- For passionate fans any fouls in a basketball game that are called against their team are usually unfair
- Knowing the rules behind the fouls in basketball will make understanding the calls against your favorite team a little easier
Nothing can get a basketball fan riled up more than too many fouls in a basketball game, especially if their being called against their team. But the fouls in basketball play an important role in maintaining the integrity of the game. Despite what many fans think, there is a method to the madness of calling the proper foul.
Not all the fouls in basketball are the same and the rules governing the consequences for committing a foul all depend on the type. There are two types of fouls in basketball: shooting and non-shooting fouls. The description of a shooting foul is pretty self explanatory as a shooting foul occurs when a player is fouled during the act of shooting. If the shot is a 2-point field goal, then the player is awarded two free throws. If the shot is a 3-point field goal then the player is awarded three free throws. If a player is fouled during the act of shooting and makes the field goal, then the basket counts and the player is allowed to shoot one free throw.
A non shooting foul is any foul that is committed when a player is not in the act of shooting. A few common examples are reach-in fouls and blocking fouls. Each team is allowed a certain number of shooting and non-shooting fouls before the other team is permitted to shoot free throws. The number of team fouls and free throws differs slightly between the NCAA and the NBA.
The NCAA allows six team fouls before the opposition is entitled to shoot free throws. After the sixth team foul, the opposition is entitled to shoot one free throw and if they make it, they get to shoot another one. If the player misses the first free throw than normal play resumes. If a team commits ten team fouls than the opposition is entitled to shoot two free throws.
The NBA allows four team fouls before the other team can shoot free throws. Unlike the NCAA, once a team is over the limit they are allowed to shoot two free throws. If a player misses the first one then he is still allowed to shoot the second free throw. If the player misses the second free throw then normal play resumes.
In addition to these fouls that occur during the course of play, there is something called a technical foul that can be committed by players and coaches alike. A technical foul is called based on the discretion of the official working the game. It could be called for various reasons such as abusive behavior towards the officials or for committing an especially hard foul on an opponent. Usually when a technical is called on a coach it’s a result of abusive behavior towards the officials. Unfortunately, there has been a rise in the number of technical fouls called, especially those called as a result of a hard foul on an opponent.
Officiating in the NBA can be a difficult task. The next time you’re ready to string up the referee for what you believe is an unfair call just remember one thing: even on the officials best day, only 50% of the people are going to be happy with his calls.
And controversy surrounding basketball games is only one of many topics we cover here at Electro-Mech. As an electronic basketball scoreboards manufacturer, we understand the importance of covering a variety of sports material, especially the latest on trends, controversy and scandal in the world of basketball. So keep it here for the best information on the latest basketball scandal and controversial news.