While I haven't done a statistical analysis to quantify the degree of the problem, I'm encountering a couple of my starters fouling more this season than last.  I had only 3 players graduate.  At least two of my returning starters' fouls have increased significantly to the point they're fouling out of some games (2.4 to 3.1 per game, despite decreased minutes per game, and 2 to 3.4 per game with min's increased from 15 to 22).  Is there a common factor that will increase a player's fouling?

Are you playing more uptempo?

No, I've played normal both seasons.

Poor IQ
Lower SPEED and ATH than your opponents
Fatigue

All these cause an increase in fouls

I wonder whether the effect has to do with who they are on the floor with - I have not looked at fouls, but players effectiveness can go down their senior year if they were on the floor with good passers or good offensive players as juniors but then dont benefit as seniors from such team influences.  I bet there are similar things at play on defense  although I have not studied it

You NEED to recruit better athletes and defenders. Use FSS to see potentials.  Also look at the successful teams in D3 and try to mirror the players that they have.

GL

What about your schedule last year compared to this year?

 

Thanks folks.  All interesting points.  My non conf sched was tougher this season.  I had 3 Sr's graduate, so it c/d also be different personnel.  And it's good to hear about the contributing factors.