How many free throws do you get for a foul?
B · Beginner · Fouls and free throws · 7 of 9A player fouled in the act of shooting gets free throws. If the shot missed, 2 free throws, or 3 if it was a three-point attempt. If the shot went in, the basket counts and the shooter gets 1 more free throw, the and-one.
How it works
| Fouled while shooting | Shot goes in | Shot misses |
|---|---|---|
| From the two-point area | 2 points and 1 free throw | 2 free throws |
| From the three-point area | 3 points and 1 free throw | 3 free throws |
When the act of shooting starts and ends:
- Jump shot: starts when the player begins to move the shoulders and ball upwards towards the basket.
- Drive to the basket: starts when the player has gathered the ball after a dribble or catch and carries on into the shooting motion.
- Ends when the ball has left the hand and, for a player in the air, when both feet are back on the floor.
- The player must be in the frontcourt, except for a last shot before the game clock or shot clock runs out.
- The ball does not have to leave the hand if the shooter's arm is held.
- A player who passes the ball off after being fouled was not in the act of shooting.
Tricky cases
A player was fouled on the drive, took two more steps and scored. Does the basket count?
Yes, if they had already gathered the ball and the movement was one continuous shooting motion. The number of legal steps has no bearing on the act of shooting.
The shooter was hit after the ball left the hand but while still in the air. Is it a shooting foul?
Yes. For an airborne shooter the act of shooting lasts until both feet are back on the floor.
Is there a four-point play?
Yes. A three-pointer that goes in despite a foul earns 1 free throw.
Why the rule exists
A foul on a shooter takes away a chance to score, so the rule gives back the same number of points as chances from the line.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIBA rules | As above | A15; A34.2.2 |
| Disruptive, flagrant and disqualifying fouls | Free throws plus possession | A37 to 39 |
From the rule book
FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026, Articles 15 and 34.2.2, valid from 1 October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIBA Official Basketball Rules (PDF).