Free Throws

Is it a violation if a free throw shooter lands on/over the line after shooting the ball ? Some of my younger kids (9/10) need to get a 1 or 2 step "running" shot off in order to reach the basket but land on or over the free throw line after releasing the ball.

Coach,

Yes it is, the shooter can't go over the line until the ball hits the rim. Have them start back a little further.

Good luck

What CSar said:
"The free throw shooter may not cross the plane of the free throw line until the ball touches the basket ring or backboard or the free throw ends."

However, I've been in rec leagues where the refs were cool and customized the free throw when it was obvious the player was struggling.

Thank You

That is always such a tough shot for young kids, 15 feet out, 10 foot rim, regulation ball. That is the reason why the entire gym erupts with applause when a kid makes one.....it is a very difficult shot for a 9 year old.

Some youth programs use a smaller ball for 8-9 year olds and a 8 1/2 foot rim.

Still these young kids need to generate a lot of upward force to get close to the rim. Bringing the ball lower in their shooting pocket and really bending those knees with jumping forward will help...still..they need to step back a foot or 2 so they won't go over the line. Some refs at this agegroup understand this and will let it go.

Good Luck Coach....been there...it gets better!!!

Coach A

I would hope they would over look that...

Unfortunately in our rec league there are a few coaches who are only in it to win and as soon as my player crossed the free throw line,by an inch or 2, the opposing coach was up and screaming violation.It just so happened that it was my players 1st free throw attempt of the season (4 games) and it was nothing but net.As you might imagine he wasn't even close on his 2nd shot.Thanks for the feedback.

This guy has no business coaching little kids... its a game, its supposed to be FUN, especially at that age.

The league director needs to have a talk with these guys.

The goal of all the coaches should be TO LET THE KIDS HAVE FUN and to TEACH THEM SOME FUNDAMENTALS.....

There is no 7-8-9 year old coaches HALL of FAME last time I checked.

Our league (8 & 9 yo) uses the smaller ball and 9 foot rims. They also move the free throw line in about 2 feet. We have one ref who is a real hard butt. If you're over the line, no good. We tell them to put their heels on the regular line, which gives them some room to jump forward. Other refs will tell them about the rule but won't call it unless it is obviously bad.

We had another coach in the same division get a technical foul and then smash his clipboard in front of everyone.Our league director has called for a mandatory meeting of coaches that I hope will result in these 2 coaches being relieved of their coaching duties.It is an embarrassment to our league and small town to have these 2 guys coaching.

They need to understand that these are young kids... and this is supposed to be fun for them ... this is not the NBA here.... I would hope that they straighten out their act or let them go.