is it illegal in basketball to throw the ball at...

07-16-2007

...the backboard during free throws?

07-16-2007

The ball must hit the rim unless it goes into the basket hitting nothing but the net.

07-16-2007

the ball must hit the rim or it is considered an air ball

07-16-2007

It is never illegal to hit the backboard, only go over it. You can hit the backboard on a free throw, but if it doesn't hit the rim on your second/last shot it will automatically go to the other team.