Couple of basic questions

[rotationslim]

A couple of q's for you on basic rules:

Is it legal for a player at free throw line to fire the ball directly at the rim, trying to graze the top of the front of the rim, then hit the backboard and have it bounce back to him? Obviously this would occur with seconds left and team down by more than one. It is clear he is not attempting to sink the free throw, but he does not seem to be in violation of any other rule?

On possesion arrow, in first half does it point towards the bench of the team whos' turn it is to get the ball, or does it point in the "direction" a team is going. Obviously in second half the bench and "direction" is the same.