What is the bonus in basketball?
I · Intermediate · Fouls and free throws · 10 of 13Checked 13 October 2026
Once a team has committed 4 fouls in a quarter, it is in the team foul penalty. Every personal foul it commits after that on a player who is not shooting gives 2 free throws, not a throw-in. The count goes back to zero each quarter. Overtime carries on from the fourth quarter.
How it works
- A team foul is any personal, technical, disruptive, flagrant or disqualifying foul by a player.
- After 4 team fouls in a quarter, the fifth and later personal fouls on a non-shooter give 2 free throws to the player fouled.
- Fouls in an interval count in the quarter that follows.
- Fouls in overtime count as part of the fourth quarter.
- A foul by the team that has the ball gives a throw-in only, whatever the count.
- Technical fouls charged to the head coach, for the bench, are not team fouls.
Tricky cases
Do offensive fouls give free throws in the bonus?
No. A personal foul by the team in control of the ball is penalised by a throw-in.
Do team fouls reset at half-time only?
No. They reset every quarter, except that overtime continues the fourth quarter's count.
Why the rule exists
Without it, a team could foul cheaply all quarter to stop play. The bonus makes each extra foul cost points.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIBA rules | 4 team fouls a quarter, then 2 free throws | A42 |
| NBA and NCAA | Their own limits and bonus rules | Not covered |
From the rule book
FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026, Articles 36.3.1 and 42, valid from 1 October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIBA Official Basketball Rules (PDF).