In basketball, a charge is a type of offensive foul that occurs when an offensive player runs into a defensive player who has established legal position. For the defensive player to draw a charge, they must be stationary and have both feet planted on the floor before the offensive player makes contact.
If the offensive player makes contact with the defender while they are moving or after the defender has set their position, the referee will call a charge on the offensive player. The result is a turnover, with the ball going to the defending team.
Key elements for a charge:
1. The defender must have established position and not be moving.
2. The offensive player must make contact with the defender in a way that is deemed illegal by the referee.
3. The defender often takes a hit, and although it’s a tough play, it’s a valuable defensive tactic for forcing a turnover.
A charge is considered a way to stop an opposing player’s offensive progress while ensuring that the defender does not illegally impede or block the offensive player.
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