Definition

Noun: * A free throw in basketball: An unhindered shot attempt awarded to a player from the foul line (free-throw line) as a penalty against the opposing team for committing a foul. The shooter must remain behind the foul line until the ball touches the basket ring.

Usage

• The term "foul shot" is used to describe the specific scoring opportunity that results from a foul.
• It is commonly used in play-by-play commentary and casual discussion of the game.
• It refers to the itself, not the result. A made foul shot scores one point.

Examples

• "He was fouled while shooting and was awarded two foul shots."
• "The game was tied with seconds left when she stepped to the line for a crucial foul shot."
• "His foul shot percentage has improved this season."
• "The coach called a timeout to ice the shooter before his foul shot."

Advanced Usage

• "To be at the foul line": To be in the position of taking a foul shot.
  • With the game on the line, their best player was at the foul line.
• "To shoot a foul shot": The action of taking the free throw.
  • She calmly shot the foul shot and scored the winning point.

Variants and Related Words

• Free throw (n): A fully synonymous term for "foul shot." "Free throw" is the official term used in rulebooks, while "foul shot" is a common equivalent.
• And-one (n): Informal term for a situation where a player scores a basket despite being fouled and is awarded one additional foul shot.
• Three-point play (n): When a player makes a two-point basket while fouled and then makes the subsequent foul shot, scoring three points total.
• Four-point play (n): When a player makes a three-point basket while fouled and then makes the subsequent foul shot, scoring four points total.

Synonyms

• Free throw
• Charity shot/stripe (informal, somewhat dated)

Related Phrases

• To go to the line: To be awarded foul shots and proceed to take them.
  • The aggressive driver gets to the line ten times a game.
• To miss the front end of a one-and-one: In some rule sets, a player is awarded a second foul shot only if the first one is made. Missing the first shot ends the opportunity.
• Technical foul shot: A foul shot awarded for a technical foul, usually taken by any player on the offended team.

Noun

1. an unhindered basketball shot from the foul line; given to penalize the other team for committing a foul