What does “in the act of shooting” refer to?

The phrase "in the act of shooting" specifically refers to the moment when a player is executing the actual shooting motion to attempt to score points by putting the ball through the hoop. This definition captures the essence of what occurs during a shot attempt, focusing on the physical action involved in shooting the basketball.

During this phase, the player is typically in a defined motion, which could involve jumping, pushing off the ground, or following through after releasing the ball. This distinction is crucial because it directly influences whether a foul, such as shooting or non-shooting, will be called by a referee.

Other options describe different aspects of basketball but do not accurately define "in the act of shooting." For example, preparing for a shot refers to the actions taken before the shooting motion begins, which is different from the act itself. Being stationary doesn’t necessarily imply a shooting action is happening, and passing the ball to another player does not pertain to the shooting process. Thus, the defining characteristic of "in the act of shooting" aligns precisely with the actual motion of attempting to score.