The bonus rule in basketball is an important regulation that affects the outcome of a game. It is also known as the “double bonus” or “one-and-one” bonus. This rule was introduced in the NCAA Division I college basketball games in the early 1990s and spread to the high school and professional levels shortly after. The bonus rule is meant to reward teams for aggressive play and provide an incentive for them to foul often in order to stop their opponents from scoring. This article will explain how the bonus works and how it affects the outcome of a game.
Understanding the Bonus Rule
The bonus rule in basketball, also known as the double bonus, is a rule that stipulates that a team is awarded two free throws once the opposing team commits more than a certain number of fouls in a half. This number is usually five in college and high school basketball and seven in the NBA. The number of fouls that trigger the bonus rule may vary depending on the league or tournament.
Once the bonus is triggered, all non-shooting fouls committed by the fouling team will result in two free throws for the offended team. This means that any fouls committed by the fouling team in the act of shooting, such as a reach-in, will result in three free throws being awarded.
The Impact of The Bonus Rule on the Outcome of a Game
The bonus rule has a major influence on the outcome of a game of basketball. It provides an incentive to the defensive team to commit more fouls in order to stop their opponents from scoring. This increases the number of fouls called and the number of free throws taken, which can often decide the game.
The bonus rule also encourages teams to play more aggressive defense. Since the defensive team will be rewarded with two free throws for fouling, they are more likely to be aggressive in their defense. This can lead to more physical play and can even lead to players fouling out of the game.
The bonus rule also creates an incentive for the offensive team to drive to the basket and draw fouls. Teams will try to draw fouls in order to get to the bonus rule and get two free throws instead of one. This can lead to more dribble penetration and more opportunities for the offensive team to score.
Conclusion
The bonus rule in basketball is an important regulation that affects the outcome of a game. It is also known as the “double bonus” or “one-and-one” bonus and was introduced in the NCAA Division I college basketball games in the early 1990s. The bonus rule stipulates that a team is awarded two free throws once the opposing team commits more than a certain number of fouls in a half. The bonus rule encourages teams to play more aggressive defense and provides an incentive for the offensive team to drive to the basket and draw fouls. The bonus rule can often decide the outcome of a game and has a major influence on the way it is played.