Old Free Throw Mechanics

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Fan10

I am a fan here and was watching footage of some old games when I saw something that jumped out at me: On free throws, one official would bounce the ball to another official in the center of the lane, and then, that official would hand the ball to the shooter. Nowadays, you just see the guy under the goal bounce it directly to the shooter.

As a fan, I am just curious: What was the reason for the change?

Thanks in advance.

Oh the old "face time" mechanic.

The adjustment was simple, they thought it was more expedient to give the Lead the opportunity to bounce the ball to the thrower themselves. The Lead at one time would bounce the ball to the Trail or Center for all FTs and then they changed it to the Lead doing it on the last FT. I think it was a waste of time and they realized this and changed it. Not much more complicated than that if you ask me. That is what I remember when this change was talked about. I am sure someone much older will clarify the situation. This changed like in my first few years of my career.

Peace