The term "foul shot" is commonly used in basketball to refer to a free throw given to a player after their opponent commits a foul. The phonetic transcription of this word is /faʊl ʃɒt/. The first part of the word, "foul," is pronounced with the same sound as "ow" in "cow," while the second part, "shot," is pronounced with an "sh" sound and a short "o" as in "hot." The correct spelling of this term is important to ensure clear understanding and communication within the sport.
A foul shot, also referred to as a free throw, is a term predominantly used in basketball to denote a scoring opportunity granted to a player following a foul committed by an opponent. It is a method of penalty imposed on the team that has committed the violation or infraction. A foul shot occurs when the player fouled is awarded an unopposed attempt at scoring a basket from the free-throw line, away from any defensive interference.
As per the regulations established by basketball governing bodies, a foul shot is taken from a designated line positioned 15 feet away from the backboard during NBA and FIBA games. The line is located exactly in front of the basket, parallel to the baseline. The player taking the foul shot is unchallenged by any defensive players, and the opponent team's players must remain outside the key area until the ball leaves the shooter's hand.
The foul shot acts as a compensation method aiming to restore the fouled team's offensive momentum and provide an opportunity to score points. Generally, each successful foul shot counts for one point, and the player receives additional shots if the initial attempt is missed. Being an integral part of basketball, mastering the foul shot technique is crucial for players, as it directly impacts individual and team scoring potential, making it necessary to practice and develop accuracy and consistency from the free-throw line.
The word "foul shot" has its origins in the sport of basketball. The term is a compound of two words: "foul" and "shot".
The term "foul" in basketball refers to an infraction committed by a player, such as illegal contact, holding, or other rule violations. When a player commits a foul, the opposing team is often awarded free throws, which are uncontested shots taken from the free-throw line.
The word "shot" in this context refers to the act of shooting the basketball towards the hoop to score points.
Therefore, a "foul shot" in basketball is a free throw attempt awarded to a player due to a foul committed by the opposing team. The word "foul" indicates the reason for the shot, while "shot" refers to the act of attempting to score.