Is it a charge or a block?
I · Intermediate · Fouls and free throws · 9 of 13It is a charge, an offensive foul, if the defender had a legal guarding position first and was hit in the torso. It is a block, a defensive foul, if the defender was still moving into the path or stuck out an arm, hip or leg. Under the basket, a defender standing in the no-charge semi-circle cannot draw a charge from an airborne attacker.
How it works
- Legal guarding position: facing the opponent with both feet on the floor. From there the defender may stand still, jump straight up, or move sideways or backwards to stay in front.
- Against the player with the ball, the defender needs no time or distance. They may step in front at the last instant, as long as they are in position before contact.
- The defender may not move towards the ball handler into contact, or extend arms, shoulders, hips or legs to stop them passing.
- Contact on the defender's torso means the defender was there first: a charge.
- A defender may turn inside their cylinder to protect themselves.
- A player who jumps has the right to land. Moving under a player who is already in the air is usually a flagrant foul.
- No-charge semi-circle (1.30 m from under the basket): no offensive foul is called for contact by an airborne attacker who is shooting or passing, if the defender has a foot in the area. It still is a foul if the attacker illegally uses hands, arms, legs or body.
- A charge is a foul by the team in control of the ball, so it gives a throw-in and never free throws.
Tricky cases
Does the defender have to be standing still?
No. A defender who has taken a legal guarding position may move sideways or backwards and still draw the charge.
The defender was inside the semi-circle. Is it always a block?
No. It is often no foul at all. The semi-circle only removes the charge against an airborne attacker; the defender can still be called for a block if they caused illegal contact.
Do the defender's feet have to be on the floor at contact?
No. One or both feet may be off the floor for an instant while moving sideways or backwards.
Why the rule exists
Both players have a right to a spot on the floor, and the rule gives it to whoever got there first. The semi-circle stops defenders standing under the basket only to be run into.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIBA rules | As above | A33.3, 33.4, 33.6, 33.8, 33.9, 33.10 |
| Guarding a player without the ball | The defender must give time and distance: at least one normal step | A33.5 |
From the rule book
FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026, Articles 2.5.7, 33.3 to 33.10 and 42.2.2, valid from 1 October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIBA Official Basketball Rules (PDF).