Definition

Noun: 1. A basketball shot taken from the foul line without defensive interference: A "free throw" is an unhindered shot attempt awarded to a player after a foul is committed by the opposing team. The shot is taken from a designated line on the court (the foul line or free-throw line).

Usage

A "free throw" is a penalty shot in basketball. It is awarded following certain types of fouls. The player taking the shot stands alone at the foul line and attempts to score one point per successful shot.

Examples

• Noun:
  • She made both of her free throws to win the game.
  • The referee awarded him two free throws after the foul.
  • His free throw percentage is one of the highest in the league.

Advanced Usage

• "To be at the free-throw line": To be in the position of taking a free throw.
  • With one second left, our best shooter was at the free-throw line.
• "To shoot a free throw": The action of attempting a free throw.
  • You need to focus when you shoot a free throw.

Variants and Related Words

• Foul shot (n): A synonym for "free throw."
  • He sank the crucial foul shot.
• Free-throw line (n): The line from which a free throw is shot.
  • The player stepped over the free-throw line before the ball hit the rim.
• And-one (n, informal): A situation where a player scores a basket despite being fouled and is awarded one additional free throw.
  • He made the tough layup and got the and-one.

Synonyms

• Foul shot: An identical term for a free throw.
• Charity stripe (n, informal): A colloquial term for the free-throw line, and by extension, the free throw itself.
  • He's automatic from the charity stripe.

Related Phrases

• "To go to the line": To be awarded free throws.
  • The aggressive player goes to the line often.
• "To miss the front end of a one-and-one": In some basketball rules, this refers to missing the first free throw of a two-shot penalty where the second shot is only awarded if the first is made.
  • The team lost because their star missed the front end of a one-and-one.

Noun

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