Making an errant pass is a common offensive turnover. Double dribbling, traveling, holding the ball too long or failing to advance the basketball across the half-court line in the allotted time also are offensive turnovers. Offensive fouls are double costly: They count as turnovers and can send the opposing team to the free-throw line.
Charging
Charging into the defensive player is the most common offensive foul. The player dribbling the basketball is whistled for this infraction, and the ball goes to the other team. The charge is called when the dribbler makes contact with a set defender. If the defender's feet are not planted when contact is made, a blocking foul is called and the offensive team either retains possession or shoots free throws.
Over the Back
The shot goes up and it is off target. Offensive players near the basket often try grabbing the rebound and putting the ball back up for a score. As long as there is no illegal contact with the defensive rebounder, the offensive player is free to go after the basketball. A common foul -- and resulting turnover -- on the offensive rebound is called over the back. This call is made when the offensive player is blocked out by the defender and makes contact trying to pull down the rebound.
Lean Shot
Leaning in toward the basket and taking a shot can be effective, especially when the offensive player has a size advantage over the defender. The player jumps up and at the basket while releasing the shot, and drawing defensive contact also results in a foul. The leaning shot is a good way to break tight defensive pressure. It also can result in an offensive foul and turnover if the player is too strong on the shot. The offensive player needs to avoid initiating contact with the defender or the foul is called.
Tight Quarters
The defensive team often employs a double team or trap to apply added pressure on the dribbler. This strategy leads to bad passes or steals, which are both turnovers. The dribbler also can turn the basketball over by fouling during the increased defensive pressure. Wildly swinging the arms, holding the defender and pushing with the body to create offensive space are fouls and the ball is turned over to the opposing team.
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