The Charity Stripe, also called the Free Throw Line, is a term in basketball that refers to the line where a player shoots uncontested free throws from 15 feet away from the basket.
The word "charity" in this context means "free," while "stripe" is another name for the line on the court.
When a player is fouled in the act of shooting or when the opposing team has committed a certain number of fouls, the fouled player is awarded free throws from the Charity Stripe.
History of the Charity Stripe
The free throw line was first introduced in 1895, but it was not until the 1954-55 NBA season that the rules were changed to award free throws for backcourt fouls committed by teams over the foul limit. In 1959, Wilt Chamberlain attempted to dunk his free throws, prompting the NCAA to establish a rule requiring players to remain behind the free throw line during their shots.The National Basketball Association later instituted the Flagrant Foul Rule in 1979 to address excessive contact, such as swinging elbows, but this rule was abolished in 1982.
When Are Free Throws Awarded?
Free throws are most commonly awarded when a player is fouled while attempting a shot.If the shot is missed, the fouled player typically receives either two or three free throws, depending on the circumstances of the foul. Free throws are also awarded when the fouling team has exceeded the allowed number of fouls in a quarter or half, often referred to as being "in the bonus."
In most leagues, teams are limited to four fouls per quarter before free throws are automatically awarded to the opposing team for any subsequent non-shooting fouls.
If a fouled player is injured and unable to shoot their free throws, a substitute may be designated to take the shots in their place.
Determining the Charity Stripe
The Charity Stripe is the location where a player shoots free throws after being fouled.The line is situated 15 feet from the front of the basket and 19 feet from the baseline. When a player is awarded free throws, the other players line up along the sides of the lane, leaving the fouled player space to shoot uncontested.
A player may take up to three free throws, depending on the nature of the foul committed by the opposing team.
Famous Players and the Charity Stripe
Some notable NBA players have been known for their exceptional free throw shooting abilities.Steve Nash, a two-time NBA MVP, holds the record for the highest career free throw percentage at 90.4%. Other players renowned for their accuracy at the Charity Stripe include Mark Price, Rick Barry, and Stephen Curry.
On the other hand, some players, like Shaquille O'Neal and Dwight Howard, have struggled with free throws throughout their careers, with their opponents sometimes intentionally fouling them to force them to shoot from the line.