Types of Basketball Fouls

Fouls are one of the most misunderstood parts of basketball. This guide explains the main types and what happens after each. Exact rules vary between the NBA, NCAA, FIBA and high school (NFHS), so check the rulebook for your level.

Personal fouls

A personal foul is illegal physical contact, such as holding, pushing, hitting, tripping or illegal screening.

• Shooting foul: contact on a player in the act of shooting. The shooter gets two free throws (three on a three-point attempt), or one if the shot goes in.
• Blocking foul: a defender moves into the path of an offensive player without establishing legal guarding position.
• Charging (offensive foul): an offensive player runs into a defender who has established position. The ball goes to the defense.
• Illegal screen: a screener moves or extends into a defender’s path. It’s an offensive foul.
• Reaching / holding: grabbing or slapping the ball handler’s arm or body.

Technical fouls

Technicals are usually for unsportsmanlike conduct that doesn’t involve contact during play, such as arguing with officials, taunting or delay of game. The other team gets a free throw (one in the NBA; two in some other rule sets), and in some rule sets also possession.

Flagrant and unsportsmanlike fouls

A flagrant foul (called “unsportsmanlike” or “disqualifying” in FIBA) is unnecessary or excessive contact. Penalties include free throws plus possession, and the most serious lead to ejection.

Team fouls and the bonus

Once a team commits a set number of fouls in a period (or half, in college), the opponent shoots free throws on non-shooting fouls. This is called the “bonus” or “penalty.”

Fouling out

Players are disqualified after six personal fouls in the NBA and five in NCAA, FIBA and high school basketball.

Sources: NBA official rules; NFHS basketball rules.

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