What is a Technical Foul in Basketball

<p>Grab a seat, class is in session once again. You know <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/how-to-bet-on-the-nba">how to bet on the NBA</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nba/nba-news/what-is-a-triple-double">what is a triple-double</a>, so it’s time to unpack one of the more confusing basketball rules.</p> <p>Welcome to the world of fouls, more specifically technical fouls. What constitutes a technical foul has long baffled the casual basketball viewer, that’s why we’re here to clear up any confusion around this rule you may have.</p> <p>Without further ado, let’s dive in. Today’s topic – what is a technical foul in basketball?</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>What Counts as a Technical Foul?</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>According to the official NBA code of conduct, what counts as a technical foul can be split into six distinct categories. These are: excessive timeouts, delay of game, number of players, basket ring, backboard or support, conduct and fighting fouls.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Excessive timeouts</strong></p> <p>Each side is allotted a certain number of timeouts per half of play. If a team uses all their timeouts and still tries to call one, they can be sanctioned with a technical foul.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Delay of game</strong></p> <p>Players, coaches, and staff from either team can be sanctioned with a technical foul for deliberately and illegally delaying the game.</p> <p>This mainly involves interfering with the ball when they aren’t supposed to, but also extends to things such as a player entering the field with an untucked jersey. So, remember, dress to impress.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Number of players</strong></p> <p>About as simple as it gets, you’re allowed five players on the court, no more, no less. Go over or under five and you risk inciting the ref’s wrath in the form of technical foul.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Basket ring, backboard or support</strong></p> <p>We’ve all seen clips of players pulling off an elaborate dunk and then hanging off the rim afterwards in celebration. But did you know this actually counts as a technical foul?</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Conduct</strong></p> <p>The most common type of technical foul, the good old conduct violation. This kind of technical foul is most commonly associated with unsportsmanlike behaviour, like mouthing off at the ref.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Fighting fouls</strong></p> <p>Almost in a category of their own, technical fouls for fighting are pretty self-explanatory. Dished out when a player or a coach fancy a scrap, a technical foul for fighting results in instant ejection, unlike a regular technical.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>What Happens When You Get a Technical Foul in Basketball?</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>What exactly happens when you get a technical foul in basketball? Well, in the NBA it results in the opposition team being awarded a single free throw and possession of the ball.</p> <p>The name and number of the player who committed the technical foul is recorded and if they commit a second technical foul in the same game, they are ejected.</p> <p>The only exception to this is for fighting technical fouls, which results in instant ejection after the first offence, although the other team is not awarded any free throws.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Who has the Most Technical Fouls in NBA History?</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Karl Malone currently has the most technical fouls in NBA history. The Mailman as he was known enjoyed a 20-year career at the top, giving him more than enough time to rack up plenty of technical fouls and points mind you.</p> <p>Yes, as well as holding the record for the most technical fouls in NBA history, he currently sits third on the <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nba/nba-news/top-10-players-with-the-most-points-in-nba-history">NBA’s highest scorers list</a>. His imposing physique made him a nightmare for defenders and referees alike it seems.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Need more basketball in your life? Why not check out our expert NBA tips and predictions <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nba/tips">right here</a>.&nbsp;</p>