How do substitutions work in basketball?
I · Intermediate · Players, officials and the court · 12 of 13Substitutions are unlimited, and a player who comes off can go back on. A change can be made only when the ball is dead and the clock is stopped, or after a successful last free throw. The substitute asks at the scorer's table and waits for the referee to wave them on.
How it works
- A substitution opportunity starts when the ball is dead, the clock is stopped and the referee has finished reporting to the table; or after a successful last free throw.
- It ends when the ball is handed to a player for a throw-in or a first free throw.
- The substitute, not the coach, makes the request at the scorer's table.
- The substitute waits outside the line until the referee beckons.
- In the last 2 minutes of the fourth quarter and overtime, when a basket is scored: only the team scored on may substitute, unless a referee has stopped the game.
- A player who has come off, or gone on, in this stoppage must wait until the ball is dead again after the clock has run.
- A player with 5 fouls or disqualified must be replaced within 30 seconds.
- A player who is injured and treated, or bleeding, must be substituted.
Tricky cases
Can a team substitute after a made basket?
It depends on the time. In general the clock keeps running after a basket, so no. In the last 2 minutes of the fourth quarter and overtime the clock stops, and the team that conceded may substitute.
Can the fouled player be taken off before the free throws?
No. A player due to take free throws shoots them first, unless they are injured, have 5 fouls or are disqualified.
Can the coach call for a substitution?
No. Only the substitute can request it, at the scorer's table.
Why the rule exists
Free substitution lets coaches rest players and manage fouls, while the limits stop changes being used to break up play.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIBA rules | As above | A19; A4.2.3 |
From the rule book
FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026, Articles 4.2.3, 5 and 19, valid from 1 October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIBA Official Basketball Rules (PDF).