Free throw
An unopposed shot at the basket awarded after certain fouls, taken from the free-throw line.
Definition
In basketball, a free throw is worth one point and is taken from the free-throw line with no defenders allowed to block it. Players are usually given free throws when they are fouled while shooting, or when the opposing team has committed certain fouls.
Free throws give the fouled team a chance to score without interference, so accurate free-throw shooting can be an important part of a close game. Other players line up along the lane and may contest the rebound once the ball is released.
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Equipment
- BasketballA large, inflated ball with a dimpled surface used to play basketball.
- Resistance bandA stretchy elastic band that provides resistance for strength and mobility work.
- WetsuitA close-fitting neoprene suit that keeps the wearer warm in cold water.
- Padel racketA solid, stringless perforated racket used to play padel.
- Badminton racketA lightweight strung racket used to hit the shuttlecock in badminton.
Rules
- Personal fouls and free throwsThe basketball rules covering illegal contact and the uncontested shots awarded when a player is fouled.
- Direct and indirect free kicksThe two types of free kick awarded in football to restart play after a foul or other stoppage.
- GoaltendingA basketball violation for interfering with a shot while the ball is on its downward path to the basket or above the rim.
- Throw-inThe method of restarting football when the ball fully crosses a side line, taken by throwing it back into play.
- Double dribbleA basketball violation for dribbling with two hands at once, or for dribbling again after picking up the ball.
Scoring systems
- Basketball scoringBasketball is scored by shooting the ball through the hoop, with baskets worth one, two or three points depending on where the shot is taken.
- Tennis scoringTennis is scored in points, games and sets, using the distinctive 15–30–40 point sequence and a win-by-two margin at every level.
Skills
Techniques
- Jump ShotA basketball shot released at the top of a vertical jump, letting the shooter get the ball over a defender with a soft, arcing release.
- Free ThrowAn unguarded basketball shot taken from the free-throw line, relying on a calm, repeatable routine rather than power.
- LayupA close-range basketball shot taken while moving toward the basket, laying the ball softly off the backboard or over the rim.
Positions
- Shooting guardThe shooting guard is a perimeter player whose main role is to score, especially from mid-range and beyond the three-point line.
- CenterThe center is usually the tallest player on a basketball team, playing near the basket to score inside, rebound, and protect the rim.
- HookerThe hooker is a front-row forward in rugby who wins the ball in the scrum and typically throws the ball into the line-out.
- GoalkeeperThe goalkeeper is the last line of defence in football and the only player allowed to handle the ball inside their own penalty area.
- Point guardThe point guard is basketball’s primary ball-handler and playmaker, running the offence and setting up teammates to score.
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- Content updated
- 2026-08-04
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