The NBA think tanks never cease to amaze the basketball world. The introduction of the three-point shot pushed the league forward, and the adoption of the and-one plays saw the organization enter a new era.

Technically an ad-one happens when a shooter makes a two- or three-point shot and is fouled in the process. The referee blows the whistle, yells “And-One,” counts the basket, and awards a foul shot to the offensive player.

Unfortunately, the NBA does not keep a record of and-one plays. We can only guess that the leader in this category is King James, with 26,825 field goal attempts next to Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s 28,307. King James’ bully-ball type of game makes him prone to defensive fouls when he drives to the hoop, and he’s still active on the court.

This material discusses and-one in basketball; adopting this in your game is an excellent offensive strategy.

What is an And One in Basketball?

And-one plays make basketball exciting and can build momentum for a team. Some sensational plays can raise a catch-up team’s morale. A three-pointer or a monster slam will give that much-needed boost, but an and-one play can be a game-changer that can turn the tide against the leading team.

Kyrie Irving drives to the basket for a deuce, or James Harden steps back for a trey and draws a foul from the defender. The shot goes in, the referee blows his whistle, shouts and-one, and the fans go wild. The referees don’t usually call a foul unless it’s obvious, but when it happens, the difficulty in executing the shot makes the play thrilling.

And-One Explained

An and-one takes place when a shot attempt goes in, and a foul is called by the referee awarding a free throw to the shooter. It is not an and-one play if the shot doesn’t go in, and even if the ball slips into the hoop, but there is an offensive foul called on the shooter, he’ll receive no free throw, and the shot is nullified. An and-one play is completed if the shooter makes his free throw shot.

The reason behind “and-one” is a shooter is awarded only a free throw after the shot is counted compared to the two or three gift shots given to a shooter when fouled, depending on the spot where he was fouled.

It’s a player’s habit to yell “And-One” to tell the referee that he’s been fouled in the act of shooting. Be careful, and you might be misunderstood; referees don’t want to be told how to execute calls.

Technological advances make great NBA highlights; you can hear the coach’s instructions during a timeout huddle, there are different vantage points on the court for great views, and players yelling “And-One” can be heard when they make a basket and are fouled.

The Difficulty of the And-One

And-one is a low percentage shot and is difficult to perform, but the shooter is rewarded when the shot is counted and awarded a free throw. Depending on where the shooter made his attempt, it can be a three-point or four-point play.

It would help if you had excellent body control, mental toughness, and agility to avoid any attempted block by your opponent. It is a tough shot to make; aside from getting hit, you are preventing a block from getting a difficult shot go in.

The Impact of And Ones on Basketball Game

Before it was the three-point shot, today, the and-one plays pushed the NBA into a new age. Talent turns everything in the league if he can shoot well in the three-point area, but fans get excited if a shooter draws a foul while making a shot for an and-one play. An and-one play can impact a game in many ways.

Momentum Builder

An and-one can single-handedly turn the momentum of a game to a team’s favor. A three-point shot or a monster slam will boost your team’s morale, and an and-one will turn the tide in your favor, especially if your team is trying to catch up.

Good Teamwork 

A player cannot win a game alone and needs his teammates to achieve the desired outcome. With good teamwork, the shooter can receive the ball in his sweet spot, teammates can provide screens to ward off defenders, and teammates offer words of encouragement.

Trash Talking

The And-One is a gentle way of trash-talking your rival; you can yell all you want. Trash talking is forbidden in basketball, but yelling is not if it is not directed at anyone on the court. Trash talking can pump up your and your teammates’ adrenalin and annoy your opponent.

Excite Fans

Fans get excited when their team makes a scoring run and are on the edge of their seats when an and-one gives the lead.

A regular game between the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets was even with 23.5 seconds left until Heat’s Chris Bosh made a drive to the basket for an and-one play. Miami escaped with a three-point victory.

How to Draw an And-One Foul

Basketball players are always finding ways to one up their opponent to tip the balance in his favor. Drawing fouls can give you the advantage you need. A foul can provide you free throws, put the defender in foul trouble, and give you a rare four-point play.

Intelligent players use their basketball savvy to trick their opponents into fouling them.

Attack the Hoop

A player will likely get fouled when he drives to the hoop. He’ll reach out when you beat your defender off the dribble as you blow past him. Other defenders will block your path and will foul you because they are moving and not set in their defensive positions.

Drive strong to the hoop, keep your focus, and release the ball when the defender makes contact. Add a bit of acting and yelling to attract the referee’s attention.

Pump Fake 

Mimic a shooting posture by raising your hands with the ball. Take advantage of your opponent’s momentum by taking a jump shot as his body descends and hits you. The pump fake is an offensive threat that keeps your opponent off balance and bumps into you.

The pump fake technique usually catches the referee’s attention when done near the hoop.

Hooking Arms with a Defender

Hold the ball tightly with both hands in front of you to tempt the defender to swat the ball. As the defender reaches in, lift your arms to take a shot, his arms will get hooked with yours, forcing a contact.

Moves to Avoid when Attempting an And-One

A defender usually commits fouls when preventing a shooter from scoring, but they can also draw offensive fouls from their opponent.

Jumping into a defender

Once a defender beats you to a spot and is in a defensive position, do not jump into him. They will act the offensive foul by shouting while falling on the floor to sell the call to the referee.

Extending Legs on a Shot Attempt

Some shooters habitually extend their legs when attempting a jump shot. Referees wised up to this move and called an offensive foul if the shooter initiated the contact.

You’ll see NBA player extending their legs and falling to the floor after a shot. The NBA revised their rules on players drawing an and-one, especially beyond the arc. The rule was amended; players sticking out their legs to initiate contact on a defender will be charged with an offensive foul.

Reggie Miller of the Indiana Pacers started the move in the ’90s, and James Harden adopted it. FYI James Harden’s shooting percentage was 87.99 in the NBA’s 2018-19 season.

Warding Off

It is legal for a player attempting a layup to use his hand to protect the ball from getting blocked, but it is an offensive foul if the hand is used to ward off a defender.

Examples of an And-One

JA Morant begins his dribble on top of the circle, shifting the ball from left to right, and beats his man. Morant drives hard to the basket and is met by another defender; he makes a Euro step and shifts the ball to the left hand for a layup. The ball goes in, the defender commits a foul, and the crowd goes wild. The referee blows his whistle and awards a free throw; Morant makes the charity shot for an and-one play.

Another and-one threat is a three-point shooter lurking beyond the arc, waiting for the proper time to launch a trey. The shooter gets a good grip on the ball, baits his defender to reach for the ball, and locks arms with the defender as he goes for a shot for an apparent foul.

Step Curry is a master of the shake and bait from the three-point area, and he can even make a trey with his eyes closed.

Wrapping Things Up: What Does And-One Mean in Basketball?

An and-one play in basketball is a skill acquired through constant practice. A player should be tenacious ready to face any defensive player, accurate in his shots, and have the strength to withstand hard bumps.

Once you acquire this type of move, you’ll be a headache for opponents.

We hope you enjoyed this post! If you did, be sure to check out our other basketball FAQ articles here.