What was the old freethrow rule?

Answer 1

The old free throw rule allowed players to shoot free throws without any restrictions on how many players could be in the key area during the attempt. Specifically, players could line up along the free-throw lane, with some occupying positions on the blocks and others standing in the key, which often resulted in a crowded area. This rule changed in the 1960s to limit the number of players allowed in the key during free throws, promoting fairer opportunities for the shooter. The current rule allows only two players from each team to be in the key while the free throw is taken.