Basketball Instruction/free throws

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Expert: - 11/27/2007


Question
My 9-year-old son is playing for his school team, and they are teaching them to shoot free throws without leaving your feet. I've never heard of such a rule, and it seems to be encouraging bad form with young kids who still are working on basic shooting mechanics. THey wind up shooting with the arms, etc. Is there such a rule about leaving your feet when shooting free throws?

Answer
Hi Scott,

no there is no rule about leaving your feet. The only rule that applies in free throw shooting in regards to the feet, is they cannot cross the free throw line until the ball hits the rim. So if your boy is jumping a little to shoot the free throw, have him stand back from the line far enough so that when he jumps, and lands, he doesn't go over the line. They do need to learn to use more of their legs as a means of shooting strenghth. But that doesn't mean they have to jump. I hope that helps.

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Bret Temple

Expertise

My expertise is in the art of Officiating Basketball and I can answer questions pertaining to basketball rules; youth level through CIF High School, NCAA college and NBA rules as well. I can either help define a specific rule for you, or interpret a specific rule to clarify how other officials and I view and call the game.

Experience

I have been a Basketball Official now for over 19 years, officiating at all levels. I have attended numerous training camps throughout the years in an attempt to constantly become a better official. I have been evaluated by top Officiating organizations and I've had the honor of being selected to officiate at the highest levels including former Division 1 College and NBA players.

Organizations
NASO (National Association of Sports Officials) CBOA (California Basketball Officials Association)

Education/Credentials
El Sorrino Officials Association Accreditation CIF Certified(California Interscholastic Federation) WCPBL(West Coast Professional Baskeball League) The NBA Developmental League training

Past/Present Clients
Los Angeles City Parks and Recreation, Calabasas Basketball League, Calabasas Semi-Pro Men's League, AYBA California Interscholatic Federation, ARC League , (WCPBL)West Coast Professional Basketball League, Gary Grant Youth Basketball Program

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