What Is a Free Throw in Basketball? Rules, Value and Examples

A free throw in basketball is an uncontested shot taken from the free-throw line after an opposing player commits certain fouls. The shooter has no defender blocking the attempt and must remain behind the line until the ball reaches the basket.

Each successful free throw is worth one point. Although the shot looks simple, free throws can decide close games, affect player statistics and influence basketball betting markets such as total points, winning margins and player points.

How free throws work

The free-throw line is 15 feet (4.57 metres) from the backboard in standard basketball. The player stands behind the line and has 10 seconds to shoot under NBA rules. Other players take positions along the lane spaces and may compete for the rebound if the shot misses, depending on the type of foul and competition rules.

A successful free throw adds one point to the shooter’s team’s score. The ball is live after a missed free throw in most situations, so players can fight for the rebound. The final free throw of a sequence is often especially important because a miss may give the defence a chance to secure possession.

When does a player get free throws?

Free throws are normally awarded after a defensive shooting foul. If a player is fouled while attempting a two-point shot, the player usually receives two free throws. A foul on a three-point attempt generally produces three free throws. If the shot goes in despite the foul, the basket counts and the player receives one additional free throw, commonly called an “and-one.”

Teams can also enter a penalty or bonus situation after committing too many team fouls in a quarter or half. In that case, some non-shooting fouls lead to free throws even though the fouled player was not attempting a shot. The exact rules vary between the NBA, FIBA, college basketball and other competitions.

Free-throw rules and common violations

The shooter must release the ball within the permitted time and cannot step on or over the free-throw line before the ball touches the basket. A violation by the shooter usually cancels the attempt. Lane players must also wait until the ball leaves the shooter’s hands before entering the lane area.

If the defence commits a lane violation, the referee may allow the shot to count, repeat the attempt or apply another penalty, depending on whether the free throw was made and the competition’s rules. Players who enter the lane early can therefore affect the result of a free-throw attempt.

Why free throws matter in a basketball game

Free throws are a reliable scoring opportunity because the shooter is not closely contested. Teams often target players who draw fouls, while defenders try to avoid unnecessary contact near the basket. A player’s free-throw percentage shows how often that player converts these chances, although a high number of attempts can also indicate an ability to attack the rim and create contact.

In the final minutes of a close game, free throws can have an outsized effect. A team that protects a lead may deliberately foul a poor free-throw shooter, while the trailing team may foul to stop the clock. This is one reason free-throw attempts and free-throw percentage can matter when assessing a team’s scoring form or a basketball betting total.

How free throws appear in the box score

Box scores usually show free throws as two numbers separated by a slash, such as 8/10 FT. The first number is the number made, and the second is the number attempted. In this example, the player scored eight points from 10 free-throw attempts, giving a free-throw percentage of 80%.

Free throws count toward a player’s points and the team’s total points. They do not count as field-goal attempts, so they are recorded separately from two-point and three-point shots.

Frequently asked questions

How many points is a free throw worth?

One successful free throw is worth one point.

Is a free throw always awarded after a foul?

No. Some fouls result in an inbound pass rather than free throws, especially when the team has not reached the penalty and the foul did not occur during a shooting action.

Can a player miss a free throw on purpose?

Yes, but usually only in a late-game situation where a team wants to use the rebound or prevent the opponent from gaining a clean possession. A deliberate miss is risky because the opposing team may recover the ball.

What is a technical free throw?

A technical foul can award one free throw, depending on the competition. The opposing team may choose which eligible player takes it, and play then resumes according to the applicable rules.