Word
goaltending
Phoneticsgoal·tend·ing
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a rule in basketball where a player cannot touch the ball while it is on its way down toward the basket. If a defender does this, the other team gets the points anyway.
n. a violation in basketball occurring when a player touches the ball while it is in its downward flight toward the rim or while it is on the rim. Results in the automatic awarding of points to the shooting team.
Examples
“The referee called goaltending and gave the team two points.”
“The star center was so tall that he had to be careful not to commit goaltending when trying to block shots.”
“While the block appeared clean to the spectators, the slow-motion replay confirmed that the ball had already begun its descent, justifying the official's goaltending call.”
Examples
simple
“The referee called goaltending and gave the team two points.”
contextual
“The star center was so tall that he had to be careful not to commit goaltending when trying to block shots.”
complex
“While the block appeared clean to the spectators, the slow-motion replay confirmed that the ball had already begun its descent, justifying the official's goaltending call.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “goaltending” in context.
Verb
01. avoid goaltending
“Players must time their jumps carefully to avoid goaltending.”
verb + noun
02. call goaltending
“The official refused to call goaltending despite the home crowd's protests.”
verb + noun
03. goaltending occurs
“Goaltending occurs when a player interferes with a shot that is clearly descending.”
noun + verb
04. rule goaltending
“The replay booth confirmed the play should be ruled goaltending.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. blatant goaltending
“The referee immediately blew the whistle for blatant goaltending.”
adj + noun
06. defensive goaltending
“The center was called for defensive goaltending after touching the ball on its downward arc.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. violation of goaltending
“The basket was awarded due to a clear violation of goaltending rules.”
noun + prep + noun
08. be called for goaltending
“The star forward was called for goaltending in the final seconds of the game.”
09. result in a goaltending
“Touching the rim while the ball is above it can result in a goaltending call.”
Usage
Primarily used in the context of basketball; in ice hockey, the term 'goaltending' refers generally to the actions or skill of the goaltender.
Real-World Examples
“LeBron James hit a game-winning buzzer-beater Wednesday, giving the Cavaliers a 3-2 series lead over the Pacers in their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series. He also committed a goaltending infraction on a Victor Oladipo layup attempt that went uncalled just seconds earlier, which would have given the Pacers a two-point lead.” “Most of the attention focused on what happened during the final tenths of a second in regulation -- when the Lakers’ Pau Gasol wasn’t called for goaltending as he touched the rim while Magic guard Courtney Lee attempted a game-winning layup.” “The Minnesota Timberwolves have questioned whether Victor Wembanyama’s NBA playoff record 12 blocks were legitimate, with coach Chris Finch stating, "at least four of them were goaltending.” “And according to Timberwolves coach Chris Finch, the margin would have been bigger if the officials hadn't missed multiple goaltending calls on Wembanyama.” Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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