How to Define a NBA Foul

The game of NBA basketball has many rules that to the casual fan can be confusing. One of the main components of the rulebook that can confuse fans is the foul call. If the types of foul calls are defined and explained properly, NBA basketball is much easier for the fan to understand.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Understand that there are two main categories of fouls: personal and technical fouls. Under the personal foul categories are double fouls, loose ball fouls, shooting fouls and away-from-the-play foul. Under the technical category, there are flagrant fouls and fighting fouls.

2. Know that a personal foul results when the referee determines that a defensive player has impeded the progress of an offensive player. A personal foul results in free throws if teams are in the penalty or the player is shooting the ball. The penalty results when a team has committed five or more fouls in a single quarter. If the player is shooting the ball at any time during the game and is fouled, that is called a shooting foul and results in free throws.

3. Recognize that a technical foul occurs for a variety of reasons. If a flagrant foul is committed, it results in a technical foul and possible ejection from the game. If a player is charged with two technical fouls in a single game, he is automatically ejected. The referee can assess a technical for any conduct he determines is detrimental to the game. The primary causes are yelling, fighting or leaving the bench during a fight. Technical fouls can be called on coaches or anyone on the team bench.

4. Realize that double fouls are when a foul is called on two players on opposing teams. This call does not result in free throws.

5. Comprehend that loose ball fouls occur in the NBA when neither team has possession of the basketball and a foul is charged on a player.

6. Grasp that an away-from-the-play foul is defined as a foul that occurs in the last two minutes of the fourth period or in overtime. Under these circumstances the team that is fouled is given one free throw and possession of the basketball out-of-bounds.