contact on the hand

Question
The NBA rules state that it is not a foul to contact on offensive players hand when that hand is in contact with the ball.  Does this rule apply when the offensive player is in the act of shooting and the ball is in his hand? Everyone calls foul when their hand is contacted when in the act of shooting. Thanks for clarifying the issue.

Answer
Hi Ken,

Technically, the hand is part of the ball and if the hand is struck by a defensive player, no foul should be called. However, we all know that doesn't happen. Normally a foul is called because it happens so fast it almost looks as if the defender hits the wrist of the player with the ball. A foul will almost always be called, especially in the act of shooting if the contact affects the shot.  This is one of those rules that's left up to the interpretation of the official.  And because most fouls happen so fast, the officials have a split second to make up their mind whether or not they are going to call it.  Anytime there is an advantage/disadvantage situation the officical will maek the call. I hope that helps.