[grunewar]

Here is a Case Book Example on Faking a Shot and Another on the Free Thrower Losing the Ball.

FAKING

9.1.3 SITUATION A: A1, at the free throw line to attempt a final free throw, fakes the release of the ball. RULING: A violation by A1, Team B will be awarded a throw-in at the nearest spot. COMMENT: The faking of a free throw try is a violation. However, if A1 does not feel comfortable after starting his/her motion and stops to adjust, the players in the lane spaces are expected to hold their positions. (9-1-3b)

FREE-THROWER LOSES BALL

*9.1.1 SITUATION: A1, at the free-throw line to attempt a free throw: (a) muffs the pass from the official and it rolls forward; or (b) while performing his/her habitual dribbles prior to the release, accidentally allows the ball to deflect off his/her foot into the lane. RULING: In (a), the official should sound the whistle to prevent any violations and then start the free throw procedure again. No freethrow violation should be called in this situation. In (b), a free-throw violation shall be called on A1. (9-1-3a, e)

In your case, was the Fake "intentional?" Or would you say the Free Thrower "lost the ball?" If they lost the ball and got it back "without violating" and no one else violated - easy no call (keep counting).

If he violates to get the ball. Tweet!

But, what if he gets the ball back legally, and someone else violates? Delayed violation on them? Hmmm....

As a ref, would you use "preventitve officiating" and blow it dead before a violation, get the ball back, and re-toss it to the shooter?