Correct FT Mechanic?

[WyMike]

While watching one of the games last night, a friend who is another first year BB ref and I had a discussion about FT mechanics.

Is it a "proper" mechanic or not as the L to take a spot on the line during the first shot of 2 shot FT in NFHS?

He saw an older official do it and is now copying it. On the other hand, he tells me he thinks it's stupid as well to be switching after a foul is reported. "Since you're already out front why not just stay there?"

I ended up breaking out the Officials Book and showed him the Mechanigram of the FT. Nowhere does it say to line up next to the defender down low. I also asked him how can you officiate the guys next to you if you're not standing back a step or two off the line?

What do you do? Why? And is it technically correct mechanically speaking?