Basketball Free Throw Line Extended
One of those most well-known areas of the basketball court is the free throw line. At every level of basketball, it’s where fouled offensive players take their free throw shots. However, there is also an imaginary extended version of this line that is used for strategy and rule infractions. Read on to learn all about the free throw line extended.
What Is the Free Throw Line Extended in Basketball?
In basketball, the free throw line extended is an imaginary line that extends from the free throw line and runs to the sidelines. The free throw line extended is a completely straight line that goes from one sideline to the other. Even though the free throw line is marked on the court, the free throw line extended is invisible.
How Does the Free Throw Line Extended Work?
The free throw line extended is a common reference point for coaches, players, and referees. Coaches will use this imaginary line to create plays, guide their players with positioning on the court, and distinguish where to pick up on defense. Players can use the imagined line to measure their placement on the court, run plays, and determine the strength needed to shoot the ball. Referees will use the free throw line extended to help determine where the ball should be placed for inbounds passes after a dead ball.
Free Throw Line Extended Infractions
In NBA basketball, the following infractions result in an inbound pass from the free throw line extended:
- Three-second violation
- Ball entering basket from below
- Illegal scoring assist
- Punching foul
- Offensive free throw violation
- Flagrant foul
- Jump ball violation at the free throw circle
- Ball passing behind the backboard
- Offensive basket interference
- Ball hitting basket support
- Loose ball fouls inside the free throw line extended
- Five second back-to-the-basket violation
FAQ
How does the free throw line extended work in basketball?
In basketball, the free throw line extended is an imaginary extension of the free throw line that serves as the location of inbound passes following dead ball infractions. Coaches and players also use the free throw line extended as a reference point when running plays and gauging required power on shots.