When does the ball become live during an intentional personal foul free throw?

The ball becomes live for an intentional personal foul free throw when it is at the thrower's disposal. This means that the player taking the free throw has the ball in their possession and is ready to attempt the shot. At this moment, the game resumes, and play continues as the thrower can now proceed with the free throw attempt.

This rule is crucial in maintaining the flow of the game and ensuring that all players are aware of when the game has officially restarted. The concept of the ball being at the thrower's disposal allows for a clear moment in which the offensive player is in control of the play, mitigating any ambiguity regarding when the other players can legally enter the lane for a rebound.

The moment of signaling by the referee or tapping the ball by a player does not mark the instant the ball is in play; it is specifically when the thrower has the ball that play is considered live.