freethrow

A free throw is an unguarded attempt to score from the free-throw line, awarded after certain fouls or violations. It is typically worth one point. The free-throw line is 15 feet from the basket, and the shooter stands behind it to take the shot without defensive interference. A free throw can also be part of a larger scoring play: if a player is fouled while making a shot, they may receive an additional free throw for an “and-one.”

Free throws are awarded for personal fouls by the defense during shooting attempts, for technical fouls, and for certain non-shot violations. The number of free throws depends on the situation and the value of the shot that was fouled. If a foul occurs during a successful two-point or three-point attempt, the shooter may receive one free throw (the and-one). If the shot is missed, two or three free throws may be awarded, corresponding to the value of the attempted shot. Technical fouls typically yield two free throws. In many leagues, free-throw opportunities are governed by bonus rules that can create a one-and-one situation or grant additional free throws after a certain foul count.

During a free throw, players line up along the lane according to the rules of the competition, and certain lane-violation rules apply. The ball becomes dead when the free-throw attempt is complete, and play resumes with inbound or continuation depending on the overall situation. A successful free throw adds one point; a miss does not.

Free-throw shooting is a specialized skill and a common focus of practice. Teams track free-throw percentage as a statistic and emphasize routines to improve consistency under pressure. Notable records in basketball history reflect the importance of this skill, highlighting players with exceptional free-throw efficiency and longevity.