Reachins

Reach-ins are a defensive foul in basketball, occurring when a defender uses a hand to reach for the ball handler and makes contact with the opponent’s arm or body. The foul is typically classified as a personal foul and is distinct from a clean steal because it involves illegal contact.

When a reach-in occurs during a shot attempt, it is generally ruled a shooting foul. The shooter is awarded free throws, with the number of attempts depending on whether the shot was a two-point or three-point attempt and whether the shot was made. If the foul happens when the player is not shooting, possession is awarded to the offense, and additional free throws may follow if the defense has entered the team’s foul bonus.

The basic concept appears in major basketball rulebooks, including those of the NBA, NCAA, and FIBA, though exact penalties and enforcement can vary by league. Officials consider factors such as the defender’s attempt to steal the ball versus incidental contact, and officiating tends to emphasize preventing grabbing and excessive contact while still allowing legal on-ball defense.

Impact and strategy: Players are trained to avoid reaching in and to rely on proper stance, positioning, and hand activity to defend without committing fouls. Referees monitor reach-ins closely, particularly in tighter games or when guarding quick ball handlers, and may call them more or less strictly depending on the level of play and game context.