Ayrton Oneill
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 offensive player, who is driving to the basket, runs into them and commits a foul. This move requires good technique and timing to execute successfully and safely. While it is a valuable skill to teach, some coaches question its value in games, especially in lower grades, due to the risk of foul trouble and the inconsistency of referees calling charges. However, taking a charge can be an effective strategy to leverage in basketball, and it is worth teaching girls how to do it properly to utilize it when the opportunity arises.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Defender's position | The defender must be in a legal guarding position, with both feet planted, before the offensive player arrives. |
| Restricted zone | The defender must be outside the restricted zone (charge arc) or restricted circle. |
| Falling technique | The defender should fall properly, i.e., get low, use their forearm to absorb the contact, fall on both cheeks, fall in the direction of penetration, and roll on their back to protect themselves. |
| Acting | The defender should sell the charge to the referee by exhaling and groaning at the point of contact. |
| Practice | Coaches should practice taking charges with their players, focusing on defensive drills and proper technique. |
| Strategy | Coaches should consider the benefits and risks of teaching players to take charges, as it may depend on the level of competition and officiating standards. |
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What You'll Learn
Teach the rules of charging: the what, when, and how
Charging is a defensive move in basketball that can be a game-changer. It is a technique that should be taught and practised, and it can be a positive learning experience for players.
A charge is when a defensive player stands their ground and remains firm and secure, causing the offensive player to commit a foul by running into them. This is a controversial call in basketball, as it is a judgement call by the referee. It is important to note that the defender must be in the correct position before the offensive player arrives, with both feet planted, and not in the restricted area.
Charging is a technique that should be used when an offensive player is driving to the basket. The defender must anticipate where the offence is trying to drive and get there first, facing the basketball. This requires practice and skill.
To take a charge, the defender must get into the correct position with both feet planted and their body low to the ground. When contact occurs, the defender should fall properly, protecting themselves by keeping their forearms across their body and rolling onto their back, with their feet facing upward. It is important to avoid falling on one cheek or falling sideways, as this may result in a blocking foul. Additionally, the defender should sell the charge to the referee by exhaling and letting out a groan at the point of contact.
Teaching players the rules and techniques of charging can be beneficial, but it is important to also consider the level of play and the likelihood of the charge being called by referees. In some leagues, charges may not be called frequently, so coaches must weigh the benefits of teaching this skill against the potential for foul trouble or giving up easy baskets.
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Practice falling safely: butt first, no hands
When teaching girls how to take a charge in basketball, one of the most important things to focus on is falling safely. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
It is crucial to learn how to fall safely to avoid injuries and protect oneself when taking a charge. Here are some detailed instructions for girls to practice falling safely, specifically focusing on landing on the buttocks first and keeping their hands safe:
- Bend your knees and elbows: When you sense that you are losing your balance, prepare to fall by bending your knees and elbows. This helps to soften the impact and reduces the risk of injury.
- Protect your head: As you fall, tuck your chin to your chest to protect your head from hitting the ground. Keep your head tucked in and use your arms to cover and protect your head.
- Fall on your buttocks: Aim to land on the fleshy parts of your body, such as your buttocks or thighs. Landing on these meaty parts can help cushion the impact and reduce the risk of injury to your bones.
- Avoid reaching out with locked arms: Avoid the instinct to reach out with locked arms when falling. Instead, keep your elbows bent to provide some "give" in your arms, which further helps to soften the impact.
- Keep your hands safe: Do not fall with your hands behind you, as this can lead to wrist or hand injuries. Keep your hands up and use your forearms to absorb the contact if necessary.
- Fall with control: Think of yourself as a pilot and use the moments before impact to actively plan a soft landing. Lean into the fall to gain some control over its direction.
- Fall sideways: If possible, falling sideways can help you avoid landing directly on your back or head. Aim to fall towards open areas and softer surfaces like grass or dirt.
- Roll with the fall: As you fall, let your body roll, and if necessary, extend your arm with the palm facing down to slap the ground and stop your fall.
- Practice mindfulness: Improve your balance and be mindful of your surroundings. Focus on the present and fix your blind spots to avoid potential obstacles that could cause you to fall.
- Strengthen your body: Engage in exercises that improve your strength and balance, such as gentle routines like Tai Chi. This can make falls less likely and help you maintain better control over your body.
- Use safety equipment: When practicing falling, use safety equipment such as floor mats and pads to cushion your falls and provide a safer environment for learning.
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Anticipate the offense: get to the ball first
To teach girls how to take a charge in basketball, one of the most important aspects to focus on is anticipating the offense and getting to the ball first. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to achieve this:
Firstly, it is crucial to understand the concept of taking a charge. This involves a defensive player standing their ground firmly and securely, instead of committing a foul on the offensive player. By doing so, the defensive player becomes the one being fouled, which can result in a defensive stop, a change in possession, and making the offensive player more cautious. This strategy is particularly effective against dribble-drive offenses.
To get to the ball first, players must focus on their positioning. They should aim to get into the correct position before the offensive player arrives, with both feet planted. This involves sprinting into defensive positions and understanding the concept of getting into the "seam". This means that the point guard should push the ball up the court and use an in/out dribble move to create space and get past the defense.
Additionally, defensive players should practice quick defensive rotations and close-outs. They need to be able to sprint into the helpside position, which is outside the restricted zone or charge arc. This drill can be practiced with a coach or manager acting as the offensive player, dribbling to the hoop for a lay-up. It is important to stress that the offensive player must commit to the move and make contact with the defender.
When teaching these techniques, safety should be a priority. Ensure that players learn to fall correctly, protecting themselves from injury. For example, they should be taught to get low, fall on both cheeks, and roll on their backs, pulling their feet up to absorb contact. Additionally, players should be instructed to keep their forearms across their bodies and their hands up when falling, to avoid wrist or hand injuries.
By focusing on these strategies and techniques, coaches can effectively teach girls to anticipate the offense and get to the ball first when taking a charge in basketball. It is important to note that while taking a charge is a valuable skill, it should be taught and practiced correctly, along with other defensive strategies, to ensure a well-rounded defensive performance.
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Master the acting: groan, brace, and roll
To master the acting part of taking a charge in basketball, follow these steps:
Groan
When the offensive player makes contact with the defender, let out a groan or an 'oof' to indicate that the contact was rough. This is an important part of "selling" the charge to the referee. Exhaling at the point of contact can help with this.
Brace
Before the contact, it is important to brace yourself for the impact. Hold your arms straight up into the air to make the contact look rougher, which may cause the referee to call a charge instead of a block. You can also use your forearm to absorb the contact, but make sure to keep your hands up and avoid falling with your hands behind you, as this can lead to wrist or hand injuries.
Roll
After the contact, fall backwards and roll on your back, pulling your feet up to protect yourself if the offensive player falls on you. This will help you avoid injury and demonstrate that you were in a stationary position when the contact occurred.
It is important to note that taking a charge requires not only acting skills but also strength, bodily control, and courage. It is a difficult play to execute, and the call ultimately depends on the referee's discretion. However, with practice and proper technique, players can improve their chances of successfully drawing a charge.
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Know the restricted zone: avoid blocking fouls
When teaching girls how to take a charge in basketball, it's important to know the restricted zone to avoid blocking fouls. The restricted zone, also known as the restricted area, is a semi-circular arc under the rim. It's important to note that this area is not the same as the baseline.
Any secondary defenders who attempt to draw a charge within the restricted area will be called for a blocking foul. This is because the restricted area is designed to enhance player safety by reducing collisions between offensive and defensive players near the basket. Therefore, it is crucial for defenders to position themselves outside of this area to avoid committing a blocking foul.
To avoid a blocking foul, defenders must establish and maintain a legal guarding position. This means that both feet must be planted on the court, and the defender must be facing their opponent, with their torso squared up to the offensive player. Additionally, the defender must allow enough distance for the offensive player to stop or change direction. If the defender collides with the offensive player or fails to maintain a legal guarding position, it will result in a blocking foul.
It's important to note that a primary defender can still draw a charge inside the restricted area, but a secondary defender cannot. However, a secondary defender can make contact with the offensive player inside the restricted area without committing a foul if they follow the principle of verticality, staying within their own vertical plane.
Understanding the restricted zone and the rules surrounding blocking fouls is crucial for players to avoid committing fouls and to utilize the area to their advantage during gameplay.
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Frequently asked questions
Taking a charge can be a big play and a momentum changer. It results in a defensive stop, a foul, and a change in possession. It can also make the offensive player think twice before dribble-driving again.
Here is a defensive drill from coach Frank Haith: Have a line of defenders waiting under the basket. The defender passes the ball to the coach or manager, closes out on the ball, then receives it back and sprints into a defensive position. The coach passes to another player, and the defender sprints into the helpside. The next player then moves in and hits the defender with a blocking pad as they take the charge.
The defender must get into the correct position before the offensive player arrives, with both feet planted. They should also get low, use their forearm to absorb the contact, and fall on both cheeks. After the fall, they should roll onto their back and pull their feet up to protect themselves. Lastly, they should sell the charge to the referee by exhaling and groaning at the point of contact.
