Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, and the term “bonus” is used in the game to describe a unique situation. In basketball, the term “bonus” comes up often, and it’s important to understand why it’s used and what it means. In this article, we’ll discuss what the term “bonus” means in basketball and why it’s used.
What Is the Bonus Rule in Basketball?
The bonus rule in basketball is a rule that states that a team is awarded free throws after a certain number of fouls committed by the opposing team in a single period. The number of fouls that triggers the bonus varies depending on the level of play (e.g. high school or college). Generally, in high school basketball, the bonus is triggered after the opposing team commits five fouls in a quarter. In college basketball, the bonus is triggered after the opposing team commits seven fouls in a half.
Once the bonus is triggered, the team that was fouled is awarded two free throws for each foul committed by the other team for the remainder of the period. For example, if the opposing team has committed seven fouls in a quarter, the team that was fouled will be awarded 14 free throws for the remainder of the period.
Why Is the Bonus Rule Used?
The bonus rule is used to encourage teams to be more disciplined on defense and to discourage them from intentionally fouling the opposing team. The bonus rule gives the offended team a way to recover points that were taken away due to an opponent’s foul.
The bonus rule also serves to keep the game fair. If a team were allowed to commit an unlimited number of fouls without penalty, the team that was fouled would not have a chance to recover points and the game would be unfair. By awarding free throws, the bonus rule helps keep the game fair and ensures that teams can’t take advantage of the other team’s fouls.
How Can Teams Use the Bonus Rule to Their Advantage?
The bonus rule provides teams with an opportunity to gain a strategic advantage. Teams can use the bonus rule to their advantage by fouling strategically. For example, if a team is trailing late in the game, they may intentionally foul the opposing team in order to stop the clock and give their team a chance to get the ball back and score.
The bonus rule also provides teams with an opportunity to get back into the game if they are trailing. If a team is down by several points, they can use the bonus rule to get back into the game by making free throws and cutting the deficit.
Conclusion
The bonus rule is an important rule in basketball that helps keep the game fair and encourages teams to be more disciplined on defense. The bonus rule allows teams to get back into the game if they are trailing and can be used to the team’s advantage if they foul strategically. Understanding the bonus rule and how it works is essential to playing basketball effectively.