In basketball, “the bonus” refers to a situation where a team has committed a certain number of fouls, and the opposing team is awarded free throws as a result. Here’s a more detailed explanation:
1. Team Foul Limit: In most basketball leagues, such as the NBA or NCAA, a team is allowed a certain number of fouls per quarter or half before the opposing team enters the “bonus.” For example, in the NBA, after a team accumulates 4 team fouls in a quarter, the other team enters the “bonus.” In college basketball, it typically happens after a team commits 7 fouls in a half.
2. Free Throws: When a team is in the bonus, any subsequent fouls committed by the opposing team (that aren’t offensive fouls) result in free throws. In the NBA, after the 4th team foul in a quarter, the fouled player is awarded two free throws. In college basketball, the team in the bonus usually gets one free throw, and if that free throw is made, they are awarded a second free throw (this is known as the “1-and-1” rule).
3. Why It’s Called “Bonus”: The bonus is considered a “reward” for the fouled team, as they get an opportunity to score without the clock running.
This rule is in place to discourage teams from committing excessive fouls and to give the fouled team a chance to score when their opponent is playing too aggressively or making too many fouls.
