Editors Note: When it comes to heckling, basketball is similar in many ways to baseball. The fans are similar, their passion and knowledge of the game is similar, and heckling can have the same effect on the athletes. A few things are different though, the first being that fans and players are much closer than in any other major sport, with the players on the bench having no physical barrier between themselves and the fans. This has resulted in a few ugly incidents where players and fans have exchanged blows. The part of the game where heckling fans can influence the outcome is during opposing teams free throws. Many organizations encourage fans to make noise, wave their arms and do all they can to distract the player during this time when he needs his full concentration.