FIBA Rules...Violation on the free throw shooter?

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally posted by AD
Hello all...

I referee under the international rules in Canada. I had this play occur on the weekend and I had not seen it in my 12 years of refereeing basketball.

Free throw shooter on his last shot, dribbles the ball a couple of times in preparation to shoot. Picks up the ball and places it in his left hand. The Shooter then gathers to shoot and makes a motion with his Right hand to shoot. All players enter the key from the as to anticipate a rebound but the ball remained in the left hand of the shooter.

I called a violation on the shooter for faking a free throw? Is this correct?

Thanks

AD

It may or may not be a free throw violation.

FIBA free throw rules regarding the free throw shooter:

R10-A59.3: The free-throw shooter:
59.3.1. Shall take a position behind the free-throw line
and inside the semicircle.

59.3.2. May use any method to shoot for goal but he must
shoot in such a way that the ball enters the
basket from above or touches the ring before it
is touched by a player.

59.3.3. Shall release the ball with five (5) seconds from
the time it is placed at his disposal by one of
the officials.

59.3.4. Shall not touch the free-throw line or the
playing court beyond the free-throw line until
the ball has touched the ring.

59.3.5. Shall not fake a free throw.

59.3.6. Shall not touch the ball while it is on its way
to the basket.

59.3.7. Shall not touch the basket or the backboard while
the ball is in contact with the ring during the
free throw.


During the practice period before the start of the game, the game officials should observe the players and how the players shoot their free throws. I have seen players how shoot free throws in a manner very similar to the way described in AD's posting. If a player uses this method during his practice before the game it is a very good indicator that he will shoot the same way during the game and should not be considered faking a free throw, even if this is the player's first time at the line and it is late in the game.

Now, if a player all of sudden changes to this method during a free throw late in the game, I would think that he might be trying to fake a free throw. Faking a free throw is a rare violation and I cannot ever calling the violation or seeing it called in any game I have observed, played in, or coached.

Note to Scott Parks: NFHS, NCAA, NBA/WNBA has a ten (10) second shooting requiement and FIBA has a five (5) second shooting requirement.