What are the rules for a free throw?
B · Beginner · Fouls and free throws · 9 of 9A free throw is an unopposed shot worth 1 point from behind the free-throw line. The shooter has 5 seconds, must not touch the line and must hit the ring. Up to five other players stand in marked places along the restricted area and may not move in until the ball leaves the shooter's hand.
How it works
- The line's far edge is 5.80 metres from the endline.
- The player who was fouled takes the free throws. If they must leave through injury, 5 fouls or disqualification, their substitute shoots.
- For a technical foul, the head coach picks any player of the team.
- The shooter: stands behind the line inside the semi-circle; releases within 5 seconds; must not touch the line or enter the restricted area until the ball goes in or touches the ring; must not fake the shot.
- The ball must go in from above or touch the ring.
- Players in the rebound places may not enter the restricted area or leave their place until the ball leaves the shooter's hand, and may not distract the shooter.
- Everyone else stays behind the free-throw line extended and outside the three-point line until the free throw ends.
Violations:
| Who | Shot goes in | Shot misses |
|---|---|---|
| The shooter | No point; the ball to the opponents | The ball to the opponents |
| A teammate of the shooter | The point counts | On the last free throw, the ball to the opponents |
| An opponent | The point counts | The shooter gets another free throw |
| Both teams, last free throw | The point counts | Jump ball situation |
Tricky cases
When can players go for the rebound?
When the ball leaves the shooter's hand, for those in the rebound places. The shooter must wait until the ball touches the ring.
The free throw missed the ring completely. What happens?
It is a violation by the shooter. On a last free throw the ball goes to the opponents.
Can a team choose its best shooter?
Only for a technical foul or a non-contact disqualifying foul. For contact fouls the fouled player shoots.
Why the rule exists
A free throw repays a foul with a fair, unhurried chance to score. The lane rules keep that chance clean while still letting both teams compete for a miss.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIBA rules | As above | A44; A2.5.3 |
From the rule book
FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026, Articles 2.5.3 and 44, valid from 1 October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIBA Official Basketball Rules (PDF).