What Does 'And 1' Mean in Basketball? Explained

By Sarah Miller · May 3, 2031

In basketball, the term 'and 1' refers to a situation where a player is fouled while successfully making a shot and is then awarded one additional free throw. This means the player can score three points on a single possession if they make the free throw after a two-point basket, or four points after a three-point shot.

What Does 'And 1' Mean in Basketball?

The phrase 'and 1' is one of the most exciting moments in basketball. It occurs when an offensive player is fouled by a defender during the act of shooting and still manages to score. As a result, the scoring player is granted one extra free throw attempt, giving them the chance to earn an additional point.

This rule rewards players for finishing through contact and encourages aggressive play near the basket. The 'and 1' opportunity is most common on drives to the rim but can also occur on three-point attempts.

When Does an 'And 1' Situation Happen?

An 'and 1' scenario applies under specific conditions defined by the official rules of basketball. These include:

The shooter must be in the act of shooting when the foul occurs.
The shot must go in.
The foul must be committed by the opposing team and be deemed personal or flagrant.
The foul must happen before the shooter lands (in most cases).

Types of Shots That Can Result in an 'And 1'

Layups
Dunks
Jump shots (including three-pointers)
Floaters and teardrop shots

Rules Behind the 'And 1' Free Throw

The NBA, FIBA, and NCAA all recognize the 'and 1' rule, though minor differences exist in how the act of shooting is defined. In the NBA, a player is considered in the act of shooting until they return to the floor after releasing the ball.

If a foul occurs after the player lands, the 'and 1' does not apply, and the player may only receive two free throws (on a missed shot) or no free throws (on a made shot without continuation). Referees must judge whether contact affected the shot or landing.

Historical Context and Popularity of the 'And 1' Play

The 'and 1' has become iconic in modern basketball culture, especially in the NBA. Players like James Harden, LeBron James, and Damian Lillard are known for drawing 'and 1' calls due to their ability to absorb contact and finish at the rim.

The AND1 brand, famous for its streetball tours in the early 2000s, capitalized on this term, further popularizing it among fans. While the brand is unrelated to the rule itself, the shared name helped embed 'and 1' into mainstream basketball vocabulary.

Statistical Analysis of 'And 1' Opportunities

While official leagues don't track 'and 1' conversions as a standalone stat, analysts estimate frequency based on free throw and shooting data. Below is a representative dataset showing estimated 'and 1' occurrences among top NBA players during the 2023-2024 season.

Player	Team	Points Scored via 'And 1'	Estimated 'And 1' Conversions	Free Throws Attempted After Made FG
James Harden	LA Clippers	89	89	107
LeBron James	LA Lakers	62	62	75
Giannis Antetokounmpo	Milwaukee Bucks	78	78	94
Ja Morant	Memphis Grizzlies	54	54	68
Devin Booker	Phoenix Suns	41	41	52

Table data source:NBA Stats, Basketball Reference

The data shows that players who frequently attack the basket have higher 'and 1' conversion rates. James Harden leads in estimated points scored via 'and 1', reflecting his elite foul-drawing ability. Giannis and LeBron follow closely, demonstrating the correlation between physical playstyle and increased opportunities.

These stats highlight how valuable finishing through contact is in maximizing scoring efficiency, especially in clutch situations.

Tips for Players to Increase 'And 1' Opportunities

While some 'and 1' situations are opportunistic, players can improve their chances with technique and awareness:

Stay vertical: Avoid leaning into defenders to prevent offensive fouls.
Extend fully: Reach toward the rim to invite contact while maintaining balance.
Protect the ball: Use your off-hand to shield against swipes.
Practice finishing with contact: Simulate game-like scenarios in training.
Draw attention: Be vocal and show referees the contact to increase foul calls.

Frequently Asked Questions About 'And 1' in Basketball

Can you get an 'and 1' on a three-point shot?

Yes, if a player is fouled while making a three-point basket, they are awarded one additional free throw. If made, this results in a four-point play.

Does the 'and 1' free throw count if the shot misses?

No. If the shot is missed, the player receives two or three free throws depending on the shot location, but it is not considered an 'and 1' situation.

Who gets the most 'and 1' calls in the NBA?

James Harden has historically led the league in 'and 1' opportunities due to his elite footwork, patience, and ability to draw contact without committing offensive fouls.