What is considered a foul against an airborne shooter?

A foul against an airborne shooter is classified as a shooting foul even if the foul occurs while the shooter is in the act of shooting. This applies particularly when the player is in the air releasing the shot, as they are still considered to be in a shooting motion regardless of their position. Therefore, if contact is made that affects their ability to shoot, it is treated as a foul because it impacts the fairness of the game and the shooter’s opportunity to score.

The rationale for this rule is grounded in player safety and the integrity of the game. Allowing defenders to commit fouls on players who are airborne without consequence could lead to dangerous situations and could undermine the offensive team's chance of making a basket. Thus, fouls on airborne shooters are taken seriously, reinforcing the notion that players must avoid making contact during this extremely vulnerable position on the court.