Youth Basketball Free Throw Line Distance by Age in Canada

The recommended free throw distance changes as young basketball players develop.

Canada Basketball's Youth Rules Guidelines list a 14-foot free throw line for U9–U10 and a 15-foot free throw line for U11–U14.

The document contains one important inconsistency for U7–U8: the main age-group table lists the free throw line as N/A, while the rationale section later says a 14-foot free throw distance is recommended for 7–8 and 9–10-year-olds.

Because this guide is based only on the Canada Basketball document, both statements are shown rather than choosing one over the other.

Source note: The Canada Basketball Youth Rules Guidelines contain conflicting information for U7–U8 free throw distance. The table lists "N/A," while the equipment rationale later recommends 14 feet for 7–8-year-olds.

Free Throw Line Distance by Age

What Is the Free Throw Line Distance for U7–U8 Basketball?

The Canada Basketball document gives two different pieces of guidance for U7–U8.

In the main rules table

The U7–U8 free throw line distance is listed as:

N/A

In the equipment rationale

The document later states that for 7–8 and 9–10-year-olds, a 14-foot free throw distance is recommended.

It explains that this adjustment is intended to support efficient shooting movements, build confidence and increase the likelihood of success at the line.

Because the two sections do not fully match, this article does not attempt to resolve the difference using outside information.

What Is the Free Throw Line Distance for U9–U10 Basketball?

Canada Basketball lists a 14-foot free throw line for both recreational and competitive U9–U10 basketball.

The rationale section says the shorter distance supports:

• efficient shooting movements
• confidence
• a greater likelihood of success at the line

U9–U10 is part of the Learn to Train stage.

What Is the Free Throw Line Distance for U11–U12 Basketball?

Canada Basketball recommends a 15-foot free throw line for both recreational and competitive U11–U12 basketball.

This is an increase from the 14-foot distance listed for U9–U10.

U11–U12 remains part of the Learn to Train stage.

What Is the Free Throw Line Distance for U13–U14 Basketball?

Canada Basketball recommends a 15-foot free throw line for both recreational and competitive U13–U14 basketball.

The distance stays the same as it is at U11–U12.

U13–U14 is part of the Train to Train stage.

When Does the Free Throw Line Move to 15 Feet?

According to the main age-group table, the progression is:

U9–U10
14 feet

↓

U11–U12
15 feet

↓

U13–U14
15 feet

The document introduces the 15-foot free throw line at U11–U12.

For U7–U8, the source itself is inconsistent, with the table listing N/A and the rationale section mentioning 14 feet.

Does Recreational vs. Competitive Basketball Change the Free Throw Distance?

For the age groups where both environments are shown, no.

Canada Basketball lists the same free throw distance for recreational and competitive players within each age group:

• U9–U10: 14 feet
• U11–U12: 15 feet
• U13–U14: 15 feet

Other rules may differ between recreational and competitive basketball, but the listed free throw distance does not.

Why Is the Free Throw Line Shorter for Younger Players?

Canada Basketball says a 14-foot free throw distance for younger players supports more efficient shooting movements.

The document also says the adjustment can:

• build confidence
• increase the likelihood of success at the line

How Does Free Throw Distance Fit With Other Youth Basketball Modifications?

Free throw distance is one part of a wider set of age-based modifications.

The Canada Basketball Youth Rules Guidelines also change:

• basketball size
• basket height
• court format
• 3-point line use
• game format
• game length
• playing time
• defensive tactics

These changes are intended to create a game environment that better matches the developing athlete.

Youth Basketball Free Throw Distance FAQ

What is the free throw distance for U8 basketball?

The Canada Basketball document is internally inconsistent on this point.

Its main age-group table lists the U7–U8 free throw line as N/A, while the rationale section later says a 14-foot free throw distance is recommended for 7–8-year-olds.

What is the free throw distance for U10 basketball?

Canada Basketball lists a 14-foot free throw line for both recreational and competitive U9–U10 basketball.

What is the free throw distance for U12 basketball?

Canada Basketball lists a 15-foot free throw line for both recreational and competitive U11–U12 basketball.

What is the free throw distance for U14 basketball?

Canada Basketball lists a 15-foot free throw line for both recreational and competitive U13–U14 basketball.

When does the free throw line change from 14 feet to 15 feet?

In the main Canada Basketball age-group table, the change occurs at U11–U12.

Do recreational and competitive players shoot from different free throw distances?

No. Within the age groups shown in the document, recreational and competitive players use the same listed free throw distance.

Why does Canada Basketball use a shorter free throw line for younger players?

The guidelines say the shorter distance supports efficient shooting movements, builds confidence and increases the likelihood of success at the line.

What free throw distance should players older than U14 use?

The Canada Basketball Youth Rules Guidelines cover U7–U14. They do not provide free throw line recommendations for older age groups, so this article does not extend beyond U14.

Free Throw Distance by Age: Quick Recap

The main age-group table lists:

• U7–U8: N/A
• U9–U10: 14 feet
• U11–U14: 15 feet

The document's rationale also says a 14-foot distance is recommended for 7–8-year-olds, creating a discrepancy with the table.

If your child plays U7–U8, ask your club or league whether they shoot free throws and, if so, from what distance.

Where the guidance is consistent, younger players shoot from 14 feet and move to 15 feet at U11–U12.

For every age group and rule in one place, see our complete Canada youth basketball rules guide.

Source

Canada Basketball — Canada Basketball Youth Rules Guidelines

This article is based exclusively on the Canada Basketball Youth Rules Guidelines. The source contains an internal inconsistency regarding U7–U8 free throw distance, which is noted in the article rather than resolved using outside information.