SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/bball-charging-foul

In basketball, what is a charging foul?

An offensive player running into a set defender is charging.

Start playing free

  1. A defensive player blocking a shot
  2. An offensive player running into a defender in legal guarding position ✔
  3. A coach entering the court

Why: A dribbler may not charge into a defender who has established legal guarding position. A defender who gets there too late may be called for blocking instead.

Huh, didn't know that: In the NBA, a charge is an offensive foul, and it does not count as a team foul.

The dad joke
I tried to pay with a card at the basketball game. The ref said that was a charge.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: An offensive player running into a defender in legal guarding position. A dribbler may not charge into a defender who has established legal guarding position. A defender who gets there too late may be called for blocking instead.

  1. NBA Official Rules, Rule 12: Fouls and Penalties official.nba.com/rule-no-12-fouls-and-penalties
    A dribbler shall not (1) charge into an opponent who has established a legal guarding position
    Checked 2026-10-12.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Sports & FitnessIn the NBA, after you gather the ball while dribbling, how many steps may you take?Sports & FitnessWhen starting a dribble from a standstill, when must the ball leave your hand?Sports & FitnessYou dribble, catch the ball with both hands, then dribble again. What is that called?

That's stuff everyone should know.