What happens when two players foul each other at the same time?
A · Advanced · Fouls and free throws · 3 of 9Checked 13 October 2026
A double foul is two opponents fouling each other at about the same time. Each is charged with a foul, nobody shoots free throws, and play resumes with whichever team had the ball. If neither team had it, it is a jump ball situation and the possession arrow decides.
How it works
- Both fouls must be by players, involve contact and be between the same two opponents.
- Both must be personal fouls, or both from the group of disruptive, flagrant and disqualifying fouls.
- No free throws.
- If a basket or last free throw was scored at the same time: the non-scoring team throws in from the endline.
- If a team had the ball or was entitled to it: that team throws in.
- If neither: a jump ball situation.
- More generally, when several fouls happen in one stoppage, equal penalties against the two teams cancel in the order they happened, and the rest are carried out in order.
Tricky cases
Do both fouls still count towards five?
Yes. Each foul is charged to its player and counts as a team foul.
One foul was a personal and the other a flagrant. Is that a double foul?
No. The two fouls must be of the same group. Each is penalised on its own.
Why the rule exists
When both players are at fault, neither team should gain. The game goes back to where it was.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIBA rules | As above | A35; A43 |
From the rule book
FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026, Articles 35 and 43, valid from 1 October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIBA Official Basketball Rules (PDF).