An offensive player cannot remain in the painted area for more than 3 seconds, or else is called for a 3-second violation, resulting in a turnover. Since the 2001-2002, the NBA has also added a 3-second rule for defensive players, resulting in a technical foul and a free through awarded to the opposing team.
A backcourt violation occurs when an offensive player crosses half-court with the basketball and then goes back across the half-court line to the other side of the court with the ball. All backcourt violations result in a turnover.
A blocking foul is called on a defender when they don’t establish a proper defensive position against an offensive player driving to the basket.
Players who are dribbling a basketball must keep their hand on top half of the basketball at all times. If at any point of their dribble, they place their hand on the underside of the ball and continue to dribble, they will be called for a carrying/palming violation, resulting in a turnover.
A charging foul is called on an offensive player who runs over a properly positioned defensive player who is in an established, motionless position.
A double dribble, occurs when a player is dribbling the basketball, picks up the ball, and then starts to dribble again. Players who pick up the ball after dribbling it can only pass, shoot, or pivot. All double dribble violations result in a turnover.
A flagrant foul involves excessive or dangerous contact by a player on another player. The NBA has two categories of flagrant fouls, a flagrant 1 and a flagrant 2. A flagrant 2 is a more serious offense where the player was attempting to injure another player and results in an automatic ejection. Flagrant fouls result in 2 free throws for the opposing team and loss of possession at all levels of play across the United States.
Goaltending is the act of blocking a shot when the basketball is in its downward flight toward the hoop. All goaltending violations resulting in the team being awarded the points corresponding to where the shot was attempted from, 2 points for a 2-point shot, and 3 points for a 3 point shot.
A holding foul occurs when a defensive player grabs or holds onto an offensive player, preventing them from moving freely on the court.
Technically, an intentional foul is a type of personal foul that exclusively occurs late in the game. Intentional fouls occur when a player deliberately fouls an opposing player to stop the clock. This can be a very effective tactic if the team being fouled is a poor free-throw shooting team.
A jump ball/held ball occurs when a player loses possession of the basketball, and 2 or more players are fighting for the ball with neither getting possession of it. The referee will blow their whistle and stop play to avoid any injuries or fights breaking out in the struggle. In the NBA, the referee will a tip-off to decide who gets possession, with both players attempting to hit the ball to one of their teammates. In high school and college, the team with the possession arrow is given the ball.
See carrying.
A point guard, also known as the one, acts as both an orchestrator and strategist, this player spearheads offensive plays by initiating them, sharing the ball with teammates and executing tactical plans that will benefit both attacking and defending aspects of their game. Click here to learn more.
The power forward, also known as the four, is an essential part in scoring points near the basket, grabbing rebounds for their teams benefit and providing an imposing physical presence in the front court. Click here to learn more.
Shooting guards specialize in scoring significant amounts of points by being the primary shooter, often from outside the three-point line. Click here to learn more.
A point guard, also known as the one, acts as both an orchestrator and strategist, this player spearheads offensive plays by initiating them, sharing the ball with teammates and executing tactical plans that will benefit both attacking and defending aspects of their game. Click here to learn more.
A point guard, also known as the one, acts as both an orchestrator and strategist, this player spearheads offensive plays by initiating them, sharing the ball with teammates and executing tactical plans that will benefit both attacking and defending aspects of their game. Click here to learn more.
A technical foul can be called when a player or coach behaves inappropriately in an unsportsmanlike manner. Examples would be using profane language, yelling at officials, opposing coach, or players, or throwing the basketball in frustration. Technical fouls result in 2 free throws for the opposing team and loss of possession on the high school and collegiate levels in the United States, and 1 free throw in the NBA and WNBA.
Traveling or walking is a violation where a player fails to move properly with the ball, including walking or running without dribbling the ball. The only type of movement allowed without dribbling the basketball is pivoting, a movement where the player rotates his body, using one of their feet as an axis point. All traveling/walking violations result in a turnover.
See traveling.