How to Stand Along the Key when Free Throws Are Made

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If your team has fouled someone from the other team in the act of shooting, or if you were over the limit when the foul occurred, free throws will ensue. As the opposing player lines up to shoot, it is important to be sure your team is in the proper position to rebound.

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    Being in any other position when the ball is shot will result in a lane violation.
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    Customarily the tallest players on the floor will be placed here. But it is most likely that your center and forwards take the spots while the guards stay outside the lane or even the 3-point line. But then, it all depends on the position the free throw shooter.
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    If your foot should cross the line marking the side of the key before the basketball leaves the shooter's hands, you may be whistled for a line violation. If the shooter is on your team, the shot will be nullified. If the shooter is on the other team, he will be given a second chance if he misses.
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The Takeaway: Standing Along the Key for Free Throws

The team not shooting the free throw positions players in the two spots closest to the basket (on both sides). The next closest position goes to the shooting team, and it alternates after that. There's is no minimum number of players required to be placed alongside the key.

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  • Question
    Can the players that are rebounding from a free throw stand facing the basket instead of facing one another in the lane, as long as they are not touching the line?
    Community Answer
    Their bodies should be facing the opposite lineup, but their heads can be turned towards the basket.
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  • Question
    Why can't players stand in position closest under the basket?
    Community Answer
    So that the players are evenly spread out, and don't get bunched up under the basket trying to get the ball.
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  • Question
    Can a player be in the first positions under the basket?
    Community Answer
    It depends on whether your team or the opposing team is shooting the free throws. If it is the other team, yes (or the outer one as well to get shooter). If it is your team, you need to be in the middle position.
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      Tips

      • If the shooter is not on your team, be sure to assign one man along the key whose responsibility it is to block out the shooter.
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