How to Stand Along the Key when Free Throws Are Made

Last Updated: June 29, 2021

If your team has fouled someone from the other team in the act of shooting, or if you were over the limit when the foul occurred, free throws will ensue. As the opposing player lines up to shoot, it is important to be sure your team is in the proper position to rebound.

Steps

1
Players must either be lined up alongside the key or outside the three-point line. Being in any other position when the ball is shot will result in a lane violation.
2
The right to position along the key alternates between the two teams.
3
In the spot closest to the basket (on both sides), the team not shooting the free throw may position a player. Customarily the tallest players on the floor will be placed here. But it is most likely that your center and forwards take the spots while the guards stay outside the lane or even the 3-point line. But then, it all depends on the position the free throw shooter.
4
The next closest position goes to the team shooting, and thereafter it alternates.
5
There is no minimum number of players required to be placed alongside the key.
6
If a team does not place a player in a position, the other team may move up a player closer to the basket into that position.
7
No movement of your feet is allowed until the ball has left the shooters hands. If your foot should cross the line marking the side of the key before the basketball leaves the shooter's hands, you may be whistled for a line violation. If the shooter is on your team, the shot will be nullified. If the shooter is on the other team, he will be given a second chance if he misses.

Community Q&A

Question

Can the players that are rebounding from a free throw stand facing the basket instead of facing one another in the lane, as long as they are not touching the line?

Community Answer

Their bodies should be facing the opposite lineup, but their heads can be turned towards the basket.
Question

Why can't players stand in position closest under the basket?

Community Answer

So that the players are evenly spread out, and don't get bunched up under the basket trying to get the ball.
Question

Can a player be in the first positions under the basket?

Community Answer

It depends on whether your team or the opposing team is shooting the free throws. If it is the other team, yes (or the outer one as well to get shooter). If it is your team, you need to be in the middle position.
Question

Standing in position to make a foul shot, can my hands be over the line (not my feet, just my hands)?

Community Answer

Your hands should not be straight over the line, but it is acceptable to block your opponent next to you.
Question

Can players occupy the space below the block on a free throw?

Community Answer

No, they must be between the block and the 1st small line next to the block.
Question

Lets say the shooter takes a few dribbles gets in shooting motion (bends knees) and takes a step to the left and then shoots. Is this allowed?

Community Answer

Yes, there is no traveling or double dribble rule for free throws. As long as the shooter stays behind the line and within the semi-circle, shoots within 10 seconds and doesn’t pump fake the shot, the free throw is legal.
Question

Where does the point guard stand while free throws are being shot?

Community Answer

Typically the point guard is placed in the box furthest from the basket, in order to serve as a pass outlet if their team wins the rebound.
Question

Why do players crisscross after the first free throw is made?

Community Answer

This is usually for the players to be defensively placed next to his assigned opponent while preparing for live play after the free throw. The player is allowed to locate their assigned opponent and switch spots with a teammate nearest that opponent before the offense prepares for the second free throw.