How to Define a NBA Free Throw

The National Basketball Association is one of the most popular professional sports leagues in the world. However, their rules however can be somewhat confusing to the casual fan. Even a seemingly simple concept such as the free throw has dimensions and rules that need to be defined to fully understand the game.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Understand that a free throw is awarded in three situations. First, when a player is in the act of shooting the ball and the defensive player fouls him. Second, if the referee calls a non-shooting foul, and the offending team is over the foul limit for the given time period, be it in a quarter or the last two minutes of the game. Finally, if there is a technical foul called on a team, the opponent is awarded a technical free throw.

2. Know that there are four types of free throws in the NBA. First, a typical free throw, where the fouled player is allowed to shoot two free throws. Second, a single free throw is awarded when a player makes a basket and is fouled on the play. Third, when a player is fouled shooting a three point shot, that player shoots three free throws. Finally, when a technical foul is called a team is awarded either one or two technical free throws, depending on the severity of the technical foul call.

3. Realize that the free throw shooter has ten seconds to shoot the free throw after being given possession of the ball by the referee or the ball is given to the opposing team. However, though this rule is in the rule book, it is rarely if ever enforced.

4. Recognize that the teams line up in predetermined positions along the free throw line before the free throw. The two positions nearest the basket belong to the defensive team. The next position away from the basket belongs to the offensive team. Finally, the defensive team occupies the final positions on each side nearest the free throw shooter. These players may not move until the basketball leaves the hand of the player shooting the free throw. If they leave early the shooter gets another shot.

5. Comprehend that the free throw shooter cannot cross the free throw line until the shot reaches the basket. The free throw must make contact with the rim or the basketball goes over to the other team.