What is the opposite of a charging foul in basketball? All of us have watched a basketball game when a player drives in for the layup and runs into the defensive player who suddenly falls backwards on his or her butt. We always hear the whistle and anticipate the referee’s call. Will the referee consider it a charging foul? Or will he rule in favor of the offensive player and call it a blocking foul?
The opposite of a charging foul in basketball is a blocking foul. In my opinion, this is one of the most controversial calls in basketball because it happens so quickly and pretty often. This is the one call that is constantly disputed amongst fans in the stands.
In this article, I am going to provide you with helpful information to answer the question, what is the opposite of a charging foul. I will do this by first talking about the charging and blocking violation.
Definition Of Charging Foul:
Before we begin we need to know the definition of a charging foul. A charging foul is called when the offensive player makes excessive contact with the defensive player. Another way to say it is when the offensive player “charges” into the defending player with contact that interrupts the defensive player.
Charging fouls typically happen when an offensive player is driving to the basket for a layup. But, they can pretty much happen anytime the offensive player runs into a defender or runs over a defender. However, in order for the referee to call this violation, three things must happen.
The Following Criteria Must Be Met for a charging foul to be called:
The defensive player must:
- Have his feet set.
- Not be in the restricted area.
- Not make or initiate the contact.
Consequences Of A Charging Foul:
If the referee calls a charging foul this will count towards the total number of fouls called on the player. Charging fouls also increases the number of team fouls. Additionally, the call will result in a turnover and the other team will inbound the ball.
If the other team is in the bonus a charging foul can also result in free throws.
Definition Of A Blocking Foul:
A blocking foul typically happens when a defender is attempting to draw a charge but fails to establish one of the three criteria for the charging foul (mentioned above).
The most common mistake defensive players make is failing to have their feet set. This can happen when a defensive player is not quick enough to get into position. Instead they are moving into position and their feet have not been set as they make contact.
This brings me to the second most common mistake. Sometimes defensive players will ultimately end up creating the contact as they are moving into position which violates the second required element.
Type of Foul:
The blocking foul is called on a defensive player who is using an illegal guarding position that puts the offensive player at a disadvantage.
Consequences of a Blocking Foul:
Blocking fouls do count against the player and the total number of team fouls. They can also result in the other team shooting free throws.
The blocking foul is the one foul that is the exact opposite of a charging foul.
A blocking charge is considered a defensive foul and charging is an offensive foul.
Are Charges Effective?
Yes, setting charges effectively during a game can be beneficial to the team setting them. This can add to the offensive players’ foul count. A defensive player who is good at setting charges can significantly damper a player with a strong drive.
Let’s say one of the teams has a great defender who can set effective charges. The offensive team can get into serious foul trouble if they rely on driving in especially if they fall for the trap and make contact with the defender. If this happens the referee will call a charge.
Now on the other hand if the defender sets a sloppy charge by not establishing himself in a position or planting his feet then the referee can call a blocking foul. This can also be detrimental to a team because it impacts the personal and team fouls.
Summary:
So as you can see the opposite of a charging foul is a blocking foul. It is very easy to see why these are totally different violations but are almost the exact opposite of each other.
The charging foul is called on an offensive player who is driving into the lane for the score but falls into the trap set by a defensive player. If the defensive player wants to set the charge he or she must ensure 1) his feet are set, 2) not in the restricted area, 3) can’t make or initiate the contact. The contact must come from the offensive player.
The blocking foul is called when the defensive player doesn’t apply one of the above criteria. This easily happens sometimes when they misjudge the distance and time and set up too slowly. They end up making the first contact or they don’t set their feet quick enough. That’s when it turns into a blocking foul.