Basketball Rules on Kicking the Ball

Both the NBA and NCAA rules prohibit intentional kicking of the basketball. The rules classify intentional kicking of the ball as a violation resulting in a dead ball and a stoppage in play. Conversely, a ball that accidentally strikes a player's foot is not a violation and does not result in a stoppage in play unless the ball goes out of bounds.

Both the NBA and NCAA rules prohibit intentional kicking of the basketball. (Image: Jupiterimages/Digital Vision/Getty Images)

NBA: Kick by an Offensive Player

If an offensive player intentionally kicks the basketball, the ball is awarded to the defensive team out of bounds for a throw-in. The location of the throw-in is the spot on the sideline nearest to the spot of the violation unless the violation occurs between the free throw line and the baseline. In that case, the location of the throw-in is at the nearest sideline at the point which the free throw line would intersect the sideline if it extended the width of the court. As a result of the change in possession, the shot clock will reset.

NBA: Kick by a Defensive Player While the Ball Is in Play

If a defensive player intentionally kicks the basketball while it is in play, the offensive team retains possession of the ball and receives it out of bounds for a throw-in. The location of the throw-in is the spot on the sideline nearest to the spot of the violation unless the violation occurs between the free throw line and the baseline. In that case, the location of the throw-in is at the nearest sideline at the point which the free throw line would intersect the sideline if it extended the width of the court. If the violation occurs in the backcourt, the shot clock is reset. If the violation occurs in the front court, the shot clock remains the same as at the time of the violation or resets to 14 seconds, whichever is greater.

NBA: Kick by a Defensive Player During a Throw-In

If a defensive player intentionally kicks the basketball during a throw-in, the offensive team retains possession of the ball and receives it out of bounds at the spot of the original throw-in. If the violation occurs in the backcourt, the shot clock is reset. If the violation occurs in the front court, the shot clock remains the same as at the time of the violation or resets to 14 seconds, whichever is greater.

Difference Between NBA and NCAA Rules

The NBA and NCAA rules regarding a kicked ball are identical with the exception of the location of the throw-in after a violation and the time on the shot clock. In the NCAA, the throw-in will always occur at the point on the sidelines nearest to where the violation occurred. The shot clock is not reset if the ball is intentionally kicked with 15 or more seconds on the shot clock. Otherwise, the shot clock is reset to 15 seconds.