What is the primary purpose of a free throw?

The primary purpose of a free throw is to give the fouled player an opportunity to score without any defensive interference. When a player is fouled during a shooting attempt, they are awarded free throws to ensure a fair chance to score points as a direct result of that foul. This situation serves as a reward for the fouled team, allowing them to potentially gain points while ensuring that the defense cannot disrupt the shot.

In contrast to other options, resetting the shot clock is not applicable during a free throw situation since the play is paused for the foul. Changing possession of the ball does not occur directly from a free throw; instead, the focus is on allowing the player fouled the chance to take an uncontested shot. While a free throw may be viewed as a penalty for the opposing team, its primary intent is to provide the fouled player with an opportunity to score. Thus, the answer correctly identifies the fundamental role of free throws in the game.