Free Throw

basketball · scoring · rules

Unopposed scoring chance. When a player gets fouled by the other team, they get to shoot from behind the free-throw line without anyone trying to block them. This is like getting a free chance to earn points.

One point per shot. Each free throw you make counts as one point, which is the smallest way to score in basketball. Other shots can be worth two or three points.

Different numbers awarded. Depending on what kind of foul happened, a player might get one, two, or even three free throw attempts in a row. Making all of them can really help your team's score.

Penalty for fouling. Free throws exist to make the game fair. If someone plays too rough or breaks the rules, the other team gets rewarded with these easy scoring chances.