The play described below is provided for your review and discussion. The rulings given are based on NFHS rules. NCAA rulings may be different.
A-1 is awarded a free throw. The official bounces the ball to A-1 who catches it. A-1 then places the ball on the floor within the free throw semi-circle. He wipes his hands off on his uniform. He then picks up the ball and attempts his free throw. Is this procedure legal?
The procedure is legal. There are various restrictions that come into play once the free throw starts. However, none of these restrictions state that the free thrower cannot place the ball on the floor inside the semi-circle. The ball is still considered to be “at disposal.” If the ball were to roll away so that it could not be recovered by the shooter without leaving the semi-circle, then a violation has occurred. The free throw shooter has 10 seconds to attempt the free throw. The 10-second count continues during the action that was described above. (References: Rule 9-1-3, 8-1-1)
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