Basketball - The big debate

[SamH]

Ok, it isn't that big, however I think its a good discussion point. I often think it seems rather wrong that teams can benefit down the stretch of games by fouling. Usually to put the other team on the free throw line and hope they miss. Sometimes to prevent them getting off a 3 pointer with hardly any time left (if they are down 3 so need it for a tie, say). Is this right? I can't think of many sports where you can gain an advantage by fouling. Of course if it wasn't permitted or resulted in additional sanctions, we wouldn't get nearly as many exciting finishes as we do, because you'd be relying on the opponent to turn the ball over to re-gain possession. Then again games would finish quicker without the endless processions to the line in the final minute.

So what do you think, is it right? Is there anything else better they could do? Is it just the way it is and that's basketball?

[A tall man]

I dont see it as anything other than exposing your opponents weaknesses in a game. These fouls are very rarely fouls where an injury is likely, it's a tactile part of the game

[isthaturinal]

That’s a tough question.....
I need time to think about it before I can answer.

[sm11]

Heres an idea, all fouls in the last minute result in 3 free throws. Nobody would foul when up 3 any more, resulting in the opposition having a fair shot at a 3 to tie. You could still foul when behind to stop the clock but you would be less tempted to do so.

Not sure i like the idea myself but hey its an idea.

[SamH]

Of course the other issue is the deliberate fouling strategy, i.e hack a Shaq. That not only ruins the flow of the game but is absolutely using fouling as an advantage and strategy to win. Is that right?

[massiveridersfan]

I liked the old rule which allowed a team that was fouled to choose whether just to inbound the ball or take free throws.

[stevetino]

Feb 2, 2022 23:58:16 GMT massiveridersfan said:

I liked the old rule which allowed a team that was fouled to choose whether just to inbound the ball or take free throws.

in what scenario would you not want free throws? 👍

[massiveridersfan]

End of the game when your team is fractionally ahead but the player fouled is a 50% free throw shooter. Prefer to inbound and give it to your best free throw shooter. Gamble to let your worst shooter try to win the game under huge pressure. Misses both and your opponents have the opportunity to level or win the game.

[SamH]

I assume if they were employing hack a Shaq, you might inbound rather than send your crappy free throw shooter to the line?

[stevetino]

Feb 6, 2022 11:46:47 GMT massiveridersfan said:

End of the game when your team is fractionally ahead but the player fouled is a 50% free throw shooter. Prefer to inbound and give it to your best free throw shooter. Gamble to let your worst shooter try to win the game under huge pressure. Misses both and your opponents have the opportunity to level or win the game.

Why was the rule changed?

[massiveridersfan]

Not sure. Others may know the answer to your question though.

[SamH]

I don't ever remember that rule, was it FIBA or NBA? And how far back are we going?

[massiveridersfan]

A long time ago - too many moons for my tired brain to recall. Added tension to games though because sometimes you felt the coach had made a mistake choosing either option.

[SamH]

If it was that long ago it was probably before the hack a Shaq concept had even been devised, so I doubt it was in relation to that - which makes you wonder why anyone would ever inbound. Possibly I suppose if there wasn't much time left, it might be better to try and move the ball about and run down the clock than let the other team have possession, which goes back to the original point of this topic I guess!

[dandayr]

Feb 6, 2022 21:31:14 GMT massiveridersfan said:

A long time ago - too many moons for my tired brain to recall. Added tension to games though because sometimes you felt the coach had made a mistake choosing either option.

wee memory jogger on here:


www.basketref.com/en/index.php/rules/rules-history

It was introduced in 1968 and withdrawn in 1990

So it seems I played near 10 years with that rule in place - don't remember it.
I do fondly remember the 3 for 2 though - it slowed the game down cause so many people ended up shooting 3 free throws.
I guess if people want to tinker with the fouling in the last minute - then bring back the 3 for 2 and that way as even low % free throw guys will have a chance of scoring 2pts.
Personally I would leave things as they are in the FIBA game.