Does Less Physical Play Lead to More Injuries? The Impact of the Hand-Check Rule in the National Basketball Association

Abstract

Prior to the 2004-2005 National Basketball Association (NBA) season, the hand-check rule was implemented which prohibited defenders from keeping in physical contact with offensive players. By decreasing the physicality of perimeter play, this rule change cultivated a more offensive style of play as more guards began attacking the basket rather than taking contested jump shots. However, an unintended consequence of this policy is that by attacking the basket, guards could be injured at greater rates than before. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we find that guards experienced a 4%–6% increased probability of being injured during a given NBA season due to this rule change.