Player Control Foul
What is a player control foul?
What characterizes a player control foul in basketball?
What is considered a player control foul?
A player control foul in basketball is a foul committed by an offensive player. A player control foul is a very common foul, but is applied to a player who has control of the ball or is in the air while shooting. Any illegal contact made by a player in possession of the ball is considered to be a player control foul. This might include illegal contact using the shoulder, elbow, arm, or hand, as well as forcing one’s way through or around opponents when there is no room to do so.
A charge is a form of player control foul that happens relatively frequently. An offensive player commits a charge when they run into and makes substantial contact with a defender who is in a legal guarding position so long as they are not in the restricted area directly underneath the basket. Legal guarding position is often thought to mean the defender must have their feet set on the floor and is not moving by the time the offensive player makes contact. This is true, so long as the defender sets up in their position straight ahead of the ball handler. This means giving the ball handler space to avoid contact while dribbling or before the ball handler leaves starts their shooting motion at the basket.
However, the rules are a bit more lenient, as a defender just needs to get their torso in front of the dribbler. The player’s feet may still be moving slightly, as long as they beat the ball handler to the spot they intend to dribble to.