How Basketball Clear-Path Fouls Work Explainer
A clear-path foul is an NBA personal foul that unfairly stops a transition scoring opportunity when the offense has a clear route toward the basket. The rule adds a stronger penalty than an ordinary side-out foul to discourage defenders from grabbing a breakaway player.
Officials examine the location of the ball, the offensive player's path, the positions of defenders, and whether the foul occurred before the shooting motion. The detailed criteria are designed to identify a genuine advantage rather than every foul committed in the backcourt.
When called, the offended team receives two free throws and keeps possession. Any player on that team may take the free throws, and play resumes with a throw-in. A clear-path ruling is separate from whether contact is flagrant.
Referees may review an eligible play to determine whether the criteria are satisfied. Broadcast replays often focus on the last defender, but the whole floor matters: a defender ahead of the ball or between the attacker and basket can defeat the required clear path.
Two free throws for the offended team followed by possession.
No. The ball, attacker, defenders, timing, and route to the basket must meet the rule's criteria.
No. Clear path protects a transition advantage; flagrant rules judge unnecessary or excessive contact.
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