What call is given when a defender makes illegal physical contact with an offensive player?

When a defender makes illegal physical contact with an offensive player, the appropriate call is a personal foul. A personal foul is defined in basketball as any illegal physical contact that gives an unfair advantage to one player over another. This encompasses actions such as pushing, holding, or hitting an opponent while they are attempting to play the ball. The rule emphasizes the importance of maintaining fair play and protecting the players on the court.

In contrast, a technical foul is usually called for unsportsmanlike conduct or violations that do not involve physical contact during active play, such as excessive arguing with officials or bench infractions. A legal screen is a term used to describe a situation where a player sets a screen in compliance with the rules, allowing for strategic gameplay without illegal contact. An intentional foul occurs when a player commits a foul that is deemed to be deliberate and typically involves a more aggressive action to stop the play. However, the legal contact that warrants a personal foul is focused on the unauthorized physical interaction between a defender and an offensive player. Thus, a personal foul accurately captures the nature of illegal contact in this scenario.