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Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee
It's only a violation if an opponent actually violates because of the fake. If no one violates, no call. Not a bad idea to maybe let the FT shooter quietly know that you knew what he was trying to do though.
NFHS rule 9-1-4--"The free thrower shall not fake a try, nor shall any player in a marked lane space fake to cause an opponent to violate".
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This rule had more significance when players were allowed to enter the lane upon release of the ball. It was a very good rule because the release of the ball was an unknown...anywhere from 1 to 10 seconds. Additionally, the throwing team members knew the quirks of the free throw shooter and could also benefit by a fake.
Then the committee changed the rule to require players to wait until the ball hits the rim/backboard. That is a very specifically defined criteria to enter the lane. There is no question about WHEN the ball hits and for anyone to be in the lane before that should be penalized. Faking by either the free thrower or by anyone in the marked lane spaces should
never be a factor. The only reason I should enter the lane is because the ball hit the rim, not because I followed someone else.
I have written to have 9-1-4 deleted and penalize any violations of entering too soon based on that specific action. The Penalty section for Rule 9-1 can be simplified greatly and still the balance between offense and defense can be maintained. No longer can any Violators cry "the devil made me do it".