A charge in basketball occurs when an offensive player initiates contact with a defender who is in legal guarding position. To draw a charge, the defender must be stationary, facing the offensive player, and not in the restricted area. The offensive player is penalized with a turnover and personal foul.
A charge is an offensive foul where the offensive player collides with a defender. For the call to be considered a charge rather than a block, three criteria must be met:
- The defender must be in a legal guarding position at the time of contact.
- The defender must be outside the restricted area (doesn’t apply in high school).
- The defender cannot be the one initiating the contact.
If all three conditions are satisfied, the referee should call a charging foul.
What Is Legal Guarding Position?
To maintain a legal guarding position, the defender must follow these guidelines:
- Both feet must be on the ground and facing the opponent.
- The defender must reach the spot ahead of the offensive player before contact is made.
- The defender may move backward, left, or right to keep their legal position relative to the offensive player.
If the offensive player initiates contact while the defender meets these conditions, the referee should call a charge.
Why Is a Charge Illegal?
The charge rule exists to give defenders a fair chance to guard the offensive player without losing too much ground during drives. Without this call, any contact, whether initiated by the offense or defense, would likely be ruled as a defensive foul.
Additionally, the charge serves as a safety measure for players. It discourages offensive players from driving recklessly to the basket, as they risk drawing a foul if they plow into defenders. This rule helps promote safer and more controlled play.
What’s the Penalty for a Charge?
The penalty for a charge is particularly costly for the offense. Not only does it result in a turnover, but the player who commits the charge also receives a personal foul.
Even if the defense is in the bonus and draws a charging foul, they won’t shoot free throws. Instead, they only gain possession of the basketball. This is because player control fouls, such as a charge, do not result in free throw attempts.
Players to Avoid Charges
To help your players avoid a charge call and maintain possession, here are some tips:
1. Jump Stop
The jump stop is an effective way to avoid charging fouls while driving to the basket. By stopping with both feet planted, players can maintain control of their body and avoid running into a defender. It ensures that offensive players stay under control, preventing contact with a defender in a legal guarding position. Plus, after a jump stop, players still have plenty of options to finish the play, whether by pivoting, passing, or taking a controlled shot, making it a smart and versatile move in the paint.
2. Euro Step
The Euro Step is an excellent alternative to the jump stop for avoiding charging fouls. By stepping in one direction and then quickly shifting to the other, the offensive player can navigate around a defender, making it difficult for the defender to establish a legal guarding position. Mastering the Euro Step allows players to glide past defenders with finesse, creating a clear path to the basket while avoiding contact that could lead to a charge. It’s a great tool for finishing in tight spaces without risking a foul.
3. Have a Variety of Finishes
A one-dimensional offensive player is more susceptible to a charge because the defense can anticipate their move. To counter this, encourage your players to develop a range of finishing techniques. Whether it’s finishing with their left or right hand, using reverse layups, or adjusting their body mid-air, having multiple options at the rim keeps defenders on their toes. This unpredictability not only makes it harder for defenders to draw a charge but also opens up more opportunities for clean scoring attempts.
Players to Draw Charges
1. Beat the Offense to the Spot
To effectively draw a charge, your defenders must get to the right position before the offensive player does. This means anticipating the offensive player’s move, whether they’re driving toward the basket or taking an aggressive step. Your players should focus on getting into position early, positioning their bodies in front of the ball, and staying squared to the offense. With good anticipation, positioning, and timing, your players can set themselves up to draw charges and disrupt the offensive flow. Practicing these skills can make a big difference in game situations.
2. Don’t Use Your Hands
When attempting to draw a charge, it’s crucial for defenders to avoid using their hands to brace their fall. Instead, they should focus on falling backward with their butt hitting the floor first. Using the hands to break the fall can lead to wrist injuries, which might keep a player off the court for some time. By practicing safe falling techniques, defenders can protect themselves while still effectively drawing charges without risking injury.
3. Sell It
To successfully draw a charge, defenders need to “sell” the call by exaggerating the contact. When the offensive player makes contact, the defender should fall back dramatically and even make a loud sound to emphasize the impact. Without this clear display of contact, the referee is less likely to call the charge. While maintaining legal guarding position is crucial, effectively selling the contact can often make the difference in getting the call.
