In a few ways, free throws differ from field goals. A field goal is worth two or three points, while a free throw is always worth one. No one is permitted to protest the shot, which is always taken from the free throw line. And most important, field goals can be made from anywhere on the court, while free throws must be made from within the free throw circle. All of these factors make sense when you think about it: if you could score from anywhere on the court, then there would be no need for any other type of shot! Free throws are very valuable, because they cannot be scored unless the defense believes you will take them. There are several reasons why free throws are more difficult than field goals. First of all, your hand may be in his face as he attempts to block your shot. This is not a problem for field goals, since you can simply step back and shoot again. With free throws, though, you have to actually reach into his defensive position and attempt to knock the ball out of his hands. Secondly, you only get one chance per possession, so if you miss, the defense will run away with it. Finally, free throws require skill and concentration, things that many people struggle with.