Charge

/ʧɑːrdʒ/
[ charj ]

Definition of Charge

A charge is a personal foul in basketball, usually called when a defender is hit by an offensive player.

What is a Charge?

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In the game of basketball, a charge refers to a specific kind of personal foul. This penalty is usually called when an offensive player runs into a defender who has firmly established their position on the court. In other words, if the defender is stationary and the offensive player initiates the contact, it is most likely that a charge will be called. This rule emphasizes the importance of control and fair play in basketball and is essential to protect players from unnecessary physical harm.

Examples of how to use the basketball term Charge

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1. "The referee called a charge as the point guard recklessly drove into the stationary defender." 2. "The defender smartly positioned himself and took the charge." 3. "He was disappointed to get called for a charge instead of drawing the foul while shooting."

Charge Strategy Tips

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One of the key strategies for using charges is for defenders to anticipate the path of the offensive player and establish a firm position in that path before contact. It's also crucial for offensive players to maintain control and avoid barrelling into defenders who have already set themselves.
Basketball Terminology

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What does Charge mean in Basketball?

In basketball, a charge is a type of personal foul that occurs when an offensive player runs into a defender who has established a stationary position.

How would you explain Charge in layman's terms?

In simple terms, a charge in basketball is like a penalty called when the player with the ball crashes into a player who is standing still and has set their position properly.

What happens when a charge is called in a basketball game?

When a charge is called, the offending team loses possession of the ball and it is given to their opponents. The player who committed the charge is also given a personal foul which can impact their time on the court.

How can a player avoid getting a charge?

An offensive player can avoid being called for a charge by maintaining control over their movements. They need to be aware of their surroundings and avoid running into a defender who has established a stationary position.

Can a charge be called on a defender?

A charge is usually called on an offensive player. However, if a defender is not stationary and initiates illegal contact, it can result in a blocking foul, not a charge.

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