Many of us are enamored by the sport of basketball and the players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). These players dunk over people, shoot game-winning shots, and win championships. However, one thing they do that is very controversial and even hated by some is the old and famous flop.

Many players flop for different reasons. Mainly, they want the opposing player to get called for a foul. This helps the flopper’s team get points since they get to attempt free throws. It takes long to master, and few have perfected it to a point that the other player gets called for the foul. However, there are many negatives to the art of flopping.

An effective flop is very hard to perfect, and the effect of failing can range from small consequences to large fines. Usually, a failed flop results in a foul for the flopper when he draws contact, not the opposing player. For the opposing player to get counted for the foul, the flopper must perfect the amount of contact and take the right amount of body control. Otherwise, the flopper fails, and they get the foul.

In addition, after a player flops, their team is one player short on the other side of the floor. This increases the chance for the team without the flopper to get an open shot, since it will be 5 vs. 4. This again multiplies the chance for the team without the flopper to score points, which is not the conclusion the flopper had in mind.

Another reason a flopper shouldn’t flop is the unintended injury. When the flopper falls to the ground, most likely the head hits the ground. This can cause a head injury like a concussion. They could also break or sprain another body part. This is another reason in which the flopper shouldn’t flop. They wouldn’t get the other player fouled, and they could get hurt.

The NBA has been trying to limit flopping for many years. In 1997, a four-foot dotted line was put around the basket to stop flopping altogether near the hoop. Instead, a blocking foul was charged to the flopper. Many didn’t take it seriously until the 2012-2013 season, when such floppers started getting fined. This limited the number of flops significantly near the basket.

Flops are also penalized all around the court. Especially in the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), flops are now reviewed, and the flopper could receive a technical foul or a fine. If one gets two technicals, they are ejected from the game. This is yet another reason that floppers should not flop.

There are many that flop, but the flop should stop. Floppers need to perfect the flop, and if they don’t, there are many problems. Floppers could get the foul themselves, which is opposite of the desired effect. In addition, they could get fined or ejected. Also, they could get seriously hurt.

Therefore, there should be no more flops in the NBA, FIBA, or any major basketball league.