Andrew Pace
Free throws in basketball are worth one point and are awarded when a player has been fouled by the other team. They are an unopposed attempt to score, taken from behind the free-throw line, and can be awarded in other situations, including technical fouls. Free throws can be game-changing, with the potential to ruin careers or create success stories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of points | 1 |
| Other names | Foul shot |
| When it is awarded | When a player has been fouled by the other team, technical fouls, or when the fouling team has entered the bonus/penalty situation |
| Number of free throws awarded | Between one and three, depending on the situation |
| Shot location | Behind the free-throw line |
| Distance of free-throw line from basket | 15 feet (as of 1896) |
| Player taking the shot | The player who was fouled |
| Rituals | Vary from player to player, from bouncing the ball off the floor or touching their shoes to wrapping the ball around the waist |
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What You'll Learn
Free throws are worth one point
Free throws in basketball are worth one point. They are also known as foul shots and are awarded to a player who has been fouled by the other team. The number of free throws awarded depends on the situation in which the foul occurred. For example, a player fouled on a missed basket attempt will receive a number of free throws equal to the value of the attempted shot (one or two).
The free throw is an unopposed attempt to score points by shooting from behind the free-throw line, which is situated at the end of the restricted area. Players will position their bodies with both feet fully behind this line, and they may perform a ritual before shooting. This can range from bouncing the ball off the floor or touching their shoes, to more unusual rituals such as Gilbert Arenas wrapping the ball around his waist three times.
The free throw is an important part of basketball, with the potential to ruin careers or create success stories. For example, Nick Anderson's four missed free throws at the end of game one of the 1995 NBA Finals allowed the Houston Rockets to get back in the game, swinging the series in their favor.
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Free throws are awarded after a foul
Free throws are an integral part of basketball, often providing valuable points and tactical advantages. They are awarded when a foul is committed by the opposing team, with the player who is fouled getting to take the free throw. This is an unopposed attempt to score a point from behind the free-throw line, which is situated 15 feet (4.57 meters) from the basket.
The number of free throws awarded depends on the type of foul and the game situation. In the NBA, the first six team fouls during a game do not result in free throws, except for shooting fouls, technical fouls, and unsportsmanlike and disqualifying fouls. After the sixth foul, the fouled player gets two free throws, and the non-offending team also gains possession of the ball. In college basketball, the rules are slightly different, with overtime considered an extension of the second half for accumulated team fouls.
Free throws are a valuable opportunity to score because they are among the easiest shots in basketball. A successful free throw is worth one point, and players can employ tactics such as a high-arcing shot to increase their chances of scoring. Towards the end of a game, free throws become even more valuable as they allow a team to score without any time elapsing, potentially helping them to catch up or extend their lead.
Teams can also use free throws tactically to stop the clock, giving them a chance to regroup or change strategy. If a team is leading near the end of a game, they may choose to foul the other team, giving them free throws but stopping the clock and preventing them from running down the seconds. This strategy can be a last resort for a trailing team, as it is difficult to succeed, but it can sometimes pay off if the leading team misses their free throws.
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Free throws can be awarded for technical fouls
In basketball, free throws are worth one point. They are unopposed attempts to score points by shooting from behind the free-throw line. Free throws are generally awarded after a foul on the shooter by the opposing team, but they can also be awarded in other situations, including technical fouls.
Technical fouls are assessed for unsportsmanlike conduct, such as arguing with a referee or violating rules that do not pertain to the game itself. In the NBA and FIBA, a technical foul results in one free-throw attempt for the other team. Under NCAA rules, technical fouls are divided into "Class A" and "Class B". Class A technicals refer to violent or serious unsportsmanlike conduct, and result in two free throws. Class B technicals refer to less egregious violations, such as hanging on the rim or delaying the game, and result in one free throw.
The rules regarding free throws have changed since basketball was invented in 1891. Initially, every basket was worth one point, and fouls were penalized by awarding a basket to the opposing team. However, this rule was adjusted so that all baskets were worth two points, and fouls were worth one point. The first edition of the free throw was introduced as a 20-foot shot worth the same as a field goal. In 1896, the free throw was moved to 15 feet and was worth one point, while a normal field goal was worth two points.
Free throws can be high-pressure moments that have a significant impact on the outcome of a game. They have defined their own corner in basketball history, with players' careers being made or ruined by their performance in these crucial moments.
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A player may get one to three free throws, depending on the situation
In basketball, a free throw, or foul shot, is awarded when a player has been fouled by an opposing player. The number of free throws awarded depends on the situation, with players receiving between one and three free shots. Each successful free throw is worth one point.
In standard free-throw shooting situations, only one free throw is awarded. This matches the normal scoring in basketball, where baskets inside the "three-point" arc are worth one point, and those from outside are worth two points. A player fouled on a missed basket attempt will usually receive a number of free throws equal to the value of the attempted shot (one or two). If a player is fouled on a made basket, they will normally receive one free throw.
There are also situations where a team can enter the bonus or penalty situation, where a requisite number of fouls results in free throws regardless of the type committed. For example, in the NBA, the opposing team gets two free throws starting with the fifth foul (fourth in overtime). In this scenario, the fouled player will receive two free throws, and the non-offending team will also get possession of the ball.
Free throws can be extremely important in the outcome of a game, and they have defined their own corner in basketball history. They can be a last-resort strategy for a trailing team to gain possession, but they are also a way for a leading team to increase their lead.
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Free throws can be high-pressure and add drama to the game
Free throws in basketball are worth one point. They are awarded after a foul on the shooter by the opposing team and in other situations, including technical fouls.
Physically, anxiety can cause muscle tension and a loss of fine motor control, which can affect the player's ability to shoot accurately. Mentally, players may experience self-doubt or overthink the shot, causing them to make mistakes. This is known as "paralysis by analysis", where overthinking interrupts the working memory established through hours of practice.
To combat these physical and mental challenges, players can use deep breathing exercises, positive self-talk, and visualisation techniques to manage anxiety and build confidence. They can also practice under high-pressure conditions to simulate game-time stress and develop mental resilience.
Some players also have pre-shot rituals, such as bouncing the ball off the floor, touching their shoes, or wrapping the ball around their waist. These rituals can help players maintain their focus and composure in high-pressure situations.
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Frequently asked questions
In basketball, a free throw is worth one point.
To shoot a free throw, a player must position their body with both feet fully behind the free throw line. Players will either position both feet square to the line or have one foot forward in a split stance.
A free throw or foul shot is an unopposed attempt to score points by shooting from behind the free-throw line. Free throws are awarded after a foul on the shooter by the opposing team, or in other situations, including technical fouls.
The number of free throws depends on where on the court the player was while being fouled. A player fouled on a missed basket attempt normally receives a number of free throws equal to the value of the attempted shot (either 1 or 2). A player fouled on a made basket normally receives one free throw.
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