Hack-a-Shaq is the name commonly ascribed to a basketball defensive strategy initially instituted in the National Basketball Association (NBA) by former Dallas Mavericks coach Don Nelson to hinder the scoring ability of the opposing team by continuously fouling one of its opposing players, the player chosen being the one with the lowest free throw percentage among players on the court.
Nelson initially devised the strategy for use against the Chicago Bulls, specifically power forward Dennis Rodman, who was a poor free throw shooter. However, it ultimately became better-known for its implementation against center Shaquille O'Neal, also known for his low free throw percentage. The name of the strategy is sometimes altered to reflect the player being fouled, for example Hack-a-Howard for Dwight Howard.
Read more about Hack-a-Shaq: Name, Problem For The League, O'Neal's Response, Application Against Other Players, Successful Implementation, Criticism