Rule 8: FREE THROW

1
Rule 8 FREE THROW

• BALL AT THE DISPOSAL
• The ball shall be bounced to the free thrower or
  it shall be placed on the floor at the free throw
  line

2
The 10 Second Count

• The 10-second count shall begin once the ball is
  at the disposal of the free thrower
• The try for goal shall be made within 10 seconds
  after the ball has been placed at the disposal of
  the free thrower at the free throw line. This
  shall apply to each free throw.
• The 10-second count is a visible count, but it is
  a wrist flick not a full arm swing. Use the
  hand which is closest to the division line
• The outside official who is opposite the table is
  responsible for the visible count

3
Resuming Play after a Time Out

• Resuming play procedure can only be used
  following a time-out
• Either/both teams may be charged with a violation
  during procedure
• Administrating official sounds whistle to
  indicate play will resume
• If free-thrower is in semi-circle, the ball is
  bounced to the free thrower, whether or not Team
  B is occupying their required lower lane spaces
• If Team B is not occupying the lower lane spaces
  and Team As free throw is successful, there has
  been no violation. However, if the free throw
  was unsuccessful, a VIOLATION shall be called on
  Team B, thus allowing a substitute free throw
• Once either team violates, any further delay by
  that team(s) is a technical foul
• If the free thrower is NOT in semi-circle, the
  administering official shall place the ball on
  the floor at the free throw line and the 10 sec.
  Count shall begin

4
Resuming Play after a Time Out

• Once the ball is at the disposal of the free
  thrower no player shall enter or leave a marked
  lane space or enter or leave the free throw
  semi-circle (Clarification)
• If This occurs, a violation shall be called. The
  only way for Team A to avoid a violation in this
  situation, is to request and be granted a
  time-out. If Team A does NOT receive a time-out
  and the 10 sec. count is reached, Team A has
  violated and so has Team B, IF they were not
  occupying their required lower lane spaces
  (double violations)

5
Position of Players When Lane Spaces May Be
Occupied

• During a free throw all players will move up one
  marked lane space, leaving the two spaces closest
  to the end line vacant. A new mark two inches by
  eight inches must re-applied to the lane line
  near the free throw line to designate the last
  three foot marked lane space.
• One opponent of the free thrower shall occupy
  each of the lane spaces adjacent to the end line.
  The rules book states, unless the resuming
  play procedure is in effect. This allows the
  official to resume play without allowing Team B
  to delay the game.
• The lane space adjacent to the end line shall be
  referred to as lane space 1 and shall never be
  occupied by a teammate of the free thrower.
• The next lane space is 2. This space may be
  occupied by a teammate of the free thrower. If
  Team A desires not to occupy lane space 2 on
  each or either side Team B is allowed to occupy
  that space.
• The opponent of the free thrower may occupy lane
  space 3. If team B desires not to occupy lane
  space 3 on each/either side, Team A is allowed
  to occupy that space.
• Maximum DEFENSIVE 4, Maximum OFFENSE 2
• If Team B has only three players along the lane,
  Max for Team A is still 2
• Each lane space is 3 feet square!!!

6
Position of Players When Lane Spaces May Be
Occupied

• Only one person may occupy any part of a lane
  space
• Any player, other than the free thrower, who does
  not occupy a marked lane space, must be behind
  the free throw line extended and the three point
  line.
• The free thrower shall receive the ball and
  release the free throw while inside the
  semi-circle. The free thrower shall not allow
  either foot to cross the vertical plane of the
  free throw line or semi-circle until the ball
  touches the ring or backboard or until the free
  throw ends.

7
Position of Player When Lane Spaces May Not Be
Occupied

• Players are not allowed to occupy lane spaces
  during free throws if the ball is to become dead
  when the last free throw is unsuccessful
• These players must be behind the free throw line
  extended and the three-point line

8
Free Throws for Personal Fouls

• The offended player shall attempt the free throws
  for personal fouls
• If such player must withdraw because of injury or
  disqualification, his substitute shall attempt
  the free throws
• If there are no substitutes available, any
  teammate may attempt the free throws

9
Free Throws for Technical Fouls

• Any eligible team member, including a sub or
  designated starter, may attempt the free throws
  awarded because of a technical foul
• Players are never allowed to occupy lane spaces
  during free throws for a technical foul, because
  the ball will become dead once the last free
  throw ends

10
Resuming Play with a Throw-in

• When the last free throw is successful, the ball
  shall be put in play by a throw-in
• If the throw-in is by the opponent of the free
  thrower, the throw-in shall be from anywhere
  along the end line. The lead official need not
  handle the ball
• If the throw in is by the free throwers team,
  the throw-in will be from a designated spot
  nearest to where the intentional or flagrant foul
  occurred
• If the throw-in is following free throws for a
  technical foul, the throw-in shall be from a
  designated spot on the sideline opposite the
  table.

11
Resuming Play on a Missed Last Free Throw

• If the last free throw for a personal foul, other
  than intentional or flagrant, is unsuccessful,
  the ball will remain alive

12
Multiple Free Throws for both Personal and
Technical Fouls

• A multiple throw is a succession of free throws
  attempted by the same team
• If there is a multiple throw and both a personal
  and technical foul are involved, the free throws
  are attempted in the order in which they were
  called
• Since no players are lined up on the lane during
  free throws for a technical, intentional or
  flagrant foul, the ball shall be put in play by a
  throw-in

13
Positions for Officials During All Free Throws

• LEAD 2 Person Crew
• Approximately 4 feet from the nearer lane line
  and well off the end line (Table side)
• Trail 2 Person Crew
• Just behind the free throw line extended and
  halfway between the nearer free throw lane and
  the nearest side line (Opposite the table)

14
Responsibilities for each Official During Free
Throws

• LEAD
• Secure the ball
• See that all lane spaces are properly occupied
• Take a final look at the table
• Step into the lane and visually verbally
  indicate the number of free throws
• Bounce ball to free thrower
• Stand about 4 from nearer lane line and well off
  the end line
• Watch the first lane space on the near lane and
  all lane spaces on the opposite side for
  violations
• Give the appropriate signal when either team
  violates
• If the final throw is followed by a throw-in,
  Signal to start the clock a the proper time

15
Responsibilities for each Official During Free
Throws

• 2 Person Trail/Center
• See that all lane spaces are properly occupied
• Take a final look at the table
• Observe the position of the throwers feet
• Do the 10 sec. Count (wrist flick, away hand)
• Show the stop the clock signal using the hand
  nearest the division line
• Step toward the end line as the free thrower
  releases the ball
• Observe as to whether the ball goes through,
  contacts, misses the ring
• Watch for goaltending and/or basket interference
• Observe the free thrower for violations
• Signal to start the clock when last throw is
  missed

16
Responsibilities for each Official During Free
Throws

• 3-Person Trail
• See that all lane spaces are properly occupied
• Take a final look at the table
• Make sure that the correct player attempts the
  free throw
• Assist with free throw violations
• Step toward end line on release officiate
  rebounding action
• (2-person trail must also officiate rebounding
  action)