# goaltending

CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/goaltending
Updated: 2026-10-13

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Primarily used in the context of basketball; in ice hockey, the term 'goaltending' refers generally to the actions or skill of the goaltender.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.