March 3, 2023
Nick Elam, Ph.D.
UPDATE AUGUST 11, 2024
I still believe there is merit in the concept of Free Throw Insurance (discussed from 13:00-15:30 in the video), but I now favor a much simpler way to implement it. This rule would technically be in play throughout the entire untimed stretch, although there are only a couple specific scenarios where a team is likely to use it:
- Anytime a team (Team A) has exactly one free throw left to be granted (the second free throw after a two-shot foul, the third free throw after a three-shot foul, an “and-1” free throw):
- The opposing (Team B) head coach can indicate to the official (before the remaining free throw is attempted) they want to use Free Throw Insurance
- Team A is then automatically given one point (as if they made the free throw), without going through the exercise of anyone actually shooting the free throw
- Live-ball play resumes, with Team B inbounding from the baseline
That’s it. So one way this would likely play out in real life is:
- Team A and Team B tied 110-110, playing to 112
- Team A has their second free throw remaining after drawing a two-shot foul
- Before that second free throw is attempted, Team B head coach indicates they want to use Free Throw Insurance (because they want to ensure themselves another possession of their own, rather than risk losing the game on this possession due to giving up an offensive rebound on a missed free throw)
- Team A is automatically granted a point to go up 111-110 (the second free throw is never actually attempted)
- Live-ball play resumes, with Team B inbounding from the baseline
- Team A has their second free throw remaining after drawing a two-shot foul
In games where Team B head coach opts for Free Throw Insurance, games are very likely to have a more satisfying finish (because you bypass the unsightly exercise of an intentionally missed free throw and the onside-kick-like scramble that ensues from it). And even in games where Team B head coach decides not to use Free Throw Insurance, and Team A does intentionally miss the free throw, the outcome of the game draws more healthy attention to it (compared to if the Free Throw Insurance rule didn’t exist), because it sparks a fun strategy debate about whether the coach should have used Free Throw Insurance. (There would also be fun strategy debates if Team B coach opts to use Free Throw Insurance and goes on to lose on a later possession, etc.)
M-SPORTSFANS 