Once the referree hands the ball to the free throw shooter, can the shooter move his feet. Specifically, can a shooter take the ball, dribble it a couple of times, then take two steps (without going over the line) before shooting? This is a question for those familiar with grade school basketball.

Thanks,

Phil

Yes

Why is the referee handing the ball to the free throw shooter?

To expand a little on ScottParks' completely correct answer...

The shooter may do just about anything (sprortmanlike) as long as the FT is released within 10 seconds and the shooter doesn't leave the semi-circle.

Dribble, catch, dribble, catch, do the foxtrot, dribble, catch, a couple of jumping jacks, run in place, shoot....all ok as long as it's in the circle and within 10 seconds.

Hey Phil,
See page 73 of the NFHS Rules Book:
Basketball Rules Fundamentals
"5. Neither the dribble nor traveling rule operates during the jump ball, throw-in or free throw."
So as others have said, the player may take the ball and do a little dance, if that makes him happy, just as long as he doesn't leave the semi-circle and shoots within ten seconds.

Remember that the shooter can bounce the ball over the line on a free throw, I mean it doesn't matter where the dribble hits the floor. This is NOT the case on a throw-in.

Thanks Camron. I was trying to practice my short answers for coaches :D