the excitement of grabbing a rebound to the satisfaction of swishing a shot. And don’t forget to have fun – that’s what basketball is all about!
