How to Call a Foul in a Pickup Basketball Game

We’ve previously discussed the inherent differences between a regulation basketball game and a pickup one.  And while most of the basic rules remain the same between the two, there is one large difference between them.  And that is the fact that a pickup basketball game doesn’t have any referees.

And while referees aren’t necessary to start a pickup game, they are useful in calling and assessing fouls.  So, without a referee on the court, how do you call a foul in a pickup basketball game?  In addition, what happens to the ball once a foul is called?

What Counts as a Foul During a Pickup Basketball Game?

As stated above, the pickup game is inherently different than a regulation one.  Whereas regulation games count certain fouls, including reach-ins, over the back, charges, and defensive three-seconds, the pickup game does not. 

This is important to know as you do not want to embarrass yourself during a pickup game by calling one of those fouls.

However, even though the pickup game doesn’t include certain fouls, it does allow for other ones to be called.  Typically, in a pickup game, the only foul call that is honored is when an offensive player with the ball is impacted, causing them to lose the ball or shoot an errant shot.

What this means is that if a player with the ball is fouled, whether in a shooting motion or not, then they can call the foul and resume play with the ball after checking it in.

Who Calls the Foul in a Pickup Game?

Whereas regulation games are officiated by a team of referees, pickup games are not.  That is why it is important to understand who can call a foul in a pickup game.

Typically, the only person who can call a foul, and have it honored, is the player with the ball and the one who has been fouled.  It is, ultimately, their determination and call on the foul that will be honored.

And, many times, certain players will continue play even after a foul has occurred.  This can be done for a variety of reasons, but typically is because there may be a mismatch on the defensive end, or the player with the ball wants to prove their abilities, or they simply do not think the foul was egregious enough to warrant a call.

Ultimately, each player on the court plays differently.  Where one player may see a foul, and call it, another will not.  What is most important, however, is to honor the foul called by the player with the ball.

When Should You Not Call a Foul?

While you may feel you’ve been fouled, it is important to distinguish when you should and when you shouldn’t call a foul in the pickup game.

A game of pickup basketball is, generally, tougher, and more intense than a regulation game.  Most players have come to the court to play a game of basketball and are not fans of the foul call.

Taking that into consideration, it is usually best to only call a foul when the foul committed is egregious enough for you to lose the ball or when significant impact between yourself and the defensive player has occurred during a shot attempt.

However, the foul call is a judgment call.  You should ask yourself if the foul was truly egregious and warrants a foul call.  If not, then you should avoid calling for backlash and disrespect that you may incur from other players on the court.

The pickup game is not a soft game and is a tough, rough, and full-contact one.  Be prepared for that style of play.

Lastly, you should never, ever call a foul away from the ball.  In addition, you should never call a foul on simple fouls and ones that do not directly impact the ball or your ability to shoot a shot.

Foul Versus And-1

Without a doubt, the single biggest controversy in a pickup game of basketball is the use of the terms foul or and-1.  What is the difference and reasons for calling a foul versus calling and-1?

Typically, when a player calls foul, it means the ball is dead and that a foul has occurred. When called, the play will stop and the ball will be checked-in, allowing the fouled team to restart play with the ball in possession.

However, calling and-1 is slightly different and follows different rules.  It is best to determine those rules before a game begins as the use of the term varies by region and location.

With that said, calling and-1 is typically a bit of a more confident way to call a foul, indicating that a foul occurred but that the shot attempt, due to your own superiority, will still go in.

If you are playing make-it, take-it, where the offensive team will retain possession of the ball after a successful shot attempt, then the and-1 call can be controversial.  To avoid controversy, if you are fouled, then simply call a foul.

However, if you are not playing make-it, take-it, then calling and-1 will typically stop the play and resumption of play will begin after the ball is checked-in.  In this scenario, the ball, whether made or missed on the shot, will not count.

How to Play Pickup Basketball if You’re Getting Fouled Egregiously?

If you are playing a game of pickup basketball and continue to get fouled, and particularly if you are getting fouled hard and egregiously, it is best to call the foul.

However, if the egregious fouls continue, then you should look to avoid the offending player.  You can do so by asking a teammate to switch with you on offense or you can do so by looking to “lose” your defender by hustling on the court, looking for the open shot.

Ultimately, however, there are unwritten codes of conduct for the pickup game.  A player who continues to foul egregiously and in an unwarranted manner may be reprimanded and called out by other players on the court, including players on their team.