Jumped Straight Up but Called a Foul?
'Cylinder' & 'Verticality'
"I just jumped straight up!" We've all been there. Understanding what referees look for in 'Cylinder' and 'Verticality' will save you from unfair calls.
1. Your Space: The 'Cylinder Rule'
Every player has a virtual cylinder of space on the court.
- Up: Infinite space from the floor to the ceiling
- Front: Up to the palms of the hands
- Sides/Back: Defined by the body's frame
If you jump vertically within this space and contact occurs, it's not a defensive foul. It might even be an offensive foul.
2. Verticality: Point A to Point A
Referees check: "Did they jump from A and land on A?"
✅ Legal
Jumping vertically with arms extended straight up. Contact is considered effective defense.
❌ Illegal
Jumping from A to B (into the attacker), or swiping arms forward/down.
3. Video Review Checkpoints
In slow motion, referees look for: 1. Did the defender's feet leave the floor before the attacker entered their space? 2. Did the body lean mid-air? 3. Did arms break the vertical plane?
Maintaining verticality is often better defense than chasing a highlight block.