Help with a play

[Hugh Refner]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Team A is down three points with just a few seconds left in the game. A1 is chasing a loose ball at the division line. The ball is about to go out of bounds, at the division line, right in front of the table. A1, in a race with defender B1, is able to catch up to the ball, but does so in such an acrobatic, athletic, and contorted manner, that in spinning around, he is only able to shoot the ball:
a) exactly in line with the division line, with the trajectory of the ball toward opposite the table.
b) at an angle such that the trajectory of the ball is toward the backcourt, and therefore, toward Team B's basket.
In both a), and b), B1 fouls A1 during A1's shooting motion. The buzzer ending the fourth period sounds while the ball in in the air in both a), and b). In both a), and b), the ball doesn't enter the basket. Both teams are in the bonus.

What's the theoretical call?

First of all, according to the description, the foul occurs in both instances before the period ends so the foul will be administered. If, in the opinion of the official, it was a legitimate shot attempt (and the poster uses the term "shooting motion", so by definition it seems there was a shot attempt), three free throws will be taken. However, if, in the opinion of the official, there was not a legitimate shot attempt, then a one and one situation exists and will be administered. Notice the poster said "bonus", not "double bonus".

My guess is the purpose of the post is to start a discussion on whether the decision to determine if a foul was a shooting foul or not is dependent on the action of the ball handler or the subsequent result of the flight and/or action of the ball. It's the action of the ball handler. If they are fouled while performing action that normally leads to the release of a shot, it's a shooting foul. That's pretty basic.