Andrew Pace
In basketball, free throws or foul shots are awarded when a player is fouled by an opponent and the player then gets to attempt to score points by shooting from behind the free-throw line. Free throws are also awarded in other situations, including technical fouls, and when the fouling team has entered the bonus/penalty situation. The number of fouls that triggers a penalty is higher in college men's basketball because the game is divided into two 20-minute halves, as opposed to 12-minute quarters in the NBA or 10-minute quarters in the WNBA, college women's basketball, or FIBA play.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When foul shots are awarded | After a foul on the shooter by the opposing team |
| When the fouling team has entered the bonus/penalty situation | |
| When a technical foul is committed | |
| When a player is fouled while in the act of shooting a field goal | |
| Number of foul shots awarded | Depends on the situation; can be between one and three free throws |
| In NCAA men's basketball, one free throw is awarded beginning with the seventh foul of the half; if the player makes the free throw, another is given ("one-and-one") | |
| Starting with the tenth foul of the half, two free throws are awarded | |
| In the NBA/WNBA, two free throws are awarded for non-shooting fouls | |
| In the non-professional leagues, a second threshold of fouls is called the double bonus, where the opponents are awarded two free-throw opportunities on non-shooting fouls | |
| Who takes the foul shot | The offended player |
| If the offended player is disqualified, injured, or ejected from the game and cannot attempt the awarded foul shot(s), the opposing coach shall select a replacement player from the bench |
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What You'll Learn
Free throws after a shooting foul
Free throws are awarded when a player is fouled while shooting. If the player misses the shot during the foul, the player receives either two or three free throws depending on whether the shot was taken in front of or behind the three-point line. If the player makes the basket despite the foul, the number of free throws is reduced to one, and the basket counts. This is known as a three- or four-point play, depending on the value of the made basket.
In the NBA, when there are only two minutes left on the clock in either half, off-ball fouls that put the fouling team over the limit are rewarded with one free throw and possession of the ball. This is a common strategy for a losing team to employ, as it allows them to stop the clock and regain possession.
In NCAA men's basketball, beginning with the seventh foul of the half, one free throw is awarded; if the player makes the free throw, another is given. This is called shooting a "one-and-one". Starting with the tenth foul of the half, two free throws are awarded.
In the NBA and FIBA, a technical foul results in one free-throw attempt for the other team. Under NCAA rules, technical fouls are divided into "Class A" and "Class B", with Class A technicals resulting in two free throws, and Class B technicals resulting in one.
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Technical fouls
- Unsportsmanlike conduct: This includes taunting opponents, using inappropriate language, or making obscene gestures, or engaging in excessive celebrations that display poor sportsmanship, such as hanging on the rim after a dunk.
- Arguing with referees: When players or coaches excessively complain about calls or show a lack of respect towards officials, they risk incurring a technical foul.
- Delay of game: Intentionally stalling or delaying the game, such as by interfering with inbound passes or refusing to follow official instructions, can result in a technical foul.
- Bench violations: Coaches or players on the bench who interfere with active gameplay or enter the court improperly may be assessed a technical foul.
- Equipment violations: Entering the game with an illegal uniform or delaying play by failing to check in correctly can result in a technical foul.
- Excessive timeouts: Requesting more timeouts than the authorised number will result in a technical foul.
- Hanging on the basket: Offensive or defensive players who deliberately hang on their basket ring, net, backboard, or support during the game may be assessed a non-unsportsmanlike technical foul.
The consequences of technical fouls can vary depending on the league and specific rules. In the NBA, for example, a technical foul results in one free-throw attempt for the opposing team. Additionally, multiple technical fouls over a season can lead to fines and suspensions. In the WNBA and NBA, players are generally allowed six personal fouls before being disqualified, and technical fouls do not contribute to this tally. However, unsportsmanlike technical fouls in these leagues can result in fines, and players may be suspended after accumulating a certain number of technicals during the season or playoffs.
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Bonus/penalty situations
In basketball, the bonus or penalty situation occurs when a team accumulates a certain number of fouls. The number of fouls required varies depending on the league and the rules in use. For example, under FIBA rules, the penalty is triggered when a team commits more than four fouls in a quarter, with the fifth and subsequent fouls resulting in penalty free throws for the opposing team. In the NBA, the bonus rules apply starting with the fifth team foul, and in the WNBA, the limit is four fouls per quarter.
In NCAA men's basketball, the bonus rules are different. Beginning with the seventh foul of the half, one free throw is awarded, and if the player makes this free throw, they are given another one. This is called shooting a "one-and-one". Starting with the tenth foul of the half, two free throws are awarded. Overtime is considered an extension of the second half for the purposes of accumulating team fouls.
In women's college basketball, the FIBA bonus rules were adopted starting with the 2015-16 season: four fouls per period, with two free throws awarded for every team foul over four. The NCAA regularly uses its second-tier tournament for Division I men's teams to test out new rules, including bonus-related rules.
In the NBA, if the offended player is disqualified or unable to attempt the awarded free throw(s), their coach can designate an eligible substitute from the bench to attempt the free throw(s). If the offended player is injured, the opposing coach will select a replacement player from the opponent's bench. This player will then attempt the free throw(s) and the injured player will not be allowed to re-enter the game.
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Offensive fouls
An offensive foul can also occur when an offensive player collides with a legally guarding defender while attempting to pass the ball to a teammate, known as a "pass and crash." Additionally, an illegal screen is considered an offensive foul, which happens when an offensive player makes prohibited contact while setting a screen or does not allow a defender to move around the screen. If an offensive player grabs the jersey or attire of a defender, it is also considered an offensive foul as it can create a speed or space advantage.
Another instance of an offensive foul is when an offensive player uses their knee to make illegal contact with a defender, especially when attempting a layup or jump shot. This is not allowed as it gives the offensive player an unfair advantage, not giving the defender a chance to contest or block the field goal attempt. Offensive fouls can also include hanging on the basket ring, net, backboard, or support during the game, although this does not apply if it is done to prevent an injury.
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Non-shooting fouls
In the NCAA, technical fouls are divided into "Class A" and "Class B". Class A technicals refer to violent or serious unsportsmanlike conduct, and result in two free throws for the opposing team. Class B technicals refer to less egregious violations, such as hanging on the rim or delaying the game, and result in one free throw.
If a player or coach receives two technical fouls in the same game, the referee will eject them. Players with a long history of technical fouls risk suspension from regular season and even playoff games.
Other types of non-shooting fouls include offensive fouls, which are committed by offensive players when their team possesses the ball. The two most common offensive fouls are charging and illegal ball screens. Charging occurs when an offensive player makes contact with a defensive player who has their feet planted in a locked position. An illegal screen is when a non-ball-handling offensive player moves while setting a screen for their teammate, preventing the defender from moving about the court. Offensive fouls do not result in free throws for the fouled team, even if the team is in a bonus situation.
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Frequently asked questions
A foul shot or free throw is awarded when a player is fouled while shooting and misses the shot. The number of free throws awarded depends on the value of the shot attempt. For instance, if a player is fouled while shooting a three-point shot and misses, they are awarded three free throws. If they make the shot, they are awarded one free throw.
In the NBA, starting with the fifth foul, the opposing team gets two free throws.
No, offensive fouls never result in free throws. The penalty for an offensive foul is a turnover.
In NCAA men's basketball, beginning with the seventh foul of the half, one free throw is awarded. If the player makes the free throw, they are given another one. This is called a "one-and-one".
