Charge

A charge in basketball is an offensive move which usually results in a personal foul. Charging is often committed as a way to take possession of the ball which makes contact with another player.

What is Charging in Basketball?

There are different ways in which an opposing player can be charged in a game of basketball, even if the other player isn’t in possession of the ball.

• If a player is dribbling, and the ball is passed to another player before colliding, it can sometimes be called as a charge due to the contact made and the manner in which it has been made. This can be called regardless of whether the two players were in legal positions or not.
• Charging can also be called if one of the players is dribbling. If that player runs over another player, who may be standing in a legal position, a foul will be called.

What is the Punishment for Charging in Basketball?

Charging is often considered a personal foul, meaning that its punishment isn’t particularly harsh. The foul may be counted towards the team fouls and may result in free throws given to the opposing team. A particularly harsh charge or one which includes unnecessary and excessive force may be considered a flagrant foul, which will lead to harsher penalties such as a fine or being fouled out.