Helena Frye
A charge is an offensive foul in basketball. It occurs when an offensive player crashes into a defender who has established a legal guarding position. The defender must be stationary with both feet on the ground and their torso facing the opponent. Charging can happen with or without a ball, while dribbling or shooting. It is a common foul that can change the complexion of a basketball match. Players who learn to execute a charge have a huge advantage in the game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of foul | Offensive |
| Occurrence | When an offensive player charges into a defender |
| Defender's position | Legal guarding position |
| Restricted area | Defender should not be standing in the restricted area |
| Defender's movement | Can move sideways or backward |
| Contact | On the torso |
| Anticipation | Anticipate the dribbler's next move |
| Body position | Square to the person with the ball |
| Exception | Excessive contact by the offensive player |
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What You'll Learn
Offensive foul
An offensive foul, or a charge, is a common foul in basketball. It occurs when an offensive player runs into a defender who has established a legal guarding position. The defender must be stationary with both feet on the ground and their torso facing the opponent. The restricted area, a 4' diameter semicircle under the basket, is meant 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.
To get in position to take a charge, players must be square to the person with the ball. They should slide into the path of the player and plant their feet. When taking the charge, players should absorb the contact with their chest and not move their hips or shoulders. Their only movement should be falling backward after contact is made.
It is important to note that charging fouls can happen with or without the ball, when dribbling or shooting. Additionally, contact not initiated by the offensive player can also result in a charge. Offensive fouls are called when an offensive player makes direct contact with a defensive player who has initiated a foul attempt within the rules.
Learning how to take a charge is important as it can help develop good defensive plays and energize the team. It requires anticipating the dribbler's next move, staying square to them, and reading their movements. Proper positioning for a charge can take away a potential basket, create turnover opportunities, and prevent injuries.
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Block vs charge
Block and charge are two completely different calls in basketball. 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, stationary position. The defender must be in a legal guarding position when contact occurs and must not be standing in the restricted area.
To get into position to take a charge, players must be square to the person with the ball. They should slide into the path of the player and plant their feet, taking the contact on their chest. Their only movement after contact should be falling backward. When a defender is in the bonus and draws a charging foul, they gain possession of the basketball but do not shoot any free throws.
A block is called when an offensive player makes significant contact with a defender who is not in a stationary position. This can occur when a defender attempts to draw a charge but fails to get into the proper position. For example, if a defender jumps up vertically to block and gets knocked down due to the forward momentum of the attacker, this would be a blocking foul.
The block/charge call is the most controversial in basketball, as it requires referees to make a judgment call in real time, tracking foot placement, torso movement, and where the drive started.
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Legal guarding position
Establishing a legal guarding position is crucial in basketball, especially when it comes to determining fouls during defensive and offensive plays. Here is a detailed overview of the legal guarding position:
Obtaining a Legal Guarding Position
The defender must legally place their body in the path of an offensive opponent, facing them, to obtain a legal guarding position. There is no minimum distance required between the guard and opponent; however, the maximum distance is six feet when closely guarded. The defender must also have both feet on the playing court and cannot move towards the opponent when contact occurs. Importantly, the defender must establish this position before the offensive player starts their upward shooting motion.
Legal Use of Arms and Hands
The defender may raise their hands and arms within their vertical plane while on the floor or in the air. It is legal to extend the arms vertically above the shoulders, and they need not be lowered to avoid contact with an opponent when the opponent's actions cause the contact. This often occurs when guarding a player making a throw-in or attempting to score by pivoting or jumping.
Illegal Use of Arms and Hands
It is illegal to extend the arms partially or fully in a non-vertical position, hindering the opponent's freedom of movement. Additionally, it is illegal to use hands and arms to force a way through a screen or to hold and push aside the opponent to maintain a guarding position.
The Cylinder Principle
The cylinder principle defines the space that each player is entitled to on the court. The defender's arms must stay within their 'cylinder' for it to be considered a legal guarding position. If the defender's arms are outstretched, even at a 45-degree angle, they are outside their cylinder, and contact with the shooter is considered a defensive foul.
Verticality
Verticality is a separate principle from the legal guarding position. It states that once a legal guarding position is obtained, the defender may jump or rise vertically within their cylinder, which extends to the ceiling.
Responsibility for Contact
If a defender has not established a legal guarding position, they are responsible for any contact that occurs. This includes situations where the defender is moving or makes contact while not facing their opponent.
In summary, a legal guarding position involves a defender legally placing their body in the path of an offensive opponent while adhering to the cylinder principle and the principle of verticality. Understanding and applying these rules help ensure fair play and minimize fouls during basketball games.
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Restricted area
The restricted area in basketball is a painted semi-circular arc under the rim, four feet out from the centre of the basket in the NBA, and three feet in the NCAA. It is marked by a line on the court to designate it clearly. The restricted area is a crucial concept for players, coaches, and referees alike. It was introduced to enhance player safety by limiting collisions between offensive and defensive players under the basket. It also ensures that offensive players have room to drive to the basket without giving defenders an unfair advantage in drawing an offensive foul.
When a defensive player is in the restricted area, they cannot draw a charge. A charge occurs when an offensive player moves into the defender who is in-bounds, with both feet on the ground and their torso facing the opponent. If a defender is outside the restricted area, they can draw a charge while maintaining a legal guarding position. A defender in the restricted area can, however, jump vertically to defend a shot without committing a blocking foul. This is because the restricted area rule may not apply when an offensive player in possession of the basketball extends their arm or knee to push off a defender within the restricted area. In such cases, the offensive player would be assessed an offensive foul.
The restricted area is also known as the paint and is considered one of the most difficult areas to defend in the NBA due to the proximity of the player to the basket. It is important for players to understand the restricted area to avoid violations and make better strategic decisions.
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Acting/selling a charge
Acting or selling a charge in basketball is a skill that can be learned and practised. It involves a lot of anticipation, positioning, and sometimes a bit of acting to ensure the referee makes the right call.
Firstly, to be in a position to draw a charge, a player must be in front of and facing the basketball. They must be able to anticipate where the offence is driving and get there first. This requires practice and skill.
Secondly, when attempting to draw a charge, players must ensure they do not brace their fall with their hands. They should practice falling backwards, going butt-to-back on the floor, to avoid injury. It is also important to keep the hips and shoulders still, with the only movement being falling backward after contact is made.
Thirdly, to sell the charge, players should make it audible and believable. This may involve some acting skills to convince the referee of the foul. Players can also gently push the opponent to learn how to act when taking a charge.
Finally, taking a charge can be a momentum swing for the team. It draws a foul, results in a turnover, and can get the team fired up. It is a skill that can give players a huge advantage in the game, so it is important to learn how to do it effectively and safely.
In summary, acting or selling a charge in basketball involves a combination of positioning, physical skill, and acting ability to ensure the referee makes the correct call and to gain an advantage for the team.
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Frequently asked questions
A charge is an offensive foul that occurs when an offensive player charges into a defender. For the call to be a charge and not a block, certain criteria must be met. These include the defender being in a legal guarding position and not standing in the restricted area when contact occurs.
The restricted area is a 4-foot diameter semicircle under the basket that is painted on the floor. If any of the defender's feet are on or inside the arc and the offensive player makes contact on the drive, it is considered a blocking foul.
To draw a charge, players must be in front of and facing the basketball. They need to anticipate where the offense is driving and get there first, squaring up to the player with the ball. When taking the charge, players should absorb the contact with their chest and fall backward without using their hands.
