Free throws, also known as foul shots, are a large part of basketball. They are used to punish teams who commit fouls by allowing a player a free shot at the net. The free throw line is where that shot is taken from. Read on to learn more about the free throw line, including its dimensions and the rules associated with the line.

A free throw in the first minute of the game with no score is the same as a free throw in the last second of the game with your team down 1 point. The effects of the shot may be different, but the basket is still in the same place, and so is the free throw line. The shot should be exactly the same in either case.

Let’s concentrate on the Shot Prep Position for shooting the basketball from the free throw line: Footwork Lower Body Position Upper Body Position Head and Eyes Position Arm Position Hand Position Now that you and the basketball are properly positioned, you are ready to move into the cocked and flexed shooting position.

Line up the ball, not your body, with the rim. Using the middle of the free-throw stripe to position yourself can lead to an awkward 30 to 45 angle to the rim, and likely a bad free throw shot. Instead, hold the ball in your shooting hand.