What is a flop in basketball?

In basketball, a flop refers to a player exaggerating or faking contact in an attempt to deceive the officials into believing they have been fouled. The objective of flopping is to draw a foul on the opponent, which can give the team an advantage, such as free throws or the ball being awarded to them.

Flopping is considered unsportsmanlike behavior and is often scrutinized by referees and fans alike. While it can sometimes lead to a foul call, many leagues, including those under FIBA, have taken steps to penalize flopping to discourage this type of behavior.

The other choices do not accurately represent what a flop is in basketball. A special type of defender's action, legitimate defensive move, or strategy used in dribbling do not involve the deceptive act that defines a flop. This distinction is crucial for understanding the rules and ethics regarding player conduct on the court.