I Hate Free Throws
Author: Christopher
Here’s the dumb idea of the week.
I am not a fan of free throws as they are currently executed during a game.
Maybe, I’m the only one, but I watch the game for the athleticism and action. Yet, about 40 times per game, play stops, everyone stands around while one guy shoots his free throws. Of course, there’s the bouncing of the ball to get focus and the “around the world” hand slaps with everyone, whether the shot goes in or not.
I’m sure the players appreciate a break in the action to catch their breath, but I’m channel surfing. In fact, the fast-forward button on my DVR is my best friend during foul shots. Very rarely is there any feeling of drama.
So, here’s what I propose:
When a foul is called, officials keep track of each one. At the end of the game, each team lines up at the basket and shoots all of their earned foul shots.
Not only would this keep the flow of the game moving and more exciting during the game, but it would also create free throw drama at the end. A team that was careless on defense might not be able to protect their lead if they are sloppy at the free throw line.
Some might say this seems too much like penalty kicks at the end of the soccer game. I think it is an activity that could swing a game one way or the other in just a couple of minutes.
Or, in a perfect world, just eliminate the free throw altogether and take care of fouls hockey-style: the offending team plays a man down for two minutes.
Again, I’m probably the only person in the world that hates the way free throws interrupt the game. But, if I ever get to be King of the Basketball world, this would be on my agenda.
