Free-Throw Violation?

[Mark Dexter]

9.9.1(b) seems to be the closest here - A1, at the line, "accidentally drops the ball before the throwing motion is started."

RULING - The official should sound the whistle to prevent any violations and then start the free throw procedure again.

Now, if the ball isn't dropped but, rather, dribbled away, there's no specific violation, but I think you can justify nullifying the free throw based on the principles of fair play and on 9-1-1 - the FT must be attempted from within the semicircle.