More Fouls in Basketball

May 13, 2026, 19:53
USSports

Introduction

Referees in the NBA and WNBA are calling more fouls. They want the games to be safer.

Main Body

The WNBA changed its rules. Now, referees call more fouls. In the first 11 games, teams had 22.3 fouls per game. Before, they had 17.5. Some coaches like this change. They say it helps players move. Other coaches and players do not like it. They say the game stops too often. The NBA also has more fouls. There are 11% more fouls in the playoffs. The league says this happens because the games are more intense.

Conclusion

Both leagues want a fair game. They are trying to find a balance between hard play and the rules.

Learning

⚖️ Comparing Two Things

In this story, we see how things changed. To talk about a change, we often use 'Before' and 'Now'.

  • Before: 17.5 fouls
  • Now: 22.3 fouls

The Pattern: Before →\rightarrow [Old Situation] Now →\rightarrow [New Situation]

🗣️ Saying 'Yes' and 'No' (Agreeing)

When people have different ideas, we use these simple phrases:

  1. "Some... like this" →\rightarrow (Positive ✓\checkmark)
  2. "Other... do not like it" →\rightarrow (Negative ×\times)

Simple Tip: Use "Some" for the first group and "Other" for the second group to show a contrast.

Vocabulary Learning

referee (n.)
a person who watches a game to make sure the rules are followed
Example:The referee called a foul on the player.
more
additional amount or quantity
Example:I need more time to finish the assignment.
foul (n.)
an illegal or unfair action in a game
Example:The team committed two fouls during the match.
fouls
an illegal play that breaks the rules
Example:The referee called a foul on the player.
game (n.)
a sport or competition
Example:The game started at 7 p.m.
basketball
a sport played with a ball and hoops
Example:We play basketball every Saturday.
team (n.)
a group of players who play together
Example:Our team won the championship.
referees
officials who watch the game and enforce rules
Example:The referees made a tough decision.
coach (n.)
a person who trains and directs a team
Example:The coach gave a pep talk before the game.
calling
announcing or naming something
Example:The announcer is calling the next play.
rule (n.)
a rule that tells how to play
Example:The new rule says players must stay on the court.
safer
less dangerous or risky
Example:The new rules make the game safer.
league (n.)
a group of teams that play against each other
Example:The NBA is a professional basketball league.
changed
made different
Example:The coach changed the team's strategy.
balance (n.)
a state where two parts are equal or fair
Example:The coach wants a balance between offense and defense.
rules
instructions that tell how to play
Example:Players must follow all the rules.
play (n.)
the act of playing a game
Example:The play was exciting and fast.
teams
groups of players
Example:Both teams are ready for the match.
fair (adj.)
not unfair; equal
Example:We need a fair game for everyone.
coaches
people who train players
Example:The coaches gave a pep talk.
safe (adj.)
protected from danger or injury
Example:The referee made the game safer for the players.
helps
makes easier or better
Example:Practice helps improve skills.
change (n.)
a new way of doing something
Example:The change in rules made the game faster.
players
people who play the game
Example:The players were excited to start.
stops
brings to a halt
Example:The referee stops the game for a timeout.
often
many times
Example:We often play after school.
league
a group of teams that compete
Example:He joined a local basketball league.