College FT Lane spots

[bob jenkins]

Originally posted by Back In The Saddle
I've seen a couple of times recently where there were no offensive players lined up along the free-throw lane, but four defensive players. Yet the defensive players did not slide down to the second spots. Was this just coincidence, or can the defense not occupy those spots in NCAA mens?

Yes, they can move to occupy an open space (within the 4 - 2 limitations), but why would they want to? It's better to be closer to the shooter (behind you) than closeser to your teammate in front of you.