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How to avoid fouls in basketball
How to avoid fouls in basketball
Pro Tips Guide to Common Basketball Fouls and Violations
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The numerous types of fouls and violations in basketball can leave both players and fans confused. We're breaking them down to help you better understand the calls — and the reasoning behind them.
Over the course of a basketball game, odds are that, as a player, you will commit a foul or two. These rules keep the fast-paced, high-energy game safe, fair and fun. Regardless, avoiding committing fouls is best because you don’t want to find yourself in foul trouble late in the game, or even “foul out” (removed from play) after committing five fouls.
There are a number of fouls and violations, though, so it’s important that you understand the most common ones. What’s the difference between a block and a charge? Why wasn’t that screen legal? What exactly are the referees signaling with those hand gestures?
Before diving into the specifics of each call, you need to understand the difference between a foul and a violation.![]()
Fouls can be against players, teams or coaches and can result in free throws or change of possession. Most fouls occur on defense, but some offensive fouls can also be called. The total number of defensive fouls a team, player or coach commits during the course of a game is recorded and, depending on how many are committed, can result in more free throws for the opposing team. When a team has committed a number of fouls, they are said to be in the “bonus” or “double bonus.” A bonus is usually awarded after seven team fouls, while a double is normally after 10. This results in automatic free throws awarded to the opponent with either “1 and 1” or “2 shot” formats. 1 and 1 means players must make the first attempt to have a chance at making a second. 2-shot means the player gets both attempts, regardless.
Violations do not count toward a total, and instead result in just a change of possession. Violations are typically offense-related, but some defensive violations do occur.
Here are some of the most common fouls and violations to look for.
PERSONAL FOULS HOLDING
When a player uses their hands to grab their opponent to impede or prevent them from moving or advancing with or without the ball.
ILLEGAL OR “MOVING” PICK/SCREEN
When a player fails to maintain a set position while setting a screen or pick. Screens must be performed in a standstill manner.
HAND CHECK
When a player continually uses their hands on an opposing player. This foul is typically called on defenders at the perimeter to keep a safe distance between the ballhandler and the basket.
ILLEGAL HAND USE OR “REACHING IN”
Similar to holding, this is when a player uses their hands in a fashion that referees deem illegal, typically in the form of touching a shooter’s arm or hand through their release or touching after an attempted steal.
TRIPPING
When a player uses their leg or foot to throw off their opponent’s balance.
ELBOWING
When a player excessively swings their elbows and hits another player.
CHARGING
When an offensive player makes contact with a defender who has established position in front of an offensive player with or without the basketball and is not moving. Some courts, especially those used for youth basketball, make this call easier to identify by having a “charge circle” marked below the basket. If a defender is outside the circle with their feet planted, it is a charge.
BLOCKING
When a defender makes contact with an offensive player without establishing position, without giving proper space or is in the charge circle.
TECHINCAL FOUL
When a player or coach displays unsportsmanlike behavior, such as foul language, obscene gestures or arguing.
Two technical fouls will result in ejection from the game.
FLAGRANT FOUL
When a player performs an act of violence that can seriously injure or harm others on the court. This can be unintentional or deliberate. Flagrant fouls can also result in player ejections at the referee’s discretion.
VIOLATIONS
TRAVELING
When a player takes more than two steps between dribbles or without dribbling the basketball. Traveling can also occur when a player who has picked up the dribble switches his or her pivot foot.
PALMING
When a player dribbles the basketball in a manner that has their palm too far to the side or underneath the basketball.
DOUBLE DRIBBLE
When a player picks up their dribble to establish their position and then restarts their dribble, or when a player dribbles the basketball with two hands at the same time.
HELD BALL
When two players gain possession of the ball and a brief battle for the basketball occurs.
The referee will award possession to one team, alternating which team gets the ball each subsequent time it occurs.
BACKCOURT OR “OVER & BACK”
When an offensive player brings the basketball over the half-court line and then retreats back over mid court during their possession.
KICKING
When a player kicks the basketball.
FREE THROW VIOLATIONS
Every player must remain in place until the ball is shot by the free throw shooter. If the offense travels into the free throw lane prior to the shooter’s release of the ball, then the shot does not count. If the defense ventures into the free throw lane too early, then another shot attempt is awarded to the shooter, if they miss.
VARIOUS TIME RESTRICTIONS
- 3-Second Violation: Offensive players cannot stand in the key for more than three seconds.
- 5-Second Violation (Inbounding): A player must inbound the basketball within five seconds after the referee hands it to them to avoid a turnover.
- 5-Second Violation (Offensive): An offensive player must pass, shoot or dribble the basketball within five seconds if being guarded by a defensive player who is within arm’s reach.
- 10-Second Violation: Players must advance the basketball over the mid-court line within 10 seconds to avoid a turnover.
A better understanding of these fouls and violations can keep your plays sharper and games safer. Being aware can keep you on the court and out of foul trouble. So, lace up your shoes, drive to the hoop and score with a clearer knowledge of the rules today.
Want a copy of the basketball fouls and violations to easily reference? Print them here. Looking for more tips to improve your game? Explore expert advice from NBA Coaches.
Related Articles
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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What is a foul in basketball: types of technical fouls
A foul is a violation that involves contact between two or more players. Positioned more seriously than non-compliance with the rules of seconds or gears. Free throws can be awarded for fouls and players receive warnings. All this was done in order to make basketball a non-contact game in which strength would be less important than agility or speed. Below in the article the main types of fouls, penalties for receiving them, tips on how to avoid them will be analyzed.
Types of fouls
Since many people have been playing basketball for a long time, different types of fouls have appeared. For situations of contact with an opponent or insulting a referee, different sanctions are needed.
Therefore, the NBA distinguishes the following types of fouls:
- Personal. This foul is due to personal contact. If the opponent made a throw upon contact, then you need to look at the result. The ball hit the ring - the victim takes one free kick. The ball did not hit the ring - the victim performs as many throws as he could earn if there was a goal.
If the foul was committed while the opponent was not shooting, then there are also two options. The team scored 5 violations in the quarter - the victim takes two free throws. The team did not score 5 violations in the quarter - a throw-in is taken. - When attacking. If, during an attack, a player plays too aggressively, tries to push the opponent away, does not allow him to get close to the ball, hits the leg or arm, then this is a violation. The referee will penalize that athlete's team, pass the ball to the opponents, and restart play.
- Reciprocal. If, within a short period of time, two enemy players foul at the same time, the referee awards a double foul.
Both athletes can receive a warning, and no free throws go to either. - Unsportsmanlike. If a player exhibits unsportsmanlike conduct, the referee will issue a warning for an unsportsmanlike foul. Athletes often earn such a penalty when they clash with rivals or get into an open fight. But you should be more careful, because after the second such warning, the player will be removed from the site.
- Disqualifying. If a player behaves in a highly inappropriate manner, the referee may send him off immediately. Usually this happens due to an attack on one of the players or a tough skirmish with the match staff. The athlete will be disqualified from the court, and another basketball player will take his place.
There is another type of foul - technical. It is described in more detail below.
Technical fouls
If a player allows himself to insult the referee or staff, he commits a technical foul.
Such violations are punished depending on how the judge decides. He can say that the ball is in touch, as well as award free throws. Sometimes such scandals and squabbles happen within the site. Often technical fouls are called if players are deliberately playing for time.
It is interesting that not only athletes can get technical violations, but also the staff, coaches, even assistant referees. There are only a few such cases in history, but if someone follows the match too emotionally, then the referee has every right to remove this person. In recent times, technical fouls have often been called for displaying racism or any other ethnic slur.
Maximum number of fouls before disqualification
In the game, the referee keeps the score for fouls for each team and player individually. For example, if a team has committed fewer than five infractions in a quarter, then a smaller sanction will be imposed on it when committing actions that do not comply with the rules.
This rule is used quite often in modern realities. The tight game and fast pace of the players makes them often take risks, commit fouls against opponents.
For an individual player, the maximum number of fouls is 5 (6 in the NBA). After receiving the last violation, the judge will disqualify the athlete from the area. The removed player will not be able to return to this match, and after the game he will have to explain himself to the coach and the team. In basketball, this situation is quite rare, but all judges remember this rule and are ready to calm down the athlete at any time by kicking him off the court.
Subtleties: how to avoid getting fouled?
In order to avoid violations, it is worth remembering the “cylinder” rule. It lies in the fact that the player imagines a cylinder around which he cannot put his arms and legs. All the defender can do is jump and intercept the ball, blocking shots or passes. Thus, the artificial border will not allow contact with the attacker.
The “top hat” rule is used by both professional players and beginners.
To avoid a foul, you need to keep your emotions under control at all times. It's hard to believe, but most dismissals in basketball happen for this very reason. The offensive lag of the team or the “blindness” of the referee greatly offends the players. They begin to actively collide with the opponent, thus trying to calm their rage. After removal, very often basketball players apologize and regret that they succumbed to an emotional outburst.
You can avoid violations if you hone your defensive skills. Defense is one of the most difficult parts of the basketball game. For a good defense, it is worth asking a teammate to coach a defensive player with various passes and dribbling. You can hone blocks or pass interceptions. Now in the arsenal of players there are a large number of simulators that shoot basketballs, and the defender needs to quickly intercept them.
It's worth saying that a good defender is a massive athlete.
He should have high agility along with the ability to knock well. If the attacker passes under the ring, such a player will be able to stop the attack. He will rely on his speed, and in extreme cases, on a strong body with which to repel the attacker. All these nuances are perfected in the hall.
What is a technical foul in basketball? - The territory of the ball - Blogs0013 :
❌ Disregards judges' warnings.
❌ Behaves and/or communicates disrespectfully with officials, commissioner, table officials, opponents or persons who are allowed to sit on the team benches.
❌ Disrespectful to referees, commissioner, table officials or opponents.
❌ Uses expressions or gestures that offend or provoke viewers.
❌ Teases or taunts an opponent.
❌ Interfere with an opponent's vision by waving or holding his hand(s) in front of his eyes.
❌ He swings his elbows excessively.
❌ Delays play by intentionally touching the ball after it has passed through the basket or preventing a quick throw-in.
❌ Simulates being fouled.
❌ Hanging from the hoop in such a way that the hoop supports the player's weight, except when the player is momentarily grabbing the hoop after an overhand throw or, in the opinion of the referee, is attempting to avoid or prevent injury to another player.
❌ Defender commits hit disadvantage on last free throw. In this case, the attacking team must be credited with 1 point, after which the defender is charged with a technical foul.
❌ A technical foul by any person authorized to sit on the team bench is a foul for disrespectful treatment or touching of the officials, commissioner, table officials or opponents, or for violations of a procedural or administrative nature.
❌ A player shall be disqualified for the remainder of the game when charged with 2 technical fouls, or 2 unsportsmanlike fouls, or 1 technical foul and 1 unsportsmanlike foul.
A coach shall be disqualified for the remainder of the game when:
- He is charged with 2 technical fouls ('C') as a result of his personal unsportsmanlike conduct.
- He is charged with 3 technical fouls, either all of which ('B') or one of which ('C') as a result of unsportsmanlike conduct by other persons who are allowed to sit on the team bench.
Technical foul penalty ❗️
If a technical foul is committed:
❎ By a player, a technical foul shall be charged on that player, count as a player foul and as one of the team fouls.
❎ Any person permitted to sit on the team bench shall be charged with a technical foul by the coach and shall not count as one of the team fouls.
The opponents shall be awarded 1 free throw ✅
The game shall be restarted as follows:
✅ The free throw shall be taken immediately. After a free throw, the throw-in shall be administered by the team that had control of the ball or was entitled to the ball when the technical foul was called, from the place nearest to where the ball was located when play was stopped.
✅ The free throw must also be administered immediately, regardless of whether the order of administration of other possible penalties for any other fouls has been determined or the administration of these penalties has already begun.
