intentional foul

American  

noun

Basketball.

1. a foul deliberately committed by a defensive player to stop play, tactically conceding the penalty of having the fouled player attempt the awarded foul shots in return for possession of the ball.

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Example Sentences

On both occasions, Philadelphia's claims of an intentional foul were rejected by officials.

From Barron's • Jan. 25, 2026

The officials ruled it was an intentional foul on Bonam despite the objections of St. John Bosco coach Matt Dunn.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2024

Petree celebrated the call and made contact with an opponent, leading to an intentional foul.

From Washington Post • Mar. 16, 2023

With five seconds left, Clark was called for an intentional foul.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 18, 2023

And the referee signaled that Ben was to shoot two foul shots for an intentional foul.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy