Faking a foul is categorized as what type of foul?

Faking a foul falls under the category of an unsporting foul because it goes against the principles of fair play and integrity in the game. Unsporting fouls are typically actions that are deemed to be disrespectful or unsportsmanlike, which includes attempts to deceive officials or manipulate the game's integrity, such as exaggerating contact or simulating a foul. This behavior disrupts the flow of the game and can mislead referees, making it contrary to the spirit of competition.

While player-control fouls and team-control fouls typically involve legitimate violations of play such as charging or illegal screen setups, and intentional fouls are focused on actions meant to deliberately stop the clock or disadvantage an opponent through physical means, faking a foul specifically embodies a deceptive tactic that is characterized by unsportsmanlike conduct. Therefore, categorizing faking a foul as an unsporting foul aligns with the governing principles of sportsmanship laid out by the NFHS basketball rules.