What is a foul in basketball
A foul is an infraction that occurs during a basketball game that generally comprises illegal contact between opposing players on the court, unwarranted conduct from a particular player, coach, or bench personnel, as well as other violations of rules that might justify the assessment of a foul by an official.
What is basic information about the personal foul
A personal foul is an infraction that occurs during a basketball game when a player uses any part of their body such as their hands, arms, legs, or feet to make illegal contact with an opposing player.
A personal foul is also one of the more common types of fouls that could occur during a game and because of that, it is sometimes referred to as simply a common foul.
A player is subject to receiving a personal foul for illegal contact at the time of or following an inbound pass situation, free throw shot opportunity, or when the basketball is tossed by an official during a jump ball scenario.
When a player receives a personal foul, it will be added to their total number of personal fouls.
In addition, a player can generally only accumulate a certain number of personal fouls throughout the game, which is typically five or six fouls, depending on the league of competition.
If a player reaches the maximum number of personal fouls that they can accumulate, then that player will usually be disqualified from continuing to play in the game. There is an exception to that rule though.
Within the rules of the NBA and WNBA, if a player reaches their maximum number of personal fouls but a substitution is not available to replace them, then that player will remain in the game.
Essentially, within the rules of the NBA and WNBA, teams must always have five players on the court at all times.
However, any subsequent personal fouls will also result in an assessment of a technical foul to that player.
What is basic information about the technical foul
A technical foul is a penalty that is assessed to a player, coach, or bench personnel during a basketball game, usually because of unwarranted conduct that is generally considered to be disrespectful, particularly towards other players and/or officials, or due to other infractions that are not necessarily based on conduct.
In terms of general penalties, the offended team is usually granted one or two free throws generally depending on the type of technical foul.
Additionally, the offended team is typically awarded the ball for an inbound pass opportunity on the sideline at the free throw line extended area where the technical foul was assessed, regardless if there were free throws attempts or not.
However, if there is a double technical foul, which are two technical fouls called on two opponents at approximately the same time, then this usually results in no free throws being awarded to either team.
What’s more, in general, when a player or coach receives two technical fouls, then that usually leads to an ejection from the basketball game for the player or coach.
Examples of actions or scenarios that could lead to a technical foul assessment
Delay of game
If a player or coach delays the game in some manner, that would usually result in an initial warning from the official the first time it occurs.
However, from that point, any subsequent instances to delay the game will cause that player or coach to be assessed a technical foul.
Excessive timeouts
In general, a head coach can request for a timeout that is in excess of the authorized number of timeouts. From there, the timeout will be granted but the coach will be assessed a technical foul.
Also, according to the current rules of the NBA and WNBA, if a coach uses a Challenge to initiate an instant replay review while the team has no remaining timeouts, the Challenge will still take place but the team will be charged with an excessive timeout, which would also trigger a technical foul penalty for that team.
Player or coach calls timeout but there are none remaining
Within the rules of the NBA and WNBA, if a player or a head coach requests for a timeout but the team does not have any timeouts remaining, then the request will not be granted. Furthermore, a technical foul will be assessed to that team.
Offensive player excessively hangs on the rim or other parts of the basket
If an offensive player hangs on the rim excessively, which usually occurs after a slam dunk attempt, then that player would be assessed a technical foul.
This would also apply if the offensive player attempts to excessively hang on the backboard, net, or basket support as well.
Nevertheless, a rule exception allows an offensive player to hang on the rim for a longer amount of time than what is normally granted to avoid causing an injury to self or other players on the court.
Defensive player hangs on the rim or other parts of the basket
If a defensive player hangs on an opponent’s rim or net as well as the backboard or basket support, especially in an attempt to block an opponent’s field goal opportunity, then that defender would be assessed a technical foul.
Furthermore, if the defensive player touches the ball while hanging on the rim, net, backboard, or support, then that would also result in a goaltending violation.
However, the defensive player is allowed to hang on the rim or net to avoid injury to self or others, similar to the offensive player’s exception.
Overt gesture
If a player on the court, coach, or bench personnel makes an overt gesture, particularly in a demonstrative fashion, then that could potentially result in that player being assessed a technical foul.
Brief examples of overt gestures from a player on the court include clapping the hands at an referee to influence a call, waving off a referee to disagree with a call, or spiking the ball on the floor after a perceived negative outcome from a referee.
Taunting
If a player taunts their opponent such as clapping in their opponent’s face or yelling at their opponent, then this will typically lead to the taunting player being assessed a technical foul.
Throwing the ball
Within the NBA and WNBA, if a player, coach, or other bench personnel throws the ball or any other object, especially with force, at an official, another player, or at someone or something else such as the basket stanchion, then that would lead to a technical foul.
What is basic information about the defensive foul
A defensive foul is an infraction that occurs during a basketball game when a defender uses any part of their body such as their hands, arms, legs, or feet to make illegal contact with an opposing offensive player.
As for typical penalties, a personal foul is added to the total of the player who was assessed the defensive foul.
Furthermore, an offensive player may have an opportunity to shoot free throws if the defensive foul happened while that offensive player was in the act of shooting or if the opposing team is in the bonus situation.
On the other hand, if the defensive foul occurs while an opposing player is not in the act of shooting, then the offensive team would typically be able to inbound the ball at a designated spot on the sideline or baseline.
Examples of player actions that could lead to a defensive foul assessment
Defender pushes opponent
If a defender uses one or both hands to push an offensive player in the front area or back area, then that would be a defensive foul via illegal contact.
Also, if a defender uses one or both hands to push away the arm of an opponent with or without possession of the basketball, then that would represent a defensive foul as well.
Defender makes illegal contact after reaching in
Reaching in, sometimes colloquially known as a reach in foul, occurs when an on-ball defender makes illegal contact with an opponent while attempting to steal the ball.
Essentially, when a defender attempts to steal the ball by reaching in from their own cylinder, which is their occupied space, into the opponent’s cylinder but in that process, the defender happens to make illegal contact with the opponent, this is no longer a legal guarding position.
From there, once the defender is no longer in a legal guarding position and that is combined with the illegal contact, the result is a defensive foul.
Defender goes over the back of opponent
When a defender is being potentially boxed out by an opponent who is in a legal rebounding position and that defender makes illegal contact, particularly by jumping over the back of that opponent in an attempt to collect a rebound, it is a defensive foul.
Defender makes illegal contact while opponent is in the act of shooting
When a defender makes illegal contact while an opponent is in the act of shooting the ball, it is effectively a defensive foul.
It should be mentioned as well that this is also known as a foul in the act of shooting or simply, a shooting foul.
Additionally, if a defender keeps a legal guarding position during an opponent’s jump shot release but immediately afterwards, the defender does not give the opponent enough space to safely land on the floor, then that would still constitute a defensive foul.
Defender makes illegal contact by impeding opponent’s progress
When a defender makes illegal contact, particularly to impede or stop an opponent’s progress towards a certain area on the court, it is a defensive foul, and even more specifically, a blocking foul in this instance.
What is basic information about the offensive foul
An offensive foul is an infraction that occurs during a basketball game when an offensive player uses any part of their body such as their hands, arms, legs, or feet to make illegal contact with an opposing defensive player.
When a player gets assessed an offensive foul by the referee, the result will be a personal foul added to that player’s total number of fouls.
Moreover, the offensive team would lose possession of the ball via turnover to the opposing team who would also be able to execute an inbound pass at a designated spot near the sideline.
Examples of player actions that could result in an offensive foul assessment
Offensive player sets illegal screen
An illegal screen occurs when a offensive player makes prohibited contact while setting a screen and/or the offensive player does not allow an opposing defender, who would be the target of the screen, enough time and/or distance to avoid the screen.
A screener must stay within their own vertical plane approximately shoulder width apart while setting a basketball screen.
The vertical plane also includes an imaginary cylinder of occupied space that surrounds the screener, or any other active player, from the floor to as far as they can jump or extend their arms above their head.
Once an offensive player sets an illegal screen, the result is an offensive foul.
Offensive player pushes opponent with hands
If an offensive player pushes with their hands in the front area or back area of an opponent, then that would lead to an offensive foul via illegal contact.
Offensive player pushes away opponent’s contesting hand
If an offensive player illegally pushes away a defensive opponent’s hand in an attempt to prevent that opponent from contesting their shot and/or possibly blocking it, then that would be an offensive foul.
This offensive foul situation usually occurs when the offensive player is attempting to make a layup that could very likely be blocked by the defender.
Offensive player grabs opponent’s jersey and/or other attire
If an offensive player grabs the jersey and/or other attire such as basketball shorts of an opponent, then that is an offensive foul.
This is not allowed because by grabbing the jersey and/or other attire of an opponent, the offensive player is able to potentially create a speed and/or space advantage against the opposing defender.
Offensive player hooks opponent
If an offensive player hooks their arm around the back of an opposing defender, then that will be an offensive foul.
Hooking is not permitted because the offensive player could use that action to inhibit a defender’s speed, which could then lead to unnatural separation from that defender, especially near perimeter areas of the court.
Furthermore, in terms of the low post area, hooking would also give the offensive player an opportunity to have a potential easy shot at the rim because the opposing low post defender would not be able to properly contest and/or block the shot attempt.
Offensive player pushes or moves into the torso of a legally guarding defender
When an offensive player, with or without possession of the basketball, pushes or moves a part of their body into the torso of a defender who is in legal guarding position, this is known as a charging foul or an offensive foul for charging.
It should be noted as well that if an offensive player collides with a legally guarding defender while attempting to pass the ball to a teammate, which is commonly known as a pass and crash, the result will be an offensive foul for charging.
What is basic information about the flagrant foul
A flagrant foul is an infraction that occurs during a basketball game when one particular player commits illegal contact against an opposing player that is deemed to be unnecessary and/or excessive.
Furthermore, there are generally two types of flagrant fouls, which are commonly known as flagrant 1 foul and flagrant 2 foul.
General information about flagrant 1 foul
Within the rules of the NBA and WNBA, the flagrant 1 foul, which is also referred to as flagrant foul penalty 1, occurs when a player commits illegal contact against an opposing player, with or without possession of the basketball, that is deemed to be unnecessary but not excessive.
Additionally, according to the current rules of NCAA men’s college basketball, a flagrant 1 foul is a personal foul that is determined to be unwarranted and/or unnecessary but the foul is not based solely and specifically on the severity of the offending player’s action.
General criteria for a referee to assess the flagrant 1 foul usually consists of reckless contact that could possibly lead to minor injury but usually not major injury, when committed against an opponent.
As for typical flagrant 1 foul penalties, a personal foul gets added to the offending player’s total number. The total number of team fouls will typically increase by one as well.
Also, the player who was the target of the flagrant 1 foul would have an opportunity to attempt two free throws.
Moreover, the offended team of the player who was the target of the flagrant 1 foul would receive the ball on the sideline.
It should also be noted that if a player receives two flagrant 1 fouls in the same game, then that will usually result in an automatic ejection from the game.
General information about flagrant 2 foul
Within the rules of the NBA and WNBA, the flagrant 2 foul, which is also referred to as flagrant foul penalty 2, occurs when a player commits illegal contact against an opposing player, with or without possession of the basketball, that is deemed to be unnecessary and excessive.
Additionally, according to the current rules of NCAA men’s college basketball, a flagrant 2 foul is a personal foul comprising illegal contact that is deemed to be not only excessive but also severe and/or dangerous while the ball is live.
General criteria for a referee to assess the flagrant 2 foul usually involves hard contact, especially to an opponent’s head area, and/or contact that is so significant, it could potentially lead to major injury against an opponent.
Flagrant 2 foul penalties are similar to flagrant 1 penalties but there is one difference. That is, when a player receives a flagrant 2 foul, it will result in an automatic ejection from the game.
What is basic information about the loose ball foul
A loose ball foul is an infraction that occurs during a basketball game when one particular player on the court commits illegal contact against an opposing player while there is a loose ball situation and/or while there is no team control.
When a player gets charged with a loose ball foul, that player’s total number of personal fouls will increase by one.
Furthermore, the total number of team fouls will typically increase by one as well.
In addition to that, the team who was the target of the loose ball foul will typically receive the ball on the sideline, assuming the bonus is not in effect.
Also, the offended team who was the target of the loose ball foul could be awarded free throws in special situations.
Examples of scenarios that could lead to a loose ball foul
Ball in flight during a field goal attempt
Generally speaking, any time the ball is in flight after an offensive player attempts a field goal, it is a loose ball situation and there will be no team control of the ball as well.
This also means that any illegal contact committed by any particular player against an opposing player while the ball is in flight could result in a loose ball foul.
Ball tapped for a rebound
Whenever a player taps the ball in an attempt to collect it as a rebound, regardless if it is an offensive rebound or defensive rebound, it is usually a loose ball situation.
What’s more, while the ball is being tapped for a potential rebound, no team is generally in control of it at that moment.
So, if one particular player commits illegal contact against an opponent while there is a tap for a rebound, then that could result in a loose ball foul.
Player temporarily loses the ball while dribbling
If a player is dribbling the ball but afterwards, that same player temporarily loses handle of the ball, then that could be representative of a loose ball situation.
From there, if that player who lost handle of the ball while dribbling made illegal contact with an opponent or any other player committed illegal contact against other opposing players, then the result could be a loose ball foul on the offending player.
Player muffs or fumbles pass
If a player muffs or fumbles a pass that is thrown by a teammate, then that could be representative of a loose ball situation.
From that point, if the player that muffed the ball were to commit illegal contact with an opponent or any other player made illegal contact against other opposing players, then the result could be a loose ball assessment on the offending player.
What is basic information about the clear path foul
A clear path foul is an infraction that occurs in a basketball game when a defender commits illegal contact at the moment an opposing player has a clear path to the basket during a transition offense scoring opportunity.
Also, the clear path foul rules are primarily implemented within the NBA and WNBA but it is possible for other leagues of competition to utilize a similar rule under a different name.
General criteria for a referee to assess a clear path foul includes four main points.
First, the defender has to commit a defensive foul against any offensive player on the court during that opposing team’s transition offense scoring opportunity.
Next, the basketball has to be ahead of the tip of the circle in the backcourt and there cannot be a defender ahead of the offensive player who has the opportunity to score points during the transition phase.
Afterwards, the offensive player who has the opportunity to score in transition should be in possession of the basketball or that same player should be in the process of receiving the ball via a pass from a teammate.
Lastly, the offensive team would have to be deprived of the proper opportunity to score points during their transition phase, mainly because of the defensive foul.
In reference to penalties, the defender who committed the clear path foul during the opponent’s transition scoring opportunity would be charged with a personal foul.
Additionally, the number of team fouls of that violating defender would increase by one and the offensive team would be awarded two free throw shots as well as the ball on the sideline that is nearest the spot where play was interrupted.
What is basic information about the transition take foul
A transition take foul is an infraction that occurs when a defender commits illegal contact that does not attempt to make a legitimate play on the basketball during an opposing team’s transition scoring opportunity.
Additionally, the transition take foul is primarily associated within the rules of the NBA but it is also possible for other leagues of organized competition to have a similar game law but with different terminology.
General criteria for a referee to assess a transition take foul includes three main points.
First, the foul should happen during a potential transition offense scoring opportunity or immediately after a change of possession prior to the offensive team being able to advance the ball down the court.
Next, the foul should not meet specifications to be designated as a clear path foul.
Following that, the foul should not happen during the last two minutes of the fourth period, also known as the two-minute period, or during last two minutes of any overtime period.
As it relates to penalties, a transition take foul results in a personal foul against the defender who makes the illegal contact as well as a team foul.
In addition, the opposing team shall be awarded one free throw attempt, which could be taken by any player of that team who is in the game at the time of the infraction.
Moreover, after the free throw attempt, the team who was the target of the transition take foul shall receive the ball on the sideline where play was interrupted but not nearest to the baseline than the free throw line extended area.
Related: RULE NO. 12: Fouls and Penalties – NBA Official
Related: Official Rules – WNBA
Related: Men’s and Women’s college basketball rule books – NCAA Publications