It’s a Fake

Know how to spot a fake.

1. When a free thrower A-1 “fakes” the release of the ball, it’s considered a violation by that player. Team B is awarded a throw-in a the spot nearest to the violation, which is on the end line (either side). A “pump fake” is the obvious type of violation.
   
   
2. If the free thrower A-1 does not feel comfortable after starting his/her motion and stops to adjust — the players in the free-throw lane spaces are expected to hold their positions. If either team violates during this action it should be penalized accordingly.
   
   
3. During A-1’s free throw, a player in a marked lane space “fakes” by rocking forward causing their opponent to enter the free-throw lane prematurely. Depending on which player “fakes” determines the penalty. In this situation:
   
   If B-1 fakes (drawing A-2 into the lane) — the delayed dead ball signal is used indicating a violation and a substitute free-throw is awarded if A-1’s attempt is unsuccessful. If successful, the violation is ignored.
   
   If A-2 fakes (drawing B-1 into the lane) — the ruling official should sound their whistle immediately when A-2 violates. This cancels A-1’s attempt and it’s team B’s ball for a throw-in, unless additional free throw(s) are involved.
   
   
4. If a player uses “verbal tactics to fake” an opponent into a violation — only the fake is penalized. This would be something like, “you’re in my space” or a time out request.
   
   
5. If A1 is preparing to attempt a free throw and prior to the release of the ball — B1 (in a marked lane space) fakes — causing A2 to enter the free throw lane prematurely — then A-1 requests a time-out.
   
   If this situation, there is a delayed dead ball (signaled) and Team A is granted a time-out.
   
   After the time out and upon resumption of the free-throw sequence, if the attempt is successful, the violation is ignored. If missed — a substitute free-throw would be awarded as a penalty for the original “fake” violation by B1. Got it ?

Just remember … be ready for those fakes and penalize accordingly.

NFHS Rule References
9-1-3b PENALTY, 9-1-3b PENALTY 4d

About the Author

Billy Martin

New Jersey (NJSIAA) State Basketball Rules Interpreter
IAABO South Jersey Board 196 Basketball Rules Interpreter
ACCSOA Soccer Cadet Supervisor
ECSU (NCAA) Softball Umpire Development Staff

Billy has over 40 years officiating / umpiring experience with basketball, soccer and fast-pitch softball in the Southern New Jersey area. As an IAABO member, rules interpreter, cadet instructor and supervisor of officials – has been refereeing basketball for 40 years and recently started officiating scholastic soccer for the Atlantic – Cape – Cumberland County Officials Association (ACCSOA).

Additionally he is an NCAA umpire for the Eastern Collegiate Softball Umpires Association (ECSU) as well as a scholastic umpire for West (NJ) Chapter 5.

In the business world, Billy has more than 30 years of sales and marketing experience, most recently with Salesforce (NYSE:CRM), the industry leader in Customer Relationship Management and marketing tools and now with Medidata / Dassault Systemes (medidata.com)

Billy holds a Master’s Degree in Education (MEd) specializing in Sports Medicine and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) in Technology Management.

He is also the co-author of four Amazon best-selling basketball officiating guides called, “Beyond the Rules” and the “GameTracker Journal.” Billy is also the co-founder of “60 Seconds on Officiating” a destination site for over 100,000 officials in 80 countries worldwide (ref60.com).

Billy resides in Wildwood, NJ and loves boating, fishing, and just about any activity that will leave sand between his toes.

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