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How to call a foul in basketball
How to call a foul 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, they are disqualified from playing in the rest of the game. Players can also foul out FIBA and college basketball, but the foul limit is five fouls.
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. If the shot is made after a foul is called, the basket counts and the shooter is awarded one extra free throw. This is known as an and-one.
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 are 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 Personal Fouls
- Basketball Over The Back Foul
- Basketball Foul Trouble
- Basketball Charging Foul
- Basketball Foul Out
- Basketball Nonshooting Foul
PreviousNext
Terms in basketball that everyone should know
These 11 concepts will help even a beginner to better understand the game
WE DECIDED TO HELP LEARN BASKETBALL LANGUAGE FOR BEGINNERS, IN ORDER TO NOT LOSS ON THE COURT AND BETTER UNDERSTAND EXPERIENCED PLAYERS.
RUNNING
Foul when a player with the ball takes too many steps without starting or after dribbling. The simplest and at the same time complex rule, because it has many nuances. This video breaks down the latest amendments and clearly explains what is possible and what is not:
RUNNING
Foul when a player with the ball takes too many steps without starting or after dribbling. The simplest and at the same time complex rule, because it has many nuances.
This video breaks down the latest amendments and clearly explains what is and isn't allowed:
PENALTY (PENALTY)
A free throw that is taken after a foul in the "throw phase", a technical or unsportsmanlike foul, or overrun of team fouls. On the site it is easy to find the line from where the free kick is taken.
We have a free throw recommendation article. Read the blog: BASKETBALL PENALTY SHOT
AND1 (END ONE)
The exclamation and symbol used by players after a foul shot is scored. Denotes "and one more", because after hitting in violation of the rules, it will perform a free throw, and this is an opportunity to score more points for attack.
PAINT (THREE SECOND ZONE)
An area on the court in which an attacking player cannot stay for more than 3 seconds, otherwise there will be a violation. The name "paint" was derived from highlighting it with color on set.
THREE / LONG / OUT OF THE ARCH (THREE-POINT SHOT)
A 3-point shot in big basketball and 2 points in 3-on-3 basketball.
On the court, the 3-point zone is marked with a line in the form of an arc.
LAY UP
The most common shot from under the basket, during which the player usually moves towards the basket.
DUNK / SLAM DUNK
Overhand throw when the ball is released from the hands over the hoop and moves straight down.
ALLEY-OOP
A pass after which the receiving player throws the ball before landing. Most often, such a transfer ends with a dunk, and it looks spectacular.
To dunk and finish alley-ups beautifully, you need to have a good jump. We have a video with 5 top tips for this:
ASSIST (ENG - ASSIST)
A successful pass, after which the player hits the basket. In basketball, before throwing, he can perform one or two hits without beating the opponent, and the transfer will still be considered in the scoring column.
To give a lot of assists, you need to be able to make different passes.
Read the article with types of passes: PASSING IN BASKETBALL
REBELLING
The event when a player receives the ball after a shot or block shot. Some players have made a whole art out of this element of the game. For example, Dennis Rodman:
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Code of Conduct
Each team must try to win, but only if all the rules of the game are respected and the opponents are treated with respect.
Intentional or repeated violation of the rules of the game may be considered a technical foul.
The referees have the right to cancel the penalty, pointing out the players to the errors, and also if a minor and unintentional violation of the rules was committed, which did not seriously affect the course of the game.
If a violation is discovered after the ball is put into play, the match is stopped and a technical foul is called.
The penalty is administered in the same manner as if the foul had occurred at the time it was called. The results of the match that occurred in the interval between the identified non-compliance with the rules of the game and its stoppage remain the same.
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Definition of technical foul
A technical foul by a player is a violation of the rules of the game in the absence of contact with an opponent, caused by such actions on the part of a player when he:
- Ignores remarks from judges.
- Talks rudely or is disrespectful to officials, table officials, opposing players or those who are allowed to sit on the players' benches.
- Uses incorrect or provocative words and gestures towards fans.
- Mimics or laughs at an opponent.
- Blocks the opposing players' view by holding or waving their arm at eye level.
- Waves the elbows too much.
- Intentionally slows play by touching a ball over the basket or preventing a quick throw-in.
- Simulates a rule violation against itself.
- Hanging on the hoop with his full weight, except when the basketball player is held on the hoop for a second while performing an overhand throw, or hangs on the hoop to avoid self-injury or injury to another player.
- Defender interferes with the ball on the last free throw. In this case, the serving team is credited with a point, after which the defender is punished with a technical foul.
A technical foul by a person who can take a seat on the team bench is a foul for incorrect statements or touches against the referees and their assistants, opponents, as well as for deliberate violation of the order and rules of the game.
Technical foul penalty
A technical foul committed by a basketball player is charged to that player and counts as a team foul. In the event of an infraction committed by a person admitted to the bench of a sports team, the head coach is penalized with a technical foul, and such an infraction is not counted against the entire team.
The opponent gets the opportunity to make a free throw.
The game restarts as follows:
- Immediate execution of a free throw. The team in possession of the ball at the time of the technical foul shall take a throw-in after the free throw. The place for the throw-in is the spot on the field where the ball was when play was stopped.
- The team also shoots the free throw immediately, regardless of whether the order in which the other disciplinary penalties were to be administered has been determined or the application of those penalties has already begun. The team in control or possession of the ball at the time of the technical foul restarts play after the free throw is taken from where it stopped.
- A basketball player takes a throw-in from an arbitrary place on the court behind the end line after a field goal or last free throw.
If the ball was not under the control of one of the teams or the possession of the ball was not determined, a jump ball is awarded, which is played in the center circle of the playing field at the beginning of the first quarter.
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