Final answer:
If a player awarded a free throw is injured, the replacement shooter is chosen based on the league's rules. In the NBA, the opposing coach chooses from the injured player's team; under FIBA, the injured player's coach selects any substitute; in high school basketball, the fouled team's coach chooses from any player in the game or a substitute.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a basketball player who has been awarded a free throw is unable to take the shot due to injury, the rules regarding who should take the free throw can vary based on the specific governing body of the game being played. Generally, in professional leagues such as the NBA, the opposing coach selects the replacement player from the injured player's team to attempt the free throw. The chosen player must have been in the game at the time the injury occurred. This is done to maintain fairness and prevent teams from gaining a strategic advantage by having their best free-throw shooter take the shot.
In addition to this, if the injury occurs during an international game under FIBA rules, the coach of the injured player's team may select any player from the bench to take the free throw. However, if the injured player is also fouled out or disqualified, certain restrictions apply on who can be substituted in.
High school basketball rules typically follow guidelines similar to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), where the coach of the team who was fouled selects any player currently in the game or a substitute to attempt the free throws. It is important that coaches, players, and officials are all aware of the specific regulations that govern their league to ensure proper procedure is followed.
Importance of Knowing Free Throw Rules
Understanding the rules surrounding free throw attempts is crucial for coaches and players. In the event of an injury, quick and compliant decision-making can affect game outcomes and is a test of a team's preparedness and knowledge of the game. Since games can be close and every point counts, knowing who can legally take the free throws can be as significant as any other aspect of game strategy.