
In basketball, a charge is an offensive foul that occurs when an offensive player runs into a defender. To draw a charge, the defender must be in a set defensive position, facing the opponent, and outside the restricted area before the offensive player begins their upward shooting motion. While it is not necessary for the defender to fall for a charge to be called, it is very unlikely that the defender will get the call without falling back and hitting the ground. Falling properly with contact is important to avoid injury.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do you have to fall? | Yes, falling backwards is important to avoid injury. |
| How to fall? | Butt to back on the floor, without using hands to brace the fall. |
| When to fall? | When the offensive player is coming down the lane. |
| How to avoid falling? | Jump stop as players near the basket. |
| Who can draw a charge? | Only the defensive player. |
| When to draw a charge? | When the defender is in a “set” defensive position. |
| Where to draw a charge? | Outside the restricted area, a 4' diameter semicircle under the basket. |
| What happens after a charge? | The defensive team gains possession of the basketball but does not get to shoot free throws. |
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What You'll Learn

Falling properly is key to avoiding injury and selling the call
In basketball, falling properly is essential not only for avoiding injuries but also for selling a call effectively. While taking a charge, defenders often end up falling over or sliding under, and doing so improperly can lead to injuries. Therefore, it is crucial to learn how to fall correctly and safely.
Basketball coaches should focus on developing their players' general movements, including falling and getting up from the ground. Taller athletes may find it more challenging to execute squat and hinge patterns, but that doesn't exempt them from practicing these movements. Building strong and stable joint structures through full ranges of motion with proper technique can significantly reduce the risk of injuries. Coaches can guide athletes in exploring their ranges of motion and teach them how to fall safely.
When attempting to draw a charge, players should practice falling backwards by going butt to back on the floor and avoiding using their hands to brace their fall. Using the hands to break a fall can result in wrist injuries. Additionally, players should avoid using their hips or shoulders when taking a charge, as this can lead to contact with the offensive player's legs, which is undesirable.
Selling a call is about demonstrating what actually happened. For example, if a defender sells a call by backing off after being pushed, it is a legal play and not considered flopping. Properly falling and selling a call can help convince the referees and increase the chances of a successful charge call.
In conclusion, falling properly is a crucial skill in basketball, not only for injury prevention but also for effectively selling a call. By practicing proper falling techniques and understanding the mechanics of taking a charge, players can improve their defensive skills and contribute to their team's success.
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The defender must be in a legal guarding position
To establish a legal guarding position, the defender must be in the path of the offensive player before contact is made, thus "beating them to the spot". This means that the defender must be able to anticipate where the offence is trying to drive and get there first.
A legal guarding position is established once the defender is facing their opponent and has both feet on the floor. Their torso should be facing the offensive player, and they must be outside the restricted area. The restricted area is a 4-foot diameter semicircle under the basket, painted on the floor to protect offensive players driving to the basket and help referees with the block/charge call. If any of the defender's feet are on or inside the arc, it is an automatic blocking foul.
The defender must also allow the offensive player the space to stop and/or change direction, or land, stop and/or change direction if they are in the air. If the defender does not get into a legal guarding position before contact occurs, it is a blocking foul on the defender. If the defender gets to a legal guarding position before contact occurs, it is an offensive foul.
It is important to note that even if the defence is in the bonus and draws a charging foul, they will only gain possession of the basketball and not shoot any free throws. A charge is an offensive foul that occurs when an offensive player charges into a defender.
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The offensive player must initiate contact
Drawing a charge is a powerful tool for any defensive player in basketball. It can be a great energizer for the team as it can disrupt the opposing team's momentum. To draw a charge, a defensive player must be in front of and facing the basketball, anticipating the dribbler's next move, and getting to the spot before the ball gets there.
To avoid a charge, an offensive player should focus on not running into anyone. A jump stop near the basket can help maintain control and prevent contact with defenders. Additionally, it is important to note that even if the defense draws a charging foul, they will only gain possession of the basketball and not shoot any free throws.
When taking the charge, defenders should avoid using their hips or shoulders, as they may hit the offensive player's legs instead of their waist or chest. Instead, they should focus on moving their feet and body correctly to position themselves to take the charge.
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A charge is an offensive foul
To take a charge, a defender must be able to anticipate the offensive player's next move and get in front of them before they get there. This requires a degree of anticipation and skill. The defender can then move sideways or backward, and any contact on their torso is considered legal. However, if they move forward or make contact with their hips, it is likely to be called a blocking foul.
When a charge is called, it results in a turnover and a personal foul on the offending player. This can be detrimental to a team as it can wipe out a basket or a good shot attempt. It is important to note that even if the defensive team draws a charging foul while in the bonus, they will only gain possession and not shoot any free throws.
While falling is not a requirement for a charge to be called, it is uncommon for a player taking a charge not to fall over or slide under. Additionally, acting can play a role in getting the call, and defenders should practice falling backward safely by going butt-to-back with the floor and not using their hands to brace.
Mastering the art of drawing a charge can be a powerful defensive tool, but it is also important for offensive players to learn how to avoid committing charges to prevent giving away points to the opposing team.
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Charges are a powerful tool for defensive players
Mastering the art of drawing a charge can be a game-changer for any defensive player. It requires skill, timing, and courage. It involves anticipating the opponent's moves and positioning yourself correctly on the court. Drawing a charge can disrupt the opponent's momentum, energize your team, and change the flow of the game. It can also help prevent giving away fouls and points to the opposing team.
To successfully draw a charge, defensive players must be able to get in front of and face the basketball. They need to anticipate where the offense is driving and get there first. It is important to note that the defender must not initiate the contact, and any movement towards the offensive player can be considered a blocking foul.
While charges can be a powerful defensive tool, they also come with risks. Drawing a charge can result in injury as players make contact at full speed. Additionally, even if the defensive team draws a charging foul, they will only gain possession of the basketball and will not shoot any free throws.
Overall, charges are a strategic and powerful tool for defensive players in basketball when used effectively and at the right moment. It requires a combination of quick thinking, precise positioning, body control, and courage to execute successfully.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, falling to the ground is an important part of taking a charge in basketball. Falling backwards and taking the impact on your buttocks can help to avoid injury.
A charge is an offensive foul that occurs when an offensive player runs into a defender who has established a legal guarding position.
To take a charge, a defender must be in a set defensive position with both feet planted, facing their opponent, and outside the restricted area. The defender's torso should be facing the offensive player.
The restricted area is a 4-foot diameter semicircle under the basket that is painted on the floor. If a defender has any part of their feet on or inside the arc when an offensive foul is committed, it is automatically a blocking foul.











































