The Art of Taking a Charge

Picture this: a person your size or maybe even larger is barreling straight towards you with little regard for your well-being. You plant your feet, stand still, and…

SMACK.

(Whistle)

You look up and see the official signaling it is Wolfpack basketball. You've just single-handedly stopped an opponent's scoring run, tipped momentum into your team's favor, or at the very least, won possession and forced the ball handler into committing a foul.

"I think taking a charge is the defensive equal to knocking down a three. It gets everybody excited," NC State head coach Wes Moore said. "It gives everyone a boost of energy on defense. I think it's also a very selfless act to be willing to step in there and sacrifice your body. It's the ultimate defensive play that you can make to help your team."

No two players on the NC State women's basketball team know better about this type of play than junior forward Jennifer Mathurin and junior guard Ashley Williams. Mathurin, who's taken a team-high 15 charges through the first 10 games of the season, is proud to call it a hallmark of her individual game.

"If you had to ask me what my signature move is (on the basketball court), it would be taking a charge," Mathurin said. "I just love it. There's always a little fear that it is going to be a blocking foul, but I feel as though I'm doing a good job of getting my feet set up."

Williams, who is well known by Wolfpack fans for her ability to sink big three-pointers, has made this specific skill a more visible part of her arsenal this season and currently ranks second on the team with seven charges taken.

"It hurts at first, but knowing that it's a charge makes the pain go away," Williams said. "It's very satisfying because it is a big momentum shift and energy boost for the whole team."

Playing in Moore's system, which places a premium on fundamental basketball, rebounding, and valuing every single possession, getting into proper position and taking a charge is a very intelligent strategy.

"I've never been someone who blocks shots all that often," Mathurin said. "I think it's a lot smarter to take a charge. Not only do you get the ball back, but the other player gets a foul."

When executed properly, the positive effect of the play is nearly palpable. You can see it in the crowd, on the court, and hear it from the Wolfpack bench.

Mathurin savors these moments.

"Whenever I see the refs calling a charge, I just get so hype. I'm really happy. I feel like I did my job on that play."

#GoPack

North Carolina State University Athletics

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Jennifer Mathurin

Ashley Williams

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