What does it mean for a player to be "in the act of shooting"?

When a player is described as being "in the act of shooting," it specifically refers to the player attempting to score points by making a shot at the basket. This definition encompasses the critical moment when a player has control of the ball and is making a distinctive effort to score, regardless of the technique or type of shot (such as a jump shot, layup, or free throw). During this phase, the player is often subject to fouls, which can lead to free-throws if fouled by an opponent while in this action.

Other options represent different actions that a basketball player might take. For instance, attempting to pass the ball or dribbling does not involve a scoring effort, and being out of bounds denotes that a player has left the designated play area, making them unable to participate actively in the game. Thus, the phrase "in the act of shooting" is strictly associated with the player's intent and action to score.