The game of basketball, much like life, is in a constant state of evolution. Over the last decade, few shifts have been as profound as the meteoric rise of the three-point shot. What was once a strategic weapon has become a primary offensive pillar, leading to a record average of 37.6 attempts per game last season. This offensive revolution, however, has brought with it an unwelcome side effect: an increase in fouls on three-point attempts, often leading to basketball`s most frustrating sequence—three uncontested free throws.
For years, fans, coaches, and even players have voiced their disdain for these plays. Shooters, with an almost acrobatic flair, would contort their bodies, seeking contact to earn a trip to the charity stripe. Defenders, meanwhile, found themselves in a precarious position, attempting to contest without committing a foul, often resulting in accidental (or sometimes intentional) contact on the shooter`s follow-through. This particular interaction, dubbed “high five” closeouts, has been a gray area, frequently generating more groans than cheers.
The Problem: When “Incidental” Became Intentional
The previous interpretation allowed for incidental contact on a shooter`s hand or arm after the ball had been released, deeming it part of the natural follow-through motion and therefore not a foul. This rule, however, inadvertently opened a Pandora`s Box. Some offensive players were masters of drawing contact, leveraging the rule to their advantage. More alarmingly, certain defenders began to exploit this nuance, using “high five” closeouts not merely to contest, but to deliberately swat at hands and wrists, aiming to disrupt rhythm, or worse, inflict injury.
The frustration reached a boiling point during last season`s playoffs, with notable incidents highlighting the potential for abuse. As one prominent coach aptly put it, players are always looking to “outsmart the rules.” The concern wasn`t just about controversial calls; it was about player safety, particularly for star players whose shooting hands are their livelihood. The league, a fervent guardian of its talent, had to act.
The Solution: Defining “Secondary Contact”
Enter the 2025-26 NBA season, bringing with it a pivotal clarification in officiating emphasis. The core change revolves around what NBA Senior Vice President of Referee Development and Training Monty McCutchen terms “secondary contact.”
What`s Changing?
Previously, if a defender`s hand or arm touched a shooter`s hand/arm after the ball was released, it was typically considered incidental and a no-call. Now, the distinction lies in the nature of that contact.
- Incidental Contact (Still Legal): A defender making a competitive play at the point of release, where their hand or arm makes light, unavoidable contact with the shooter`s hand on the follow-through, without any additional motion. This remains a legal play. Think of it as a natural consequence of two athletes occupying the same space.
- Secondary Contact (Now a Foul): If a defender, after the initial contest, makes a deliberate swipe or “secondary motion” through the shooter`s hand, wrist, or arm, even after the ball has left their fingertips, this will now be called a defensive foul. This implies an active, separate movement designed to make contact.
The league has even provided clear instructional videos to officials, distinguishing between a legal “high five” and an illegal “secondary swipe.” For instance, a defender who swings their arm with a “windup, impact, and follow-through” at a shooter`s arm after release will unequivocally be whistled.
From Foul to Flagrant: When Intent Turns Dangerous
Beyond a standard defensive foul, there`s an even more serious implication. If this “secondary contact” is deemed excessive or unnecessary, officials are now empowered to assess a flagrant foul. This is a crucial deterrent, particularly given past accusations of defenders intentionally targeting vulnerable areas. The NBA, it seems, has little patience for tactics that risk player injury, especially when they stem from an exploit of a technicality.
The Immediate Future: Adjustments and Anticipated Outcomes
The implementation of this refined rule will undoubtedly lead to an initial adjustment period. Defenders will need to recalibrate their closeout techniques, moving beyond the borderline tactics of the past. Officials, too, face the challenging task of discerning “incidental” from “secondary motion” in real-time, often without the benefit of instant replay. Consequently, fans might initially witness an uptick in three-point shooting fouls and, by extension, free throws, as both players and referees adapt to the new standard.
However, the long-term vision is clear: a safer game, where offensive stars can operate with less fear of deliberate contact, and where the integrity of a shot attempt is protected. While some purists might argue that this further tilts the game towards offense, the move fundamentally addresses a player safety concern and aims to eliminate a form of “grifting” that diminished the flow and fairness of the game.
The NBA`s latest officiating emphasis isn`t just a technical tweak; it`s a strategic move to ensure the health of its most valuable assets—its players—and to maintain the competitive spirit of a game increasingly defined by the long ball. As the 2025-26 season unfolds, the basketball world will be watching closely to see how this subtle, yet significant, rule change reshapes the beautiful game.
Jasper Hawthorne 
Rupert Fairfax