Free Throw Violation- Shooter with ball

[jdw3018]

It's up to you to judge whether the action drew the player into the lane or he intentionally went in early. And if a player has done that all game, and then late in a close game a player goes in early (especially in NFHS where players have to wait for the rim) I'm going to err on the side of the free thrower.

If he changes his routine and someone comes in early, that's different. If it happens on his first FT attempt of the game, you have to make a judgement call.

[lpbreeze]

Ok but I just wish there was a rule against that type of thing. As for the NBA where player go in on the release and often they do before the shot I'm 99% positive I've seen it called. Maybe it was Karl Malone or someone who held the ball up and did a little hitch or fake

[jdw3018]

Originally Posted by lpbreeze

Ok but I just wish there was a rule against that type of thing. As for the NBA where player go in on the release and often they do before the shot I'm 99% positive I've seen it called. Maybe it was Karl Malone or someone who held the ball up and did a little hitch or fake

If someone "faked" it, I totally believe it. It definitely is different when guys are going in on the release...but it doesn't mean there is an explicit rule against the motion. It's simply a rule against drawing an opponent into the lane by faking.

[lpbreeze]

and one other thing that bothered me was the player saying he had done it before in other games and it hadn't been called. But then it is a violation in new game because the other team went into the lane.
I shall take this up with President of Basketball. who is... hmmmmm the dude with the highlighters on ESPN.

[Adam]

The cite you're looking for is rule 9-1-1b. "The free thrower shall not fake a try, nor shall any player in a marked lane space fake to cause an opponent to violate."

This is a hold-over rule from when players (except the shooter) could enter the lane upon the release of the try. The intent of the rule is to prohibit the shooter from deceiving the defense into a violation.

Since the defense can't enter until the ball hits the rim anyway, this fake should not have any affect on them. This is why it's generally allowed.

At the NCAA and NBA levels, players are allowed to enter the lane on the release, so the fake is probably illegal there as well.

[lpbreeze]

Well thanks but this is one that I just can't agree with. It is illegal but a ref will only blow it as illegal if it causes a lane violation. I just think it would be better off to call a violation even without a lane violation

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by lpbreeze

Well thanks but this is one that I just can't agree with. It is illegal but a ref will only blow it as illegal if it causes a lane violation. I just think it would be better off to call a violation even without a lane violation

Lah me......

Faking a free throw is NOT illegal. It is ONLY a violation IF it makes the opposing team violate. You have NO rules justification to EVER call a violation if the opposing team doesn't violate.

A little advice....take it fwiw......you need to quit thinking, learn the rules and then just call the game by the rules.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by lpbreeze

Well thanks but this is one that I just can't agree with. It is illegal but a ref will only blow it as illegal if it causes a lane violation. I just think it would be better off to call a violation even without a lane violation

Okay, the rule says it's illegal to "fake" a try. It does not say it's illegal to "practice" a try. The difference is key.

Why would a player "fake" a try; to get the defense to violate. That's not an issue with the current rules. Therefore, the shooter in the OP must have been practicing.

[rlarry]

Originally Posted by lpbreeze

Ok but I just wish there was a rule against that type of thing. As for the NBA where player go in on the release and often they do before the shot I'm 99% positive I've seen it called. Maybe it was Karl Malone or someone who held the ball up and did a little hitch or fake

Nothing personal, but you keep citing the NBA. If your working High School, worry about High School rules. The NBA and HS basketball have little in common. As far as calling the violation, if you don't know something is against the rules, don't call it.