One-And-One
What is One-And-One in Basketball?
Basketball is a fast-paced game with various strategies and rules that make it unique and exciting. One such rule, known as the one-and-one, plays a crucial role in many basketball games and is an essential concept for enthusiasts and players to understand.
The one-and-one, also known as the bonus, is a penalty situation that occurs when a team accumulates a certain number of fouls within a given period. Once the team reaches this foul limit, the opposing team is awarded either one or two free throws. Essentially, a player must make the first free throw in order to be granted the second one. The exact number of fouls required for a one-and-one to occur, and its implementation, can vary across different leagues, such as professional, international, and youth basketball.
Fundamentals of One-And-One
Rule Overview
A one-and-one in basketball is a penalty situation that occurs when a team is in the bonus. This means that the opposing team has committed a certain number of fouls in a given period, depending on the level of play. In college and high school basketball, a team is awarded a one-and-one opportunity after the opposing team has committed seven fouls in a single half. However, it’s important to note that the NBA does not have a 1-and-1 rule; instead, players receive two free throws after the opposing team commits five fouls in a quarter.
A one-and-one free throw situation consists of two potential shots. The player who was fouled must make the first free throw to be granted a second shot. If they miss the first attempt, the ball is in play, and either team can gain possession.
Free Throw Mechanics
During a one-and-one, the mechanics of a standard free throw situation apply. The fouled player stands on the free-throw line 15 feet from the basket, while remaining players line up along the sides of the key. Players on offense and defense wait for the ball to be released from the shooter’s hands before attempting to secure a rebound.
Each successfully made free throw is worth one point. In a one-and-one scenario, the fouled player can maximize their team’s gain by successfully converting both free throw attempts, resulting in a total score of two points.
Strategic Importance
Understanding and exploiting the one-and-one rule is crucial to a team’s strategy, especially in tight games. Coaches often emphasize disciplined defense to avoid sending the other team into bonus situations where they can potentially score points without the clock running.
On the other hand, teams may apply aggressive defense to force the opposing team into committing fouls to earn bonus opportunities. This tactic can be especially useful when certain players are known to have lower free-throw shooting percentages, creating a higher chance of missed opportunities and a potential change in possession.
Similarly, offensive players should be aware of their team’s position concerning the one-and-one rule. When in the bonus, they can potentially draw fouls and get to the line to earn extra points, putting added pressure on opponents to defend carefully. Overall, the one-and-one rule in basketball adds a strategic layer to the game, emphasizing the importance of both skillful offense and disciplined defense.
One-And-One Variations
NCAA Regulations
In NCAA basketball, the one-and-one rule is applied when a team has committed 7-9 team fouls during a half. During this situation, if a player is fouled and it’s not a shooting foul, the fouled player gets a chance to shoot one free throw. If they make the first free throw, they earn the opportunity to shoot a second free throw. However, if the first free throw is missed, the play resumes with a live ball. On the other hand, when a team reaches 10 team fouls, the situation changes to a “double bonus,” and the fouled player is automatically granted two free throws.
High School Differences
High school basketball in the United States follows the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) rules. High school basketball adopts a similar one-and-one rule as the NCAA, but with some differences in the foul counts:
| Foul Type | Foul Count | Free Throws |
|---|---|---|
| One-and-One | 7-9 | 1 or 2 |
| Double Bonus | 10+ | 2 |
The double bonus is applied once a team reaches 10 team fouls, granting the fouled player two free throws automatically.
International Play Differences
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) does not follow the one-and-one rule. Instead, FIBA regulations apply the following:
- Team fouls 1-4 in a quarter: no free throws, unless it’s a shooting foul
- Team fouls 5+ in a quarter: two free throws for non-shooting fouls, even if the first free throw is missed
This system eliminates the uncertainty of the one-and-one and simplifies the reward for fouled teams by giving them a set of two free throws after a certain number of team fouls in a quarter.
