High school basketball getting new free-throw rules
Beginning next season, shooting a one-and-one at the foul line will be no more in high school basketball games.
At the National Federation of State High School Associations’ annual meeting this spring, its basketball rules committee approved the change to Rule 4-8-1, eliminating the one-and-one scenario and setting new foul limits each quarter for awarding the bonus free throw.
Two free throws will occur after an opposing team reaches five fouls in a quarter, and team fouls will reset at the beginning of each period. Previously, teams were awarded the one-and-one bonus when their opponents committed seven fouls in a half, and two foul shots when 10 fouls were committed.
According to the national organization, the focus of the rule change is to decrease injuries and allow a better game flow for the teams involved.
“The rules committee studied data that showed higher injury rates on rebounding situations and saw this as an opportunity to reduce opportunities for rough play during rebounds,” Lindsey Atkinson, the NFHS director of sports and liaison to the basketball rules committee, said in a release.
Cobb County high school basketball coaches have differing opinions on the rule change.
“I’m not necessarily the biggest fan of it.” Kell girls coach Kendra Bailey said.
With an impactful rule change on such a wide level many players and coaches have to relearn a part of the game they have spent a lot of time with.
“The kids have to get used to it.” Bailey said.
In the release, Atkinson said “resetting the fouls each quarter will improve game flow and allow teams to adjust their play by not carrying foul totals to quarters two and four.”
With a rule change happening at the national level for all high
schools, adjustments to the way the game is played will be a reality for many coaches.
“Most coaches identify a player or two to foul.” Campbell boys coach James Gwyn said. “You’re almost going to have to hope that guy misses two shots.”
Because of the rule change,
Gwyn said it may change how late he uses his fouls, adding that there were other factors which will also come into play.
McEachern girls coach Phyllis Arthur said she believes the new rule will eventually help her team after adjustments are made.
“We have to learn to keep our hands to ourselves and have faster feet.” Arthur said. “We are aggressive, and we do foul.”