What is bonus in basketball?

In basketball, a bonus refers to a team reaching a certain number of team fouls in a period (usually seven or more fouls). Once a team reaches the bonus, the opposing team is awarded free-throws for each subsequent foul committed by the team in the bonus. This rewards the opposing team for being fouled and helps to discourage excessive fouling by the defending team.

There are two types of bonus in basketball:

1. The single bonus, also known as the one-and-one bonus, occurs after the team commits 7 fouls in a half. The fouled player is awarded one free throw and if they make it, they are awarded a second free throw. If they miss the first free throw, the ball is live and the opposing team can grab the rebound.

2. The double bonus, or the two-shot bonus, occurs after the team commits 10 fouls in a half. The fouled player is awarded two free throws regardless of whether they make or miss the first shot.

The bonus can play a crucial role in the outcome of a game, as free throws are an opportunity to score points without the clock running. Teams can take advantage of being in the bonus by getting to the free-throw line and capitalizing on their opportunities.