Taking a Charge

Taking a Charge

by American Sport Education Program

chapter from Coaching Basketball - Technical and Tactical Skills

An offensive charging foul occurs when a defensive player establishes good defensive position and contact is initiated by the offensive player. Typically, a charge happens when a defender is guarding a dribbler going to the basket and the defender is able to get into a position where the dribbler will run into the defender. However, a charge may also be called on an offensive player who does not have the ball. If the defender can get position on his or her offensive player as the player cuts to receive a pass, a charge may result when the offensive player runs into the defender blocking the player's path to the ball. Taking a charge can be a huge momentum builder because it will often prevent the offense from scoring.

WATCH OUT!
The following circumstances may distract your athletes:

1. Watching the pass and not moving quickly enough to get into position for the charge.
2. Going for the ball instead of moving into a defensive position to take the charge.
3. Being uncertain about how to defend because of the number of offensive players attacking the basket.

ACQUIRING THE APPROPRIATE KNOWLEDGE
To help ensure your team's success in taking a charge, you and your players must know about the following:

Rules
You and your players need to know several main rules related to taking a charge:

1. If the dribbler gets around the on-the-ball defender, this defender must be careful not to reach out and hold the dribbler. This could result in a holding foul being called.
2. If the dribbler gets around the on-the-ball defender, this defender must be careful not to reach out and hold the dribbler. This could result in a holding foul being called.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Opponents
You and your players must account for the opponent's strengths and weaknesses to know how to take a charge properly. Consider the following about your opponents:

1. Is the player with the ball quick? If the offensive player with the ball is quicker than the on-the-ball defender, the defender must anticipate the drive to the basket and should move back so that the defender is not pressuring the dribbler as closely. This will help ensure that the defender has time to get the feet set before the drive. 
2. Is the player with the ball a good passer? If the offensive player with the ball is a good passer, helping defenders may not want to leave their offensive player as quickly to help on the drive. As soon as the dribbler sees the helping defender slide over for an attempt at drawing the charge, the dribbler will most likely pass to the offensive player that the helping defender left. 
3. Is the opponent a jump-shooting team? If so, taking a charge will be more difficult for the defenders because the offensive team can look to score on a jump shot as opposed to going to the basket, where a charge is more likely to occur.

Self-Knowledge
Besides being aware of your opponent's abilities, you and your players need to know about your own team's strengths and weaknesses. Teach your players to be aware of the following when taking a charge:

1. 1. How quick are your players? Quick defenders are more likely to be able to get into position early enough to get the feet set and draw a charge.

1. 1. How effective is the on-the-ball defender? If defensive players can defend the dribble well, the help does not need to come as quickly because the defender guarding the dribbler can draw a charge. The help defenders should focus on the offensive player they are guarding and work to stop their player's cuts to the ball.
   2. 
      Does your team have a strong defender at the post? If so, off-the-ball defenders may not want to draw a charge but rather let the shot blocker move into a position to make the block and start the fast break.

Decision-Making Guidelines
When deciding how to gain the best advantage when taking a charge, you and your players should consider the previous information as well as the following guidelines:

1. 1. A defender at the post may be in the best position to draw a charge on hard drives to the basket. This defender will not have to slide as far as the perimeter players to defend the dribbler.

1. 1. When an offensive player dribbles full court, an off-the-ball defender should work to take the charge against the sideline when the on-the-ball defender guides the dribbler up the sideline. It is easier to take the charge in this area because the sideline acts as a third defender.

1. 1. Baseline drives to the basket are usually the easiest opportunity to draw the charge because the weak-side help is in a good position to slide over and take the charge.
       
   2. When a defender recognizes that the offensive player is out of control going to the basket, this is an opportunity to get in position for a charge. In this situation, the offensive player may not be able to make a jump stop to avoid the charge.