how far off (back) the lane line can a player be? would there be a T for discertion if a player (def.) is steped back off the lane line talking to his coach during free throws? thanks!

The lane spaces are 36" deep. Disconcertion is a judgment call, but the situation you described could certainly be a distraction to the free throw shooter.

Z

Disconcertion can be called. No T (unless you had talked to the player a couple of times about this already). Just a lane violation and a new free throw. If the attempt is good, it obviously did not disconcert. keep the game moving...

where is the information that the lane spaces are 36" deep, with this rule a player can be off the lane line up to 36" toward the sideline?

RoadKing
 

Yes, and 36 inches is really not that deep "off" the lane.

NFHS

Rule 1 - COURT and EQUIPMENT
Section 5 - FREE-THROW LANE
Article 2

The color of the lane-space marks and neutral marks shall contrast with the color of the lane boundary lines. The lane-space marks (2 inches by 8 inches) and neutral-zone marks (12 inches by 8 inches) identify areas which extend 36 inches from the outer edge of the lane lines toward the sidelines. There are four marked lane spaces on each lane boundary line.

Rule 9 - VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES
Section 1 - FREE-THROW PROVISIONS
Article 9

A player occupying a marked lane space may not have either foot beyond the vertical plane of the outside edge of any lane boundary, or beyond the vertical plane of any edge of the space (2 inches by 36 inches) designated by a lane-space mark or beyond the vertical plane of any edge of the space (12 inches by 36 inches) designated by a neutral zone.

thanks