Basketball is a sport that is filled with terminology and rules. One of the most used terms in the game is “bonus” or “double bonus”. It is important for players to understand the difference between the two so that they can make the most of the situation when they are on the court. In this article, we will explore what bonus and double bonus mean in basketball and how they differ.
The Basics of Bonus and Double Bonus
In basketball, bonus is a term that is used to refer to the situation in which a team has committed a certain number of fouls in a single half. When a team reaches the bonus, the opposing team is awarded two free throws regardless of the type of foul that was committed. The number of fouls that must be committed before the bonus is awarded varies depending on the level of play.
Double bonus is similar to bonus in that it is awarded when a team has committed a certain number of fouls in a single half. However, the number of fouls that must be committed before the double bonus is awarded is higher than the number for bonus. When double bonus is reached, the opposing team is awarded two free throws for any foul that is committed, regardless of the type.
Difference in Fouls
One of the key differences between bonus and double bonus is the number of fouls that must be committed before either is awarded. For bonus, the number of fouls is typically between five and seven, depending on the level of play. For double bonus, the number of fouls is typically between eight and ten. This means that the team must commit more fouls before they reach the double bonus stage.
Difference in Free Throws
Another key difference between bonus and double bonus is the type of free throws that are awarded. For bonus, the free throws are only awarded if a personal foul is committed. This means that free throws are not awarded for technical fouls or other violations. For double bonus, any foul that is committed results in two free throws. This means that technical fouls and other violations will result in two free throws for the opposing team.
Difference in Strategy
The difference between bonus and double bonus also affects the strategy that teams use when playing. When a team is in bonus, they tend to be more aggressive since they can commit fewer fouls and still get the bonus. When a team is in double bonus, they tend to be more conservative and focus on avoiding fouls since they can commit more before reaching double bonus.
Conclusion
Bonus and double bonus are two terms that are commonly used in basketball. The key difference between the two is the number of fouls that must be committed before either is awarded. For bonus, the number of fouls is typically between five and seven, while for double bonus, the number of fouls is typically between eight and ten. Additionally, bonus only awards free throws for personal fouls, while double bonus awards free throws for any type of foul. Understanding the difference between bonus and double bonus can help teams make the most of the situation when they are on the court.