In basketball, the term “bonus” refers to a situation where a team has committed a certain number of fouls in a quarter or half, leading to the opposing team being awarded free throws. The bonus system is designed to discourage excessive fouling and ensure fairness in the game. Here’s how the bonus works in different contexts:
1. Team Fouls in a Quarter or Half
– NBA: A team enters the bonus when they commit more than four team fouls in a single quarter. After the fifth team foul, any subsequent non-shooting foul committed by the defending team results in the opposing team being awarded two free throws, even if the foul was not committed during a shooting attempt. This is known as being “in the bonus.”
– NCAA (College Basketball): In the first half of a game, a team enters the bonus after committing seven fouls. After the seventh foul, the opposing team gets to shoot one free throw (this is called the “one-and-one” bonus). If the first free throw is made, the player gets another attempt. If the team commits 10 fouls in a half, the opposing team gets two free throws (this is called the “double bonus”).
– FIBA (International Basketball): Similar to the NBA, teams enter the bonus after committing four fouls in a quarter, and the opposing team is awarded two free throws for each additional foul.
2. Types of Fouls That Trigger the Bonus
– Personal fouls: Most fouls (like blocking, reaching, or pushing) count toward the team foul total.
– Non-shooting fouls: If a team is in the bonus and commits a non-shooting foul, the opponent automatically receives free throws.
– Shooting fouls: A foul that occurs while a player is attempting a shot will result in free throws, regardless of the team foul count.
3. Purpose of the Bonus System
The bonus is designed to encourage teams to play defense without excessively fouling. It rewards the team that is being fouled with the opportunity to score free points through free throws, thus preventing a defensive team from excessively fouling to stop the offense. It also provides an incentive for teams to avoid sending players to the free-throw line too often, especially in critical moments.
Summary of Bonus Situations:
– NBA: Team enters bonus after 4 team fouls in a quarter. Non-shooting fouls result in two free throws.
– NCAA: Team enters bonus after 7 fouls in the first half (one free throw), and after 10 fouls (two free throws).
– FIBA: Team enters bonus after 4 team fouls in a quarter.
This system helps make the game more strategic and ensures that fouling doesn’t dominate the play, allowing teams to have more opportunities to score.
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