Free Throw Lane
 

If defenders do not want the top two lane spaces - nearest the thrower... can the offense take them. Reading the rule below I would say no, but I always thought that if the defense didn't want the the offense could occupy.:confused:

Rule 8.1.4
During a free throw, lane spaces may be occupied as follows:
a. Marked lane spaces may be occupied by a maximum of four defensive and
two offensive players.
b. The lane areas from the end line up to, and including, the neutral-zone
marks, shall remain vacant.
c. The first marked lane spaces on each side of the lane, above and adjacent
to the neutral-zone marks, shall be occupied by opponents of the free
thrower. No teammate of the free thrower shall occupy either of these
marked lane spaces.
d. The second marked lane spaces on each side may be occupied by
teammates of the free thrower.
e. The third marked lane spaces on each side, nearest the free thrower, may
be occupied by the opponents of the free thrower.
f. Players shall be permitted to move along and across the lane to occupy a
vacant marked lane space within the limitations listed in this rule.
g. Not more than one player may occupy any part of a marked lane space.
ART. 5 . . . Any player, other than the free thrower, who does not occupy a
Page 51 2009-10 NFHS Basketball Rules Rule 8-2
marked lane space must be behind the free-throw line extended and behind the
three-point line.

You answered your own question (in the bold) :) If the defensive team does not occupy the top lane spaces, they remain vacant. The defense must of course occupy the bottom lane spaces

[QUOTE=Refsmitty;719217]If defenders do not want the top two lane spaces - nearest the thrower... can the offense take them. Reading the rule below I would say no, but I always thought that if the defense didn't want the the offense could occupy.:confused:

Rule 8.1.4
During a free throw, lane spaces may be occupied as follows:
a. Marked lane spaces may be occupied by a maximum of four defensive and
two offensive players.
QUOTE]

If opponents of the free thrower choose not to utilize those 2 spaces, then team mates of the thrower may move up if the want to (don't know why they would want to though). But there can only be 2 team members of the free thrower.

As long as there are only two offensive team members in marked lane spaces, I don't see why not. However, wouldn't closer to the basket help with their chances of securing a rebound?

You are correct - offense is limited to 2 players.

Years ago... there were no limits placed on either team (except the bottom two spots)

Not necessarily. It creates more space between them and the defenders who want to box them out. Doesn't seem to be a smart move, either, as it leaves your shooter unboxed.

Four offensive players
 

+ the shooter = SNOWBIRD!!

Who You Gonna Call ???
 

Mythbusters.

On free throws, there is a maximum of two offensive players and four defensive players in the six marked lane spaces. The defense must be in the first marked lane spaces, above the neutral zone marks, on all free throws. The offense must not occupy the first marked lane spaces, above the neutral zone marks. The shooter and all the players in the designated lane spaces must wait until the ball hits rim or backboard before entering the lane. Players, other than the shooter, and the players in the designated lane spaces, are to remain behind the free throw line extended and behind the three point arc, and may not penetrate the free throw line extended and the three point arc until the ball hits rim or backboard. During a free throw, no opponent, including bench personnel, may disconcert the free thrower. For free throws when there are no rebounders in the marked lane spaces, i.e. technical fouls, the nine nonshooters shall remain behind the free throw line extended and behind the three point arc.

No - they must be behind the division line. Just ask about half of the guys I've worked with. :o

Or Turn On The Mythbuster Signal Light ...
 

Like I said, have them call the Mythbusters.