How many fouls are there in basketball

Everything you need to know about fouls in the NBA

Does anyone else sometimes get perplexed when the whistle blows during a game? It’s usually clear something has happened and the game needs to be halted for a second, but typically it’s hard to say what the call might be.

Whether it is an NFL flag, an NHL penalty or an NBA flagrant foul, the list is endless and countless violations are often called throughout a single game.

In terms of basketball, the NCAA and NBA have rules and regulations that can be quite confusing. And when March Madness or the NBA Finals are on the line, some foul calls can stir up quite a bit of controversy. 

Let’s take a deeper dive into how NBA fouls are categorized and what happens when one is called.

What is a technical foul in the NBA? 

Technical fouls fall into seven different categories in the NBA, including:

1. Excessive Timeouts 

If a coach or player calls a timeout but doesn’t have any more, a technical foul is called.

2. Delay-of-Game

A delay-of-game is called if:

• Players prevent the ball from being put into play immediately after a call.
• Players interfere with the ball after a field goal or free throw.
• Players do not pass the ball to the nearest official right after a personal foul or violation is assessed.
• Players touch the ball before the throw-in is released.
• Defenders cross the boundary line before the ball is thrown in.
• A team holds up game play.
• A player, coach, or trainer interferes with a ball that has crossed a boundary line.
• A free throw shooter steps beyond the three-point line in between his two shots.
• A player enters the game with his shirt untucked. At first it is a warning and each time after, a technical foul will be assessed. 

3. Number of Players

If the ball is put into play after a team has more than five players on the court, a technical foul will be called on the team and that team would lose possession. If a team starts with fewer players (four or less), that team will also be penalized.

4. Basket Ring, Backboard or Support

If a player deliberately hangs on the basket, including the ring, net or backboard, that will be deemed a technical foul.

5. Conduct

Any player can be issued a technical foul if their behavior is detrimental to the game. Two technical fouls are allowed for each player, coach, trainer, or bench person before they are removed from the game. The opposing team gets a free throw attempt when a technical foul is assessed.

A technical foul can either fall under the category of non-unsportsmanlike conduct or unsportsmanlike conduct. An example of a non-unsportsmanlike technical foul would be a delay-of-game, coaches box violation or a player shattering the basket’s backboard. An example of an unsportsmanlike technical foul would include disrespectfully addressing an official, use of profanity or taunting. 

If the unsportsmanlike foul includes fighting, punching, or a flagrant foul penalty, the participant will be removed from the game.

6. Fighting Fouls

If a player, coach or trainer fights, they will be taken out of the premises right away, whether the play is in progress or the ball is dead.

7. Fines

If necessary, players will have to pay monetary fines. For instance, if a player gets a flagrant foul, they must be removed, reported to the League Office, and fined a minimum of $2,000.

What is a flagrant foul in the NBA?

A flagrant foul falls into two categories: FF1 and FF2. 

A flagrant foul – penalty (1), or FF1 – is called if a player interferes with his opponent in an unnecessary physical way. While a flagrant foul – penalty (2), or FF2 – is called if that unnecessary contact is excessive and keeps continuing.

Both types of flagrant fouls result in a penalty of two free throws and the team that was fouled gets possession. A flagrant 2 results in the player being ejected from the game and fined a minimum of $2,000.

What is a personal foul in the NBA?

A personal foul is the type of foul we all assume when we hear the word “foul. ” It is the most common call out of all of the foul types, usually resulting from a breach of the rules. If a player initiates illegal contact with a player, intentionally or unintentionally, affecting the play, the player will be issued a personal foul. 

Personal fouls result in either changes of possession or free throws, depending on the severity of the foul.

How many fouls does it take to foul out in the NBA?

NBA players foul out after six personal fouls (which consist of a combination of personal and technical fouls) or two technical fouls.

Controversial foul situations in the 2022 NBA Playoffs thus far:

Numerous questionable whistles have been blown so far during the 2022 NBA Playoffs, including the surprising 18 fouls called in the first quarter of the Celtics vs. Nets playoff opener. This was the most fouls in a first quarter all season until the Timberwolves and Grizzlies racked up 20 fouls in the first quarter later that week.

Not to mention Draymond Green’s ejection from the Golden State game after a flagrant foul during Game 1 of their second-round series with the Grizzlies last week.  

During Milwaukee’s Game 3 matchup against Boston on Saturday, May 7, Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer had to be restrained by his players during his protest of a no-call.

Chris Paul was called for six fouls only 23 minutes into his gameplay during the Suns’ matchup against the Mavericks during Sunday’s Game 4. This was the quickest foul-out of his 17-year career and it sparked quite some controversy.

We can only imagine what’s to come, as the playoffs still have about a month before the NBA Finals begin on June 2.

Basketball Fouls

Home>Sports>Basketball>Basketball Fouls and Fouling

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Table of Contents

• Fouls
• List of Fouls
• Personal Fouls
• Defensive Fouls
• Shooting Fouls
• Offensive Fouls
• Flagrant Fouls
• Technical Fouls
• FAQ

Fouls

A foul in basketball is a rule-breaking action that results in a loss of possession and possible free throws. There are multiple categories of fouls:

• Personal Fouls: A foul that is physical in nature, like grabbing and pushing.
• Flagrant Fouls: A foul that involves extraordinary violent contact with an opposing player or a dangerous, non-basketball play.
• Technical Fouls: A foul that is unsportsmanlike, including screaming at the referee or an opponent.

In the NBA, if a player commits six fouls in a game, he is disqualified from playing in the rest of the game. The same is true for FIBA and college basketball, but the foul limit is five fouls.

The rules of fouls differ at all levels of play for high school, NBA, college, and FIBA basketball.

The referees in basketball are responsible for calling fouls and violations throughout the game. The crew chief is the head official and makes the final decision on the court.

List of Fouls

Here is a list of fouls in basketball:

• Blocking Foul
• Charging Foul
• Defensive Foul
• Double Foul
• Flagrant Foul
• Illegal Screen Foul
• Intentional Foul
• Loose Ball Foul
• Offensive Foul
• Personal Foul
• Punching Foul
• Reach-in Foul
• Shooting Foul
• Technical Foul

Personal Fouls

A personal foul is any illegal physical contact by a player. For example, pushing, grabbing, hitting, and tripping are personal fouls. Personal fouls can be committed by both players on offense or defense, although there are more defensive fouls in a game than offensive fouls. Each personal foul also counts towards a team’s overall foul count.

Defensive Fouls

Defensive fouls are committed whenever players on defense use illegal contact to try to stop offensive players. Defensive fouls frequently happen in basketball. Defenders are allowed to move sideways and backward to block an attacker’s path, but moving forward (pushing the attacker backward) is not allowed. Players also can’t initiate physical contact on defense, as that is a foul that happens mostly when a player unsuccessfully tries to steal the ball or block a shot. Defensive fouls have different penalties depending on how and when they were committed.

Shooting Fouls

Whenever a defender commits a foul on the opponent while they are shooting, the player who suffered the foul gets to shoot free throws. These fouls are called shooting fouls. If the shooter was attempting a three-point shot, they get three free throws, or if it is a two-point attempt, only two free throws.

Offensive Fouls

Offensive fouls in basketball are illegal contacts committed by offensive players. Offensively, players sometimes foul when trying to get past defense by pushing or holding opponents. The most common offensive fouls are charging fouls and illegal screens. Every offensive foul results in a turnover, unless the team who committed a foul is in a penalty situation. 

Flagrant Fouls

Flagrant fouls occur when a player makes unnecessary and violent contact with an opposing player. These fouls are considered “non-basketball plays” and called for unnecessary actions such as striking another player in the head or neck. Flagrant fouls do not need to be intentional but often appear to be. There are two kinds of flagrant fouls: Flagrant 1 or Flagrant 2. A player who commits a Flagrant 2 foul will be ejected from the game. The result of any flagrant foul is two free throws and possession of the ball afterward.

Technical Fouls

Technical fouls are those that do not involve any physical contact, but violate sportsmanship rules. Technical fouls can be called for a range of prohibited actions, including calling for a timeout when the team has none left, using obscene language or gestures towards a player or referee, and fighting. Technical fouls can be assessed to players, coaches, and even fans. The penalty for a technical foul is one free throw, after which the team who had possession of the ball will retain possession. If a single player receives two technical fouls during a game, they will be ejected.

FAQ

How many fouls can a team commit in a game?

There is not a maximum amount of fouls a team can commit. However, once a team has reached a certain number of fouls (depending on the playing level), the opposing team will be rewarded with free throws after any defensive foul is committed. This is called the bonus or the penalty situation. 

How do fouls rules differ from the NBA and the Olympics?

Olympic basketball features a wide range of rule disparities compared to the NBA, with one of the main differences surrounding fouls. In Olympic basketball, the foul limit for an individual player is five fouls as opposed to six in the NBA. This is because of the shortened quarters of Olympic basketball.

How many fouls can a player commit in a game?

The amount of fouls a player can commit depends on the league they play in. When a player commits too many fouls, they are removed from the game; this is known as “fouling out.” In NBA games, players are allowed up to six fouls before they foul out of the game. In college and high school games, players foul out when they receive their fifth foul. Fouling out can be extremely detrimental to your team if you play an important role on the court, so it is essential to be mindful of the personal foul limit in your league.

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Pages Related to Basketball Fouls

• Basketball Foul Trouble
• Basketball Nonshooting Foul
• Basketball Over The Back Foul
• Basketball Charging Foul
• Basketball Foul Out
• Basketball Personal Fouls

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How many basketball fouls to remove?

Our site presents the seventh edition of the Basketball language rubric. In it, we talk about basketball terms - borrowed words, specific expressions and jargon - the language that all participants and fans of the game speak. Each word is accompanied by a video tutorial with illustrative examples.
We bring to your attention the seventh series of the Basketball Language project, in which we will analyze in detail four terms: unsportsmanlike foul, technical foul, zone and personal defense.
Unsportsmanlike foul
An unsportsmanlike foul is a personal charge against a player who, in the opinion of the referee, did not legally attempt to play the ball directly in accordance with the rules. An unsportsmanlike foul is called on the offender and a free throw(s) is awarded to the opposing team, after which the ball is passed to that team for a midfield throw-in.
Generally, unsportsmanlike fouls are called for gross infractions that could result in injury to a player, as well as deliberate fouls in situations where the attacking side is highly likely to hit the ring. So, for example, a similar punishment follows when trying to disrupt fast attacks, if the player who violates the rules is the last defender on the way to the ring.

Technical foul
A technical foul is a foul not caused by contact with an opponent. Called for unsportsmanlike behavior: disrespectful treatment of opponent players, referees or match commissioner, insulting or provocative gestures, delaying the game, entering the playing court without the referee's permission. A technical foul is called on the offender and a free throw(s) is awarded to the opposing team, after which the ball is passed to that team for a throw-in from the middle of the court.
Due to the similarity of penalties, technical and unsportsmanlike fouls are often confused. It should be remembered that an unsportsmanlike foul is punished only by players and only for game violations. Technical fouls can be received both by basketball players on the court and by representatives of the bench. They are associated with non-playing moments and can be recorded both at the time when the ball is “live” and when it is “dead”.

Man on man defense and zone defense
There are several different types of defense in basketball. The most popular of these is personal (personal) protection. When using it, each of the defending players takes care of one opponent attached specifically to him. Usually they try to disassemble opponents according to their position. This is how centers defend against centers, heavy forwards defend against heavy forwards, and so on.

The second most popular defense system is zone defense. Its essence lies in the fact that each player must defend within a certain zone on the site, and not against a specific player, as in personal defense. This type of defense has both its pros and cons. It allows you to save strength, hides the lack of athleticism and allows you to quickly move from defense to attack. On the other hand, zone defense requires high coordination and is ineffective against teams with a large number of snipers. The cons of using it often outweigh the pros. Therefore, in modern basketball, zone defense is used most often on a short-term basis as a temporary or reserve option.

In basketball, infractions caused by personal contact or unsportsmanlike conduct are called fouls. The following types of fouls exist:

· personal - committed as a result of personal contact;

technical - not caused by contact with an opponent, may be the result of disrespect for the referees, an opponent, game delays, procedural violations;

· unsportsmanlike - is made as a result of contact in which the player did not try to play the ball within the rules;

· disqualifying - caused by flagrant unsportsmanlike conduct.

A player who has received 5 fouls in a match (6 fouls in the NBA) must leave the playing court. He cannot take part in the match, but he has the right to remain on the bench. After receiving a disqualifying foul, the player must leave the playing court without the right to remain on the bench.

A foul may also be received by a coach, a team official or a player on the bench. Each foul counts as a team foul, except for a technical foul received by a coach, a team official or a player on the bench.

Basketball fouls

A foul is an infraction of the rules of the game caused by a player's personal contact or unsportsmanlike behaviour.

Types of fouls:
- personal;
- technical;
- unsportsmanlike;
- disqualifying.
If a player has received five fouls during the game, he must leave the playing court and may not take part in further play (but he is allowed to remain on the bench until the end of the game). A player who has received a disqualifying foul must leave the venue without fail (he is not allowed to even be on the bench).
The team coach is also disqualified in the following cases:
- if he commits two technical fouls;
- A substitute or team official committed three technical fouls;
- The team coach commits one technical foul and a team official or substitute commits two technical fouls.
Each foul counts towards the team foul count, except for technical fouls that have been received by a team coach, bench player or team official.
A personal foul is a foul that a player receives as a result of personal contact during a game.
Penalty: If the foul is committed on a player who is not in the throwing phase, then:
- If the team has not yet accumulated 5 team fouls or is committed by a player whose team was in possession of the ball, then the affected team administers a throw-in;
- Otherwise, the injured player shoots two free throws.
If a foul is committed on a player who is in the throwing phase then:
- if the throw was effective, then it is counted, and the injured player performs one free throw;
- If the throw was unsuccessful, then the player who was injured performs as many free throws as the team would have earned if the throw was successful.
An unsportsmanlike foul is a foul that occurs as a result of contact where the player did not attempt to play the ball as required by the Laws of the Game.
Penalty: If a foul is committed on a player who is in the throwing phase, then proceed as in the case of a personal foul. In the event that a foul is committed on a player who is not in the throwing stage, then the player who is injured performs two free throws. After free throws have been taken, the injured team shall take a throw-in at the center line extended. The exception is fouls that were committed before the start of the first period. In this case, after the execution of free throws, a jump ball is played (as in the cases of the beginning of the game). If two unsportsmanlike fouls are committed by one player during one match, then he will be disqualified without fail.
A disqualifying foul is a foul that results from flagrant unsportsmanlike conduct by a player. A disqualifying foul can be received by the main team players and substitutes, the coach, as well as the official representative of the team.
Penalty: The number of free throws and the subsequent throw-in after them are awarded in the same way as for an unsportsmanlike foul.
A technical foul is a foul that is called without direct contact with an opponent. This may be disdainful behavior towards referees, opponents, deliberate delay of the game, as well as violations of a procedural nature.
Penalty: Two free throws are scored by any player from the team that did not violate the rules of the game. The throw-in is administered in the same manner as an unsportsmanlike foul, after free throws have been executed by the injured side.

What is a basketball foul and how is it punished?

During the match, basketball players must respect their opponents, as well as referees and spectators. Any violation of the rules involving unsportsmanlike conduct or contact with an opponent is called a foul. Fouls are divided into personal, unsportsmanlike, technical and disqualifying.

A player who has received five fouls in one match (in Europe) is sent off the court for the rest of the match. However, he is allowed to be on the bench with his team. If a basketball player has received a disqualification, then he must leave the venue of the game, for example: to the locker room.

In basketball, in addition to the players, the referee may also disqualify the coach. This occurs in the following cases:

• the coach himself committed two technical fouls;
• one of the representatives or a substitute player of the team received three technical fouls;
• The coach committed one technical foul, but the substitute basketball player or team representative committed two such fouls.

A special account is kept for each team, where each foul is recorded. The exception is technical fouls, which can be received by substitute players, coaches and team officials.

Personal fouls are offenses involving personal contact with an opposing basketball player. The penalty for a personal foul depends on whether it was committed against a player who was or was not in the throwing phase.

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A foul committed on a player who did not take the throw is punished with a throw-in by the team that did not violate the rules. However, if the offending team has already received 5 team fouls or was not in possession of the ball by that time, then the opponent is given the right to perform 2 free throws.

If a foul is committed against an opponent who was in the throwing stage and the throw is successful, then it counts. In addition, the injured player must attempt an additional free throw. If the shot misses the basket, then the injured player must attempt two or three free throws, depending on how much his team could have received in the absence of a foul.

A foul is considered unsportsmanlike when a basketball player intentionally makes contact with an opponent while not playing the ball. In the event of such a violation, two free throws are assigned to the basket of the offending team, after which the team that took the free throw throws the ball from outside the area from the place where the center line is extended.

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