Drawing Fouls

Drawing fouls is a simple but effective way to give you the edge you need. If you’re fouled while shooting it you’ll have a chance to score from the free-throw line. Additionally, you can place opposing players in foul trouble, potentially forcing them out of the game. In general, aggressive offensive moves are most likely to draw fouls.

Driving to the Hoop

The simplest, most direct way to try to draw a foul is to beat your defender off the dribble and drive straight to the rim. First, the beaten defender may reach back and foul you as you blow past them. Second, other defenders will try to move into your path to block your route to the basket, and defenders who are moving are more likely to foul you because they’re not in set defensive positions. You have numerous options to try to beat your defender off the dribble. Your move can be as simple as head-faking in one direction then dribbling in the other, or as complex as executing a behind-the-back spin move. Once you beat your defender, go hard to the rim.

Pump Fake

The pump fake lets you draw a foul while attempting a shot. Execute the fake by placing your hands on the ball as if you were going to shoot, then raise the ball quickly into a shooting position. If your defender is a step or two away, they may jump up and toward you as you fake the shot, causing them to hit you as they descend. In some cases, you can also draw a foul by leaning slightly forward or to one side as the defender comes down, forcing them to contact you. If you move too far into the defender’s path, however, the referee isn’t likely to blow the whistle.

Forcing a Reach-In

Forcing a reach-in, also known as a rip move, is another deceptive tactic designed to draw a foul. Hold the ball low with both hands, in front of you or a bit to the side, to entice the defender to try to slap the ball away. As they reach toward the ball, lift your arms and take a shot, forcing contact with the defender’s arms. If you’re fortunate, your shot will go in and you’ll get a free throw as well.

Taking a Charge

Defenders can also draw fouls. If a player beats one of your teammates off the dribble and drives to the basket, you can take a charge by moving into the opponent’s path and setting both feet before the opponent arrives and runs into you. But be aware of the half-circle under the hoop area in some levels of basketball. Both your feet must be outside the half-circle if you wish to take a charge.