In basketball, “charging” refers to an offensive foul committed when a player with the ball makes illegal contact with a stationary defender who has established position. The defender must be set, meaning they have both feet on the ground, and they must be in a legal guarding position when the offensive player runs into them. If the offensive player initiates contact while driving toward the basket or making a move and the defender has properly positioned themselves, the referee may call a charging foul on the offensive player.
Key points about charging:
1. The defender must be in position to take the charge (both feet on the ground and facing the offensive player).
2. The offensive player must make contact in a way that creates illegal contact (such as running over the defender).
3. The charge typically results in the offensive player losing possession of the ball and the defensive team gaining it.
Charging is often called when an offensive player drives toward the basket and bumps into a defender who has set up near the basket or in the paint. It is a way to reward the defensive player for positioning themselves effectively and taking the hit.
