How Well Do You Know The Rules Of NCAA Basketball? Quiz

1. Everybody knows that a defender cannot kick the ball. But what about an offensive player with a flair for soccer? May he kick the ball into the basket?

No. A player may not intentionally kick the ball or strike it with his fist — on offense or defense.

Why not? The foot is part of the body.

Yes, but only if it’s a “swish.”

Insufficient information for the correct answer

A player may not intentionally kick the ball or strike it with his fist — on offense or defense.

Explanation

A player may not intentionally kick the ball or strike it with his fist — on offense or defense.

2. You may have heard public-address announcers say that the home team may be assessed a technical foul if fans keep throwing stuff on the court. Is that an idol threat, or is it really allowed under the rules?

It depends on what they throw on the court. No foul for confetti.

It is allowed with this rule.

The home team may be punished for its fans’ misconduct.

Explanation

The home team may be punished for its fans’ misconduct.

3. A player trying to inbound the ball can't find any open teammates, so he tosses a desperate heave that goes into the basket. Is the basket allowed?

No. A basket may not be scored on a throw-in.

Yes. A basket is a basket.

Yes, but only if it’s a “swish.”

No. It is not allowed.

You can’t score a basket directly on a throw-in. This is an illegal violation in basketball.

Explanation

You can’t score a basket directly on a throw-in. This is an illegal violation in basketball.

4. Everybody knows you can’t show up as an official, but what about pointing the finger at an opposing player? Or what about inciting unfavorable crowd reaction?

Neither are violations. Basketball players, like everybody else, have a constitutional right to express themselves.

---- if I know.

None of the above

This is the NCAA; basketball players have no rights.

Explanation

This is the NCAA; basketball players have no rights.

5. A player stuck under his own basket throws the ball up through the net and over the cylinder, and it falls back through. Score the goal?

Yes, as long as the offensive player didn’t touch the net.

No. A basket can only be scored when the ball is thrown from above the rim in a downward direction.

Yes, but only if it’s a “swish.”

No. A basket can be scored in any direction.

According to basketball rules, a basket is scored when the ball passes through the net from above the basket and downward. Even if the player is stuck under their own basket, throwing the ball up through the net and over the cylinder does not count as a scored goal. The direction of the ball's movement in relation to the basket is a critical factor in determining the validity of a scored basket.

Explanation

According to basketball rules, a basket is scored when the ball passes through the net from above the basket and downward. Even if the player is stuck under their own basket, throwing the ball up through the net and over the cylinder does not count as a scored goal. The direction of the ball's movement in relation to the basket is a critical factor in determining the validity of a scored basket.

6. Announcers often lament that it is a shame that one player is called for a foul when "both were going for the ball." Do two players have an equal right to a loose ball?

No. A foul is a foul. You’ve got to call it one way or the other.

Maybe. It depends.

None of the above

Both players do have a right to the ball.

Explanation

Both players do have a right to the ball.

7. A team that is short-handed has several players foul out until it no longer fields five. May the team play with four players? Three? Two? One?

No. This is not hockey, where teams play “shorthanded.”

Maybe. It’s up to the players to decide.

Yes. It is a tie between the teams.

If players keep fouling out in the game or get injured, the team must play with the number of available players. Once it gets down to one player left, then the game must be forfeited unless the referee sees the potential for a win, which is unlikely.

Explanation

If players keep fouling out in the game or get injured, the team must play with the number of available players. Once it gets down to one player left, then the game must be forfeited unless the referee sees the potential for a win, which is unlikely.

8. Everyone knows by now that officials can "go to the monitor" to check whether a shot is a "two" or a "three." But do they have to?

No. Just because the rules say officials are permitted to go doesn’t mean they must go to the monitor.

Yes. The goal is to “get it right,” so no effort should be spared to do so.

It depends on whether a better game is showing on the monitor.

None of the above

Officials don’t have to go to the monitor just because they are allowed to.

Explanation

Officials don’t have to go to the monitor just because they are allowed to.

9. 20. Everybody makes mistakes. May an official correct his?

No, play on.

No, that is what booing officials is for.

None of the above

Mistakes can be corrected as long as they weren’t made on a “judgment call.”

Explanation

Mistakes can be corrected as long as they weren’t made on a “judgment call.”

10. On an attempted dunk, with the ball still in the dunker's hand, a defender blocks the shot while the ball is over the cylinder.

Basket interference, score the goal.

Both teams are awarded one point to reward both players for their effort.

None of the above

You may block a dunk attempt — if you can. Only if the ball is not in the cylinder. Once the ball becomes in the cylinder, you cannot touch the ball or if it is on its way down into the basket. These would result in goaltending.

Explanation

You may block a dunk attempt — if you can. Only if the ball is not in the cylinder. Once the ball becomes in the cylinder, you cannot touch the ball or if it is on its way down into the basket. These would result in goaltending.

11. Is there really a "principle of verticality? Or did Dick Vitale just make that up?

Yes. A defender in a legal guarding position may jump vertically and occupy the space within his vertical plane.

There is such a rule, but nowhere is it designated the “principle of verticality.”

Not sure. I can’t keep “principle” and “principal” straight.

None of the above

Yes, Virginia, there is a “principle of verticality.”

Explanation

Yes, Virginia, there is a “principle of verticality.”

12. A player jumps over an opponent's back to grab a rebound. Is this a foul?

Yes. Everyone knows that this is the classic “over-the-back” violation.

No. There is no foul unless the rebounder pushes or crashes onto the opponent’s back.

It all depends on the player’s height.

Yes, it could be.

Yes, this is considered a foul in basketball. It’s often referred to as “over-the-back” or “over-the-top” foul. This foul is called when a player, in an attempt to get a rebound, jumps over the back of an opponent, making contact, and preventing the opponent from getting the rebound.

Explanation

Yes, this is considered a foul in basketball. It’s often referred to as “over-the-back” or “over-the-top” foul. This foul is called when a player, in an attempt to get a rebound, jumps over the back of an opponent, making contact, and preventing the opponent from getting the rebound.

13. A short ball handler dribbles the ball over his head. Is this a traveling or palming violation?

It all depends on the player’s height.

It depends on the height of the basket poll.

There is no “Muggsy Bogues” rule. Fooled you.

Explanation

There is no “Muggsy Bogues” rule. Fooled you.

14. Which of the following actions would result in a traveling violation in basketball?

Taking two steps without dribbling the ball.

Dribbling the ball with both hands simultaneously.

Moving your pivot foot after establishing it.

All of the above.

Traveling in basketball is a violation that occurs when a player takes too many steps without dribbling the ball or moves their pivot foot illegally.

Option a) is a common type of traveling where a player takes more than two steps without dribbling.

Option b) is also a violation as players must dribble with one hand at a time.

Option c) describes another form of traveling where a player lifts or moves their pivot foot after establishing it on the court.

All these actions disrupt the flow of the game and give the player an unfair advantage, hence they are penalized as traveling violations.

Explanation

Traveling in basketball is a violation that occurs when a player takes too many steps without dribbling the ball or moves their pivot foot illegally.

Option a) is a common type of traveling where a player takes more than two steps without dribbling.

Option b) is also a violation as players must dribble with one hand at a time.

Option c) describes another form of traveling where a player lifts or moves their pivot foot after establishing it on the court.

All these actions disrupt the flow of the game and give the player an unfair advantage, hence they are penalized as traveling violations.

15. On a throw-in, an offensive player in the front court deflects the ball into the backcourt. Can his teammate retrieve it without an over-and-back violation?

Yes, as long as the player who deflected the ball never had control of it.

No. A back-court violation is a back-court violation.

This is getting too confusing for me.

None of the above

Yes, his teammate can retrieve it without an over-and-back violation. According to basketball rules, during a throw-in, a player may legally jump from his or her frontcourt, secure control of the ball with both feet off of the floor, and return to the floor with one or both feet in the backcourt. The player may make a normal landing, and it makes no difference whether the first foot down is in the frontcourt or the backcourt.

Explanation

Yes, his teammate can retrieve it without an over-and-back violation. According to basketball rules, during a throw-in, a player may legally jump from his or her frontcourt, secure control of the ball with both feet off of the floor, and return to the floor with one or both feet in the backcourt. The player may make a normal landing, and it makes no difference whether the first foot down is in the frontcourt or the backcourt.

16. In the NBA, to psyche up the hometown crowd, during pregame warm-ups, a player executes several "wind-mill" dunks. Is there a problem with that?

Players are not allowed on the court.

Players can only practice free throws.

Not at all!

In the NBA, there is no such rule prohibiting players from dunking during pregame warm-ups. In fact, you’ll often see NBA players dunking during their pre-game routine, as it’s a crowd-pleasing spectacle and a great way for the players to limber up and show off their skills. This is in contrast to amateur leagues such as college and high school basketball, where dunking during warm-ups is prohibited1. So, executing “wind-mill” dunks during pregame warm-ups in an NBA game would be allowed.

Explanation

In the NBA, there is no such rule prohibiting players from dunking during pregame warm-ups. In fact, you’ll often see NBA players dunking during their pre-game routine, as it’s a crowd-pleasing spectacle and a great way for the players to limber up and show off their skills. This is in contrast to amateur leagues such as college and high school basketball, where dunking during warm-ups is prohibited1. So, executing “wind-mill” dunks during pregame warm-ups in an NBA game would be allowed.

17. Everybody knows you can't draw a charge if you're standing in the "restricted area," the semi-circle drawn on the floor 3 feet out from the edge of the rim. Or can you?

No. The purpose of the rule is to discourage defenders from standing under the basket, clogging the lane.

I don’t know what you’re talking about.

None of the above

It may be the restricted area, but the defensive player has rights.

Explanation

It may be the restricted area, but the defensive player has rights.

18. Trying to inbound the ball under his own basket, a player can't find anyone open, and to beat the 5-second clock, he throws the ball off the side of the basket, leading to a dunk for a teammate. Score the goal?

Score the basket. It's a perfectly legal play.

Disallow the basket. You can inbound the ball off a defender but not off the side of the backboard.

Technical foul for making a mockery of the game.

None of the above

A throw-in off the backboard is a no-no.

Explanation

A throw-in off the backboard is a no-no.

19. Most everyone knows that three "zebras" are assigned to officiate every game, and hard-core fans know that one is designated the referee. But can the referee overrule his "umpires?"

The head referee can overrule the assistant referees if he has reason to believe it was the wrong call.

Yes, but only if one of the umpires makes a really bad call.

None of the above

In basketball, the designed "head" referee has the right to overrule calls if he sees something that gives him doubt such as a bad call, incorrect call, or he wants to check the monitor to make sure it was the right call.

Explanation

In basketball, the designed "head" referee has the right to overrule calls if he sees something that gives him doubt such as a bad call, incorrect call, or he wants to check the monitor to make sure it was the right call.

20. There's an old saying that "the hand is part of the ball" when it comes to calling a foul. Is the old saying true?

No. A hand isn’t part of a ball. And a foul is a foul.

Maybe. If they can get away with it, you’ve got to hand it to them.

None of the above

Yes, the old saying “the hand is part of the ball” is generally true in basketball, but it has some nuances. According to the rules, contact which occurs on the hand of the offensive player while that hand is in contact with the ball is considered legal. This means that if a defender hits the hand of the ball carrier while it is in contact with the ball, it is not considered a foul. However, only the part of the hand that is in contact with the ball is considered as part of the ball. So if you’re shooting and an opponent slaps your wrist, that’s a foul.

Explanation

Yes, the old saying “the hand is part of the ball” is generally true in basketball, but it has some nuances. According to the rules, contact which occurs on the hand of the offensive player while that hand is in contact with the ball is considered legal. This means that if a defender hits the hand of the ball carrier while it is in contact with the ball, it is not considered a foul. However, only the part of the hand that is in contact with the ball is considered as part of the ball. So if you’re shooting and an opponent slaps your wrist, that’s a foul.

21. A bad foul shooter is fouled on the last shot of the game and says he is too injured to attempt his free throws. Who gets to shoot them?

The opposing coach can pick the shooter from the players on the floor or the bench.

Send out for Kyle Macy! The injured player’s coach can pick anyone in the arena to attempt the foul shots.

None of the above

According to NCAA rules, if a player is fouled and is too injured to attempt the awarded free throws, the opposing team’s coach may designate any player in the game at the time of the foul to shoot free throws in the place of the injured player.

Explanation

According to NCAA rules, if a player is fouled and is too injured to attempt the awarded free throws, the opposing team’s coach may designate any player in the game at the time of the foul to shoot free throws in the place of the injured player.

22. A player with the ball falls to the court, losing his "pivot foot." Is this traveling?

No. Only if he tries to get up.

Yes, but a player who slides on his stomach after chasing down a loose ball hasn’t traveled.

Maybe. It depends on what caused him to fall down.

None of the above

Sorry. He’s a travelin’ man.

Explanation

Sorry. He’s a travelin’ man.

23. Following an initial warning, a team doesn't return the floor after the final horn to end a timeout. What sanction is in order?

A bench technical is assessed against the coach. Two foul shots for the opposing team.

If the team is tired, it is awarded a nap.

None of the above

The tardy team is punished; the show must go on.

Explanation

The tardy team is punished; the show must go on.

24. After the opening tip, a player shoots at the wrong basket, nailing a "trey" from beyond the arc. Score three for the opposing team?

Yes. A three-point shot is a three-point shot.

No. The opposing team is awarded just two points for a wrong-way basket.

No points. The opposing team gets the ball; the offending player is embarrassed enough.

Yes. The opposing team is awarded just one point for a wrong-way basket

No, the opposing team would not be awarded three points. According to the rules of basketball, if a player accidentally scores a field goal in their own team’s basket, it counts as two points for the opposing team, regardless of where the shot was released from.

Explanation

No, the opposing team would not be awarded three points. According to the rules of basketball, if a player accidentally scores a field goal in their own team’s basket, it counts as two points for the opposing team, regardless of where the shot was released from.

25. With the clock about to expire, a player on a fast break bounces the ball into the bucket, but the horn sounds before the ball passes through. Does the basket count?

No basket. Because the ''shot'' was really more like a pass, the game is over once the horn sounds.

Yes. The basket counts because the ball left the player’s hands before time expired.

You can’t bounce the ball into the basket, regardless of how much time is left.

None of the above

Yes, the basket would count. In basketball, a shot is considered a “buzzer beater” if it is released just before the game clock expires and goes through the hoop after the buzzer has sounded. The key factor is when the ball is released, not when it passes through the hoop.

Explanation

Yes, the basket would count. In basketball, a shot is considered a “buzzer beater” if it is released just before the game clock expires and goes through the hoop after the buzzer has sounded. The key factor is when the ball is released, not when it passes through the hoop.