Free throws
FIBA · 2026Who shoots, the five-second limit, lane positions and violations.
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Article 44 — Who takes the throwsArticle 44 — Shooter and reboundersArticle 44 — ViolationsArticle 44 — Who takes the throws
The fouled player normally takes personal, disruptive, flagrant and contact-disqualification free throws. If that player must leave because of injury, five fouls or disqualification, the substitute shoots; if none is available, the coach chooses a teammate. For a technical or non-contact disqualifying foul, the opposing coach chooses an eligible team member.
Article 44 — Shooter and rebounders
The shooter stands behind the line inside the semicircle and releases within 5 seconds. The ball must enter from above or touch the rim. The shooter may not fake, touch the line or enter the lane before the ball enters or touches the rim. Players in allocated lane spaces may move when the ball leaves the shooter’s hands. Others stay behind the extended free-throw line and three-point line until the throw ends.
Article 44 — Violations
A shooter’s violation cancels a successful throw. If someone else violates on a made throw, the point stands and that violation is ignored. On an unsuccessful last throw, an attacking violation normally gives the opponents possession; a defender’s violation gives a replacement throw; violations by both teams create a jump-ball situation. Nobody lines up to rebound when further penalty throws or possession follow.
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