How does being in a bonus affect the fouling team's options during a game?

When a team is in a bonus situation, it means that they have committed a certain number of team fouls (typically seven in a half in many leagues) and the opposing team is awarded free throws for any subsequent fouls. This rule is designed to penalize the team that is over-fouling and reward the team that is being fouled.

With the opposing team receiving free throws, the fouling team must be more strategic in their defense to avoid additional fouls that would lead to more free throw opportunities for their opponents. Being in a bonus fundamentally changes the dynamics of the game as it increases the likelihood that the opposing team will score points without the clock running, while also putting pressure on the fouling team to play more carefully.

While other options may touch on related concepts, such as limiting the number of fouls or affecting defensive strategies, the most direct and relevant impact of being in the bonus is that it enables the opposing team to receive free throws. This critical element emphasizes the consequences of foul accumulation and shapes the overall flow of the game.