How far must players remain from the shooter during a free throw?

During a free throw, players who are not involved in the shooting must remain behind the three-point arc until the ball is released. This rule ensures that the shooter has a clear line of sight to the basket and minimizes interference from defenders and teammates during the attempt. It is designed to create a fair opportunity for the shooter while maintaining the integrity of the free throw process.

The requirement places specific restrictions on player positioning, thereby enhancing the focus on the act of shooting and reinforcing the concept of fairness in free throw situations. Other options incorrectly describe the allowable distance or positioning of players during a free throw, emphasizing the importance of correctly understanding these rules for basketball gameplay.