How To Take a Charge in Basketball

By Troy Wright •  Updated: 02/17/21 •  4 min read

Whether you’re a casual or serious basketball player, you’ve probably had the experience of trying to take a charge in basketball. Not only is it not an easy task, but if you try it wrong, you can end up doing more harm than good.

Learning how to take a charge in basketball can make all the difference in the world because it’s one of the most effective ways to change momentum in a game and can help you swing the tide of the game back in your favor. However, there are some simple moves that can help you increase your chance of getting the call.

According to NBA defensive great Shane Battier, here are the 8 steps on how to take a charge in basketball:

  1. Always know where the ball is.
  2. You need great anticipation.
  3. You need courage to take the contact.
  4. Be aware of where your feet are.
  5. Get in front of the rim and get square.
  6. Beat the offensive man to the spot.
  7. Protect yourself.
  8. Once contact is made fall to the ground bottom first.

How does a player effectively take a charge in basketball?

The player must keep their body on the ground and their arms and legs in a straight line. The key to taking a charge successfully is to remember to keep your head up and your shoulders down.

How to Take a defensive charge with Shane Battier

Shane Battier was the heart and soul of the Miami Heat. He was always there for his teammates and never wanted to be the center of attention. His charisma and ability to lead and inspire his teammates was a big reason why the Heat were so successful.

It’s no accident that Shane Battier is one of the best defensive players in the NBA. He was a defensive-minded basketball player who came to the NBA because of his defensive skills. In the above video, Battier talks about how to take a defensive charge.

Battier is a great example of a player who makes the most of his defensive effort and spent a decade in the NBA as one of the best defensive players.

What’s the difference between a block and a charge?

In basketball, there are two types of calls when a defender attempts to stop the offensive player from scoring and makes significant contact: a block and a charge.

A charging foul occurs when an offensive player makes contact with a defensive player who has established their position with both feet on the ground and their torso square facing the opponent. A blocking foul occurs when the defensive player does not meet the criteria mentioned above.

What is the restricted area?

The restricted area is a four-foot arc underneath the basket where players cannot draw charges. The rule is designed to prevent players from standing below the rim while offensive players drive to the basket. A defender must establish his position outside of the area in order to draw a charge.

https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/10/28/6419373/nba-block-charge-rule-official

Basketball Charging Foul Drill

Basketball charging foul drills can be a great way to improve your game. It is one of the most overlooked drills. Check out the video below to see an example:

You may also enjoy our article on when basketball was invented and what constitutes traveling and illegal screening.

How To Take a Charge in Basketball

Troy Wright

I am a lifetime basketball enthusiast and loved playing basketball competitively through high school. I still try and play at least 3 times a week and explore all kinds of equipment and training to keep myself on the court and continually getting better. I am a college basketball fanatic and move onto the NBA when March Madness ends.