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Explanation of how the physical advantage of certain basketball players resulted in changes in the rules as a study of strategies to succeed in sports. Also refer to George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain, Lew Alcindor, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 3-second, free-throw lane, dunk, NCAA, NBA, improvement, hook shot, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions

Basketball Players Who Caused Rule Changes

by Ron Kurtus (16 March 2006)

Several basketball players had such a physical advantage and were so dominant in their play that they caused the rules of the game to be changed. These players were George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain and Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar). The rule changes were supposed to reduce their dominance, but they actually made these players better in their play. It shows that being forced to learn new skills can lead to better performance.

Questions you may have include:

  • What rule change did George Mikan cause?
  • What rule change did Wilt Chamberlain cause?
  • What rule change did Lew Alcindor cause?

This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson.

George Mikan

George Mikan was the first National Basket Association (NBA) "big-man" that at 6-10 had the coordination and skill to dominate the game during his time. He developed a deadly hook-shot with either hand while in college. In the NBA, he controlled the area around the basket to such a degree that the league widened the free throw lane and initiated the 3-second rule to give other players a chance. The 3-second rule states that an offensive player cannot be inside the free-throw lane for more that 3-seconds.

The rule changes resulted in Mikan using his hook more, making him a better all-around player.

Wilt Chamberlain

When Wilt Chamberlain was in high school, he had a unique way of shooting free-throws. He would stand at the top of the key, throw the ball up toward the basket, take two steps, jump toward the rim and jam the ball through the net. Doing this resulted in basketball rules to state that a player cannot cross the plane of the free-throw line when shooting a free-throw.

Chamberlain had problems shooting free-throws throughout his career. The rule did not really improve is already dominant game.

Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar)

When Lew Alcindor started playing basketball in college for UCLA, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) officials felt that he was too dominant a player--one who could dunk the ball at will. They felt he would be unstoppable, so they changed the rules to forbid dunking in college games. This was called the "Alcindor Rule."

After he graduated from college, the rule was rescinded, and players were allowed to dunk again. (It makes you wonder about the qualifications of those NCAA officials.)

As a result of the rule, Alcindor developed a good hook shot, which he used effectively during his playing days in college and the NBA. He later changed his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Summary

These three great basketball players caused rules of the game to be changed in order to prevent a talented, tall player from dominating the game. In general, the rule changes actually helped to make the player more well-rounded. It shows that being forced to learn new skills can lead to better performance.

Answers to Readers' Questions

Overcome adversity

Resources

The following are resources on this subject.

Websites

George Mikan biography - Hoopball Hall of Famers

George Mikan biography - Biography site

Wilt Chamberlain biography - Hoopball Hall of Famers

Wilt Chamberlain biography - Biography site

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar biography - Hoopball Hall of Famers

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar biography - Biography site

Sports Resources

Books

Top-rated books on Basketball

Miscellaneous

Mini-quiz to check your understanding

1. Why was the 3-second rule initiated?

Mikan was clumsy and would often take over 3-seconds the shoot the ball

To prevent tall players from controlling the position under the basket

To speed up the game, requiring player to shot the ball within 3 seconds.

2. How did the free-throw rule help Wilt Chamberlain?

It didn't, because he was never good at free-throws

It allowed him to become the greatest free-throw shooter of all time

It forced him to develop a better dunk shot

3. How did the "Alcindor Rule" help basketball?

It prevented UCLA from dominating college basketball

It caused Alcindor to change his name

It was a useless rule that was later changed

If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a Champion in Sports. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again.

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