Good Moves to Draw a Foul in Basketball

When a basketball player shoots free throws, he does so because a player on the opposing team fouled him. In some cases, the fouls occur during the normal course of play. In other instances, the fouls result from a successful maneuver by the offensive player to deliberately draw a foul, usually to get shots from the foul line.

  1. Pump Fake

    • One of the best ways to draw a foul is with a pump fake. To execute a pump fake, lift the ball as if you were going to shoot it and extend your arms toward the basket. If the defender jumps, thinking you are going to shoot, lean into him and attempt to shoot the ball as he is coming down onto you. Be sure the defender makes contact with you. He will usually get called for a two-shot shooting foul.

    Start and Stop

    • Dribble the ball aggressively toward the defender to make him move backward. Stop moving forward suddenly, which will cause the defender to instinctively stop and start moving toward you. When he does, start moving forward again. The defender will run into you and likely get called for a foul.

    Take a Charge

    • When you are playing defense, one of the best ways to draw a foul on an opposing player is to take a charge, which occurs when a defensive player has taken up a stationary position and an offensive player runs into him. Charges most commonly occur when the offensive player is dribbling toward the basket. Step into the player's path and stand still. When he makes contact with you, fall backward, even to the floor. If the official determines you were not moving when you were hit, he will call a foul on the offensive player.

    The Reach-In

    • Defenders will often try to take the ball away from you as you dribble it. They do this by swatting at the ball or trying to get their hands between the ball and your hands. Anytime you recognize a player is reaching in, quickly lift the ball and go into your shooting motion. The opposing player will likely hit you in the arms or hands and the referee can call a two-shot shooting foul.