I have seen some players do this and I was wondering if it is actually allowed or not. Can a player dribble into the painted area, take two steps with the ball held in their hands and then pass it out? Don't they have to shoot the ball?

Thanks

Also, one last question! When shooting free throws, on the second shot, do the players need to play it off the rim or can they play when the ball leaves the shooters fingers?

My understanding is this would be about moving their pivot foot vs. how many steps are taken. Let's say they stop dribbling and their right foot is on the ground, that is the pivot foot. If they lift that foot and don't shoot or pass before it touches the ground again, they traveled. Others might have a different view. Btw, it doesn't matter where they are on the court.

Most youth leagues don't allow players to enter the paint until the ball has touched the rim during live FT attempts. You'd have to double-check with your league though.

You are allowed one and a half steps before you can shoot or pass the ball. Once you put your pivot foot down on the ground without releasing the ball it is traveling. And like Rob says it doesn't make any difference where you are have on the floor.

The ball must touch the rim before you can enter the lane unless your league rules stated differently.