
In basketball, a block or blocked shot occurs when a defensive player legally deflects a field goal attempt from an offensive player. A block/charge foul occurs when a defender tries to get in front of the offensive player to stop them from advancing, without first establishing a legal guarding position. This is a blocking foul, which is a type of personal foul. A flagrant foul, on the other hand, is unnecessary and/or excessive contact, such as when a defensive player swings and makes hard contact with an offensive player. So, does the block count if it's a foul? The answer is no—a blocked shot cannot be awarded or counted if there is a foul, even if the player who deflected the field goal attempt is different from the player who committed the foul.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Blocking foul | Occurs when a defender does not establish and/or maintain a legal guarding position, followed by illegal contact that inhibits the progress of an opponent, with or without possession of the basketball |
| Legal guarding position | Established when both of a defender's feet are on the playing court and the defender is facing their opponent, particularly with their torso |
| Illegal contact | Includes extending arms, shoulders, hips, or legs outside the defender's cylinder, making contact with an opposing player |
| Flagrant foul | Unnecessary and/or excessive contact, such as when a defensive player swings and makes hard contact with an offensive player |
| Punching foul | An unsportsmanlike act that results in immediate ejection |
| Goaltending | Occurs when a defender touches the ball after it reaches its highest point following a shot attempt, or after the ball bounces off the backboard |
| Clear path foul | Occurs when a defender fouls an offensive player during a fast break, preventing an easy basket |
| Penalty for blocking foul | A personal foul is added to the player's total, and their team is charged with a team foul; if the offensive player was shooting, they may receive free throw attempts |
| Preventing blocking fouls | Stay focused on your opponent, maintain active footwork, and be aware of the ball's movement |
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What You'll Learn
- A block/charge foul occurs when a defender tries to get in front of their opponent to stop them from advancing
- If the defender makes contact with the offensive player above the shoulders or below the knees, it's a blocking foul
- A blocking foul can also be called if a defender extends their arms, shoulders, hips, or legs to stop an opponent
- If a defender gets called for a blocking foul, it will result in a personal foul being added to their record
- A blocking foul is not frequently taught at early levels of basketball but becomes important at higher levels

A block/charge foul occurs when a defender tries to get in front of their opponent to stop them from advancing
Basketball is a contact sport, and blocking fouls are one of the most common momentum-swinging fouls. A block/charge foul occurs when a defender tries to get in front of their opponent to stop them from advancing in that direction. This is a legal defensive move if the defender gets into a legal guarding position before making contact with the opponent. The defender's initial legal guarding position is established when both their feet are on the playing court and they are facing their opponent.
If the defender fails to get into a legal position and makes contact with the opponent, it is a blocking foul. This can be called when the defender extends their arms, shoulders, hips, or legs outside of their cylinder, making illegal contact with the opponent. The offensive player with the ball should expect to be guarded and must be ready to stop or change direction when a defender takes a legal guarding position.
If the defender makes contact with the opponent above the shoulders or below the knees, it is an offensive blocking foul. However, it is not considered a foul if the contact occurs before the defender has made a move towards the basket or if their momentum is carrying them. If the defender makes contact with the opponent's hand when it is not in contact with the ball, it is also a foul.
Blocking fouls can result in penalties, such as suspension or fines, and can impact the outcome of the game. It is important for players to understand the rules governing blocking fouls to avoid committing turnovers and giving an advantage to the opposing team.
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If the defender makes contact with the offensive player above the shoulders or below the knees, it's a blocking foul
Basketball is a contact sport, and blocking fouls are one of the most common momentum-swinging fouls. A blocking foul occurs when an attacking player makes contact with an opposing player, causing the defender to lose balance and fall over.
Offensive blocking fouls are called when the attacking player makes contact with the defender in the air above the shoulders or below the knees. However, it is not considered a foul if the contact occurs before the defender makes a move towards the basket or if their momentum carries them into the defender.
When a defender is called for a blocking foul, it results in a personal foul being added to their record. This, in turn, leads to a team foul being charged to their team. If the defender's team has reached a certain number of team fouls within a period, it can trigger a bonus or penalty situation for the opposing team.
To avoid committing a blocking foul, defenders should maintain a legal guarding position and be mindful of their opponent's space. They should also stay on their feet and be aware of the ball's movement at all times.
In conclusion, when a defender makes contact with an offensive player above the shoulders or below the knees, it is considered a blocking foul, which can have significant consequences for the defender's team. Therefore, it is crucial for players to understand and avoid committing such fouls.
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A blocking foul can also be called if a defender extends their arms, shoulders, hips, or legs to stop an opponent
A blocking foul is a common momentum-swinging foul in basketball. It occurs when a defender fails to establish and maintain a legal guarding position, followed by illegal contact that inhibits an opponent's progress, with or without possession of the basketball.
To establish an initial legal guarding position, a defender must have both feet on the court while facing their opponent. When guarding an offensive player with the ball, the defender must be within an arm's length of the opponent. The offensive player should thus be prepared to stop or change direction at any time.
If a defender extends outside of their cylinder and makes illegal contact with an opponent, a referee may call a blocking foul. This is considered a personal foul, which results in a penalty. The defender's team will also be charged with a team foul. If the defender's team has reached a certain number of team fouls within a period, this could trigger a bonus or penalty situation for the opposing team.
It is important to note that the rules regarding blocking fouls may vary slightly between different basketball leagues and organizations.
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If a defender gets called for a blocking foul, it will result in a personal foul being added to their record
Basketball is a contact sport, and blocking fouls are one of the most common momentum-swinging fouls. A blocking foul occurs when a defender does not establish and/or maintain a legal guarding position, followed by illegal contact that inhibits the progress of an opponent, with or without possession of the basketball.
To establish a legal guarding position, a defender must have both feet on the playing court while facing their opponent, particularly with their torso. When guarding an offensive player with the ball, the defender does not need to maintain a distance, and the offensive player should be prepared to stop or change direction. The defender cannot extend their arms, shoulders, hips, or legs outside their cylinder to stop the opponent. If a defender makes contact with an offensive player in the air above the shoulders or below the knees, it is considered a blocking foul.
Blocking fouls can have serious consequences, with the possibility of suspension or fines for players. Therefore, it is essential for players to understand the rules and minimize their chances of committing these fouls.
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A blocking foul is not frequently taught at early levels of basketball but becomes important at higher levels
A blocking foul is a common term in basketball, but the rules around it are not frequently taught at early levels of the game. This is because younger players are less likely to be taller and stronger, so blocking fouls are less likely to occur. However, as players advance to higher levels of basketball, such as high school and collegiate levels, blocking fouls become increasingly important. This is because players are taller and stronger, and the game becomes more physical.
A blocking foul occurs when a player impedes the progress of an opponent. There are two types of blocking fouls: offensive and defensive. Offensive blocking is called when the attacking player makes contact with the defender in the air above the shoulders or below the knees. It is not considered a foul if the contact occurs before the defender has made a move towards the basket or if their momentum carries them into the lane. Defensive blocking is called when the attacking player makes contact with the defender below the waist.
Blocking fouls are considered in-game fouls and can have a significant impact on the momentum of the game. They can even lead to a team winning or losing. Therefore, it is essential for players to understand the rules around blocking fouls to avoid committing them and incurring penalties. There is also a possibility of suspension or a fine for committing this foul, so players must be aware of how to minimize their chances of committing a blocking foul.
To avoid a blocking foul, players should stay focused on their opponent and maintain a legal guarding position. They should also be aware of where the ball is at all times and stay active in their leading hops. It is important to note that the rules around blocking fouls may vary slightly depending on the specific basketball organization, such as the NBA, WNBA, or FIBA.
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Frequently asked questions
A blocking foul is a type of personal foul that occurs when a defender fails to establish and maintain a legal guarding position, followed by illegal contact that inhibits the progress of an opponent, with or without possession of the basketball.
A defender establishes a legal guarding position when both their feet are on the playing court and they are facing their opponent, particularly with their torso.
If a defender makes contact with an offensive player, it is considered a foul if the contact is unnecessary and/or excessive. The defender is not allowed to make contact with the offensive player's hand (unless the hand is in contact with the ball) or a foul is called.











































