Basketball Rules: Double Fouls

A double foul in basketball occurs when two opposing players foul each other at approximately the same time. Because double fouls are a relatively rare occurrence, it's important as a player, coach or referee to understand the rules, penalties and other aspects of double fouls for when that rare double foul play does happen during a game.

Point of Interruption

No free throws are awarded on regular double fouls because both teams committed a foul at approximately the same time. To put the ball back in play, the point of interruption is used. For example, if the double foul occurred while the home team was in possession of the ball, the white team would be awarded the ball out of bounds nearest the spot where the ball was when the referee blew the whistle.

Alternating Possession

When neither team is in possession of the ball, such as when the ball is in the air on a try for goal, the alternating possession arrow is used to put the ball back in play. For example, if a player on the visiting team shoots the ball and, while the ball is in the air, a player from each team fouls each other, and the shot misses, the team which has the possession arrow is awarded the ball out of bounds. In the NBA, where no possession arrow is used, play is resumed using the jump ball procedure at the closest jump ball circle to where the foul occurred.

Team And Personal Fouls

A double foul counts as a personal foul for the players involved as well as a team foul for each team. Personal fouls count toward the five fouls for disqualification in high school and college basketball, and the six fouls for disqualification in the NBA. Team fouls count toward the team foul bonus in all levels of basketball.

False Double Foul

A false double foul occurs when a personal foul is followed by a foul -- such as a technical foul -- by the opposing team before the clock has started after the first foul. For example, if a player from the home team fouls while the ball is live, then a player from the visiting team commits a technical foul before the clock starts again, a false double foul has occurred. In this situation, the fouls are administered in the order in which they occurred.