Free Throws in the Mesozoic Era

[JCurrie]

I worked a rec league game this morning on a court with no three-point line. What were the restrictions on the location of players prior to the line's introduction?

[Snake~eyes]

Probably the same, above free point line extended and outside the semi cricle. It really isn' that much of a difference.

[Rick Durkee]

I don't know what the rule was just before they added the three point shot/line, but I definitely remember positioning myself below the free throw line during free throws. I don't remember if I had to be six feet from the lane, or if there was a limit, but I could go all the way to the baseline.

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally posted by Rick Durkee
I don't know what the rule was just before they added the three point shot/line, but I definitely remember positioning myself below the free throw line during free throws. I don't remember if I had to be six feet from the lane, or if there was a limit, but I could go all the way to the baseline.

Yup, at one time you could be right down to the endline but you had to stay 6 feet behind the back of the 3-foot deep lane space. That restriction ended when the ball left the shooter's hands, as did the lane lane restrictions.

You can tell the old-timers, Rick. They still use "baseline".

[Rick Durkee]

I wish the baseline was the only line that indicated my age. My waistline and my hairline are also dead giveaways.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

All I am going to add to this discussion is I remember Lack of Sufficient Action and how the frontcourt was divided into midcourt and forecourt areas.

MTD, Sr.

[PGCougar]

And let's not forget that the lane was much narrower, and most of the FT technique was underhanded.

I'm still waiting for someone to tell us they remember when dribbling wasn't allowed.

[Back In The Saddle]

I do recall something about unmarked lane spaces around the top of the circle as well.

[26 Year Gap]

Originally posted by Back In The Saddle
I do recall something about unmarked lane spaces around the top of the circle as well.

There were unmarked lane spaces all the way around the lane and semi-circle. Trail administered the FT.

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally posted by 26 Year Gap

There were unmarked lane spaces all the way around the lane and semi-circle.

Are you sure? I can't ever remember not having marked spaces on the lanes.

[26 Year Gap]

The unmarked ones were in addition to the marked ones.