The Displacement Rule in Basketball: A Comprehensive Guide
As I was researching for an article I wrote on the restricted area in basketball the term displacement kept coming up. What Is a displacement foul in basketball? Good question it sounds pretty obvious, but I never hear a basketball referee yell “Displacement!”. So I decided to dig into it a little deeper so I could teach my 5th-grade basketball team the concept next season. If you are just looking for a quick definition, I will hit that first below.
What Is a Displacement Foul In Basketball?
A displacement foul in basketball occurs when a player illegally uses their body to move, or “displace”, an opponent out of their position, thereby gaining an unfair advantage. This violation usually results in a personal foul.
Displacement in Basketball: An Overview
In basketball, displacement is an important concept that refers to the illegal action of pushing, shoving, or moving an opponent from their position on the court. It can be called in all major facets of the game including rebounding, free throws, loose balls, and screening.
This video by Greg Austin, founder of Better Official, and over 11 years of experience as a high school and collegiate official, explains several aspects of displacement in basketball. If you are referring he is a great follow on Youtube.
Understanding Displacement During Rebounding
One of the key aspects where displacement plays a major role is rebounding. This is where players from opposing teams, compete to gain control of the ball after a missed shot. Since the action usually involves bigger and taller players, the chances of displacement are high. However, it’s important to remember that even in these aggressive plays, the legality of contact has to be considered.
For instance, let’s take a scenario where a player is rebounding. Their verticality is excellent, and they are in a legal position. If the opposing player displaces the player instead of pursuing the ball, it not only creates an unfair situation but also puts the opposing player in danger. Therefore, it’s an obvious foul that will normally be called to protect the players.
Protecting the Free Thrower: Another Aspect of Displacement
During free throws, the shooter is generally focused on the basket and in a relaxed position, making them susceptible to illegal contact. It’s important to protect these players from being displaced when the free throw goes up.
Displacement While Pursuing a Loose Ball
In the case of a loose ball, both players have equal rights to pursue the basketball. However, if a player seeks to displace their opponent instead of going after the ball, it’s a foul. This is a situation where officials must use their whistles to eliminate rough play and keep the game fair.
Ensuring Fair Play During Screening Action
Displacement can also occur during screening action. While screeners do have certain protections, they are still vulnerable. The defensive player must go around the screen. If they displace the screener instead, it’s a violation. The challenge for officials is to keep a watch on such off-ball actions while managing their primary responsibilities.
| Displacement Scenario | Player Roles Involved | Possible Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Rebounding Action | Smaller player vs Larger player | Foul on defender if the shooter is displaced; Possible violation if defender crosses line early |
| Free Throw Situation | Shooter vs Defender | Foul on defender if the shooter is displaced; Possible violation if the defender crosses the line early. |
| Pursuit of Loose Ball | Two players in pursuit | Foul on the defender if they displace the screener rather than go around |
| Screening Action | Screener vs Defender | Foul on the defender if they displace the screener rather than go around. |
Conclusion
In all these scenarios, it’s clear that understanding displacement is essential to ensuring fair play in basketball. By acknowledging this rule and its implications, officials, players, and coaches alike can work towards a safer and more equitable game. Now you have added one more thing to your basketball vocabulary and will be able to answer when asked “What Is a Displacement Foul?”.
Troy Wallace
Troy Wallace is Certified Basketball Speed Specialist and shares his experiences in trying to stay as healthy as possible to stay on the court. He is active in coaching youth basketball in YMCA, Team Work Sports Nebraska, and, currently, in the Jr. Warriors program in Omaha, NE. Visit Troy's Full Author Bio Page or email him directly.
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