In basketball, the penalty for a major foul typically results in awarding free throws to the opposing team. Depending on the situation, a major foul can lead to two free throws being given if the foul occurs during a shooting attempt. If a player accumulates a certain number of major fouls, they risk being disqualified from the game. Major fouls are often assessed depending on the level of contact and the circumstances surrounding the play, impacting the game's flow and strategy.