Kristian Ferrell
Taking a charge in basketball is a defensive move that can be a game-changer. It involves a defensive player standing their ground so firmly that the opponent's attempt to score results in a foul against them. This move requires a defender to get into the correct position before the offensive player arrives, with both feet planted. The defender must also have legal guarding position, meaning any disruptive contact initiated by the offensive player is considered an offensive foul. To execute the move, the defender should be square to the person with the ball, with their feet set, and take the contact on their chest. This can be a tricky move to master, as officials often get these calls wrong, but players who learn how to take a charge can gain a significant advantage in the game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Positioning | Square to the person with the ball, with both feet planted outside the arc under the basket |
| Movement | Slide into the path of the player, but do not lean or shift your weight |
| Contact | Take the contact on the chest, exhaling and groaning to sell the charge to the referee |
| Falling | Fall backward, rolling onto your back with hands up to protect against injury |
| Purpose | Prevent a basket, create a turnover, and avoid injuries |
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What You'll Learn
Understand the difference between a charge and a block
Understanding the difference between a charge and a block is crucial in basketball, and it can give you a huge advantage in the game. While they may seem similar, a charge and a block are two completely different calls with distinct criteria.
A charge is an offensive foul that occurs when an offensive player makes significant contact with a defender who has an established, legal position. To get into a legal position, the defender must establish themselves in the path of the offensive player before contact is made. It is important to square up to the player with the ball, setting your feet, and sliding into their path. When taking the charge, take the contact on your chest, keeping your hips and shoulders still, and only moving backward after contact.
On the other hand, a block is a defensive foul. This occurs when an offensive player makes significant contact with a defender who is not in a stationary position, fails to give proper space, or is in the restricted area. A defender can be moving backward, and if the offensive player makes contact with them, it is a block. A block can also occur if a defender attempts to draw a charge but fails to get into the proper position.
Referees must make these calls in real-time, which is a challenging task, and it is important to note that their perspective and judgment are key to the final decision.
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Get into the correct position
To take a charge in basketball, you need to be a defensive player who stands your ground so firmly that you are the one being fouled by the offensive player. This is a difficult move to get right and can be a game-changer when done correctly.
To get into the correct position, you must be square to the person with the ball. Slide into the path of the player and plant both feet firmly on the ground. Make sure you are in a legal guarding position, with both feet outside the arc under the basket. The closer the dribble-penetrator, the lower you should get. Keep your arms tucked in, covering your groin, and hold your forearm strongly across your body.
When taking the charge, take the contact directly on your chest. Do not move your hips or shoulders, and your only movement should be falling backward. When you hit the ground, try to push back to get out of the way of the falling player. It is important to keep your hands up as you fall and take the contact with your forearm. Fall on both cheeks and in the direction of the penetration, and then roll onto your back, pulling your feet up to protect yourself from the falling player.
Remember, taking a charge is a judgement call by the officials, and they do not always get it right. Learning how to execute a charge can give you a huge advantage in the game.
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Establish a legal guarding position
Establishing a legal guarding position is a crucial aspect of playing effective defence in basketball. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you master this skill:
Firstly, understand the rules and requirements for a legal guarding position. According to NBA rules, a defender is permitted to establish a legal guarding position in the path of an offensive player, regardless of speed or distance, by beating them to a specific spot. This spot is known as the "lower defensive box", which is the area between the three-foot posted-up marks, the bottom tip of the circle, and the endline. It's important to note that the defender must allow the offensive player space to stop, change direction, or land if they are airborne.
To establish a legal guarding position, you must be facing your opponent with both feet planted on the floor. This is sometimes referred to as being "square" to your opponent. Your feet should be set and stable, with no turning or shifting. Additionally, ensure that your arms are tucked in towards your body and that you maintain a vertical stance. The "cylinder principle" defines the space that each player is entitled to on the court, and you must stay within your vertical cylinder. Extending your arms or body outside this cylinder can result in a foul being called.
When taking a charge, it's important to maintain your legal guarding position and absorb the contact on your chest. Your hips and shoulders should remain still, and your only movement should be falling backward after contact. This technique helps to ensure that the foul is called on the offensive player and not on you. It's a common mistake for defenders to shy away from contact or to start falling prematurely, which can result in a blocking foul being called on the defender.
In certain situations, the "Restricted Area" rules come into play. The Restricted Area is the area within the arched line below the rim. It applies to secondary defenders and provides offensive players with room to drive to the basket without giving defenders an unfair advantage in drawing fouls. A secondary defender cannot be in a legal guarding position inside the Restricted Area if the offensive player receives the ball outside the lower defensive box, unless the defender jumps vertically in an attempt to defend the shot.
Finally, it's worth noting that the rules may vary slightly depending on the league or organisation, so be sure to familiarise yourself with the specific ruleset you are playing under.
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Sell the charge to the referee
To "sell the charge" to the referee, you must convince them that you were in a legal position and that you took the charge correctly. Here are some tips to achieve this:
First and foremost, ensure that you are in the correct position before the offensive player arrives. This means being square to the person with the ball, with both feet planted outside the arc under the basket. Your feet should not turn, shift, or cross the line. By getting low, you reduce the distance to the floor when you fall.
When taking the charge, maintain proper form. Take the contact directly on your chest, keeping your forearms strongly across your body. Do not move your hips or shoulders, and avoid falling with your hands behind you as it can lead to injuries. Your only movement should be falling backward after contact is made. Cover your groin, and keep your arms tucked to your body as you fall.
Exhale at the point of contact, letting out a groan to emphasise the impact. However, do not "flop" if there is no contact. Falling in the direction of penetration is crucial; if you fall sideways, it may appear that you were not planted firmly, resulting in a foul.
Remember, referees consider various factors when making their calls, including foot placement, torso movement, and the starting point of the drive. Learning to execute a charge effectively can significantly benefit your game.
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Practice defensive drills
Defensive drills are an essential part of basketball practice as they improve individual and team defence, as well as defensive communication. Here are some drills that can be practised to improve defensive skills:
Defend the Dribble
This drill helps players improve their defensive skills by preventing offensive players from driving into the paint.
Kick the Can
Kick the Can is designed to improve a defender's ability to stay in front of their matchup.
4v3 Continuous
This drill enhances communication, positioning, and quick decision-making, making it ideal for players of all ages and skill levels.
Deny Flash
The Deny Flash drill teaches defenders how to effectively deny offensive players access to the middle of the paint.
Wing Deny
This drill teaches players the correct method to deny a wing entry pass.
Step Off
The Step Off drill focuses on misdirection and quick directional changes to outmanoeuvre opponents and create scoring opportunities.
Shell Downscreen
The Shell Downscreen drill teaches players the proper footwork to recover when beat on defence.
Take a Charge
This drill teaches players how to get into position to take a charge. It involves a defender under the basket in the helpside position against a coach. A floor mat is placed under the basket to cushion the fall for the defender. An offensive player dribbles to the hoop for a lay-up, making contact with the defender. The defender plants their feet with a wide stance and braces for contact, before sitting down on the mat. The offensive player then moves to the back of the line, and the next player drives for the next contact.
On the Ball
In this drill, the on-ball defender pressures the ball without fouling. The defender that is one pass away helps by positioning themselves according to the team's philosophy. If there is a defender that is more than one pass away, they get to the midline and position themselves to take a charge on a drive to the basket.
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Frequently asked questions
A charge is an offensive foul, whereas a block is a defensive foul. When a charge is called, it means that an offensive player has made significant contact with a defender who has an established position. When a block is called, it means that an offensive player has made significant contact with a defender who is not in a stationary position.
To get into position to take a charge, you need to be square to the person with the ball. Slide into the path of the player and plant your feet. When taking the charge, absorb the contact with your chest and keep your hips and shoulders still. Your only movement should be falling backward.
Here are some tips to help you take a charge:
- Cover your groin and keep your arms tucked into your body as you fall.
- Do not fall with your hands behind you as this can lead to injuries.
- Exhale and groan at the point of contact to sell the charge to the referee.
- Keep your feet outside the arc under the basket.
- The closer the dribble-penetrator, the lower you should position yourself.
- Use your forearm to absorb the contact.
