How far is a foul shot in basketball

Everything You Need to Know About Basketball Court Dimensions

Of the two major American-invented sports — baseball and basketball — only one has gained worldwide popularity. We play baseball across parts of the globe, but we play basketball worldwide. You can play with as few as two people and as many as ten. Shoot hoops indoors and outdoors and on any surface hard or flat enough to bounce a ball.

Indoor courts are usually made from hardwood, though other, more easily-maintained surfaces are gaining in popularity. Outdoor courts can be either asphalt or concrete. You can put a permanent basketball court just about anywhere you would like. Don’t have the room for a full-length court? Fitting just a half court into your driveway, backyard, or commercial gym would be just as useful.

So, have a space in mind and wondering “What are the dimensions of a basketball court?” Let’s take a look at the standard sizes for every level of basketball, from high school all the way up through international competition.

The National Basketball Association, better known as the NBA, boasts the largest court dimensions of any level of basketball — domestic or international. The outer dimensions are 94 feet long by 50 feet wide. The half court line is, as the name would suggest, halfway between each end line. In the middle of the half court line is a tip-off circle with a six-foot radius, which often sports the home team’s logo.

The key is 16 feet wide and 19 feet from the baseline to the foul line. A semicircle with a six-foot radius extends from the foul line. Some courts have the other side of the half-circle drawn in a dotted line inside the key to complete the circle and create a clear boundary for any jump balls.

The backboard protrudes four feet out from the baseline, and the rim of the basket hangs 10 feet off the ground. Subtracting the four feet overhang from the 19-foot length of the key, we get the familiar 15-foot distance from the foul line to the front of the backboard. It’s a misconception that the foul line is 15 feet from the center of the basket. The backboard itself measures six feet wide and 42 inches high.

Inside the key, a four-foot arc is aligned with the center of the basket to designate the restricted arc. If a defender is inside this semicircle, he cannot draw a charging foul. Along both sides of the key, lines are drawn three feet apart to create the standing positions for other players during a free throw attempt, starting with a box that is seven feet from the baseline and one foot wide.

Outside the key, the three-point line forms an imperfect arc stretching one side of the baseline to the other. The arc isn’t a perfect circle because it would run out of bounds on the sides of the court.

Instead, the three-point line runs in a straight line from the baseline out 16 feet, nine inches, at which point the line begins to curve. The straight lines are an even 22 feet from the center of the basket, and on the arc, the distance is 23 feet and nine inches.

Starting at the baseline and running 28 feet toward the center of the court, a line bounds the team bench area. The line also acts as the starting place for inbounds passes after timeouts and fouls.

The Women’s National Basketball Association or WNBA’s court dimensions are identical to the NBA court in every way except the three-point line. Instead, the distance is equal to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) at 22.15 feet from the center of the hoop. WNBA teams share arenas and playing surfaces with the NBA, which is why it’s no wonder the court dimensions are so similar.

National Collegiate Athletic Association or NCAA basketball courts have similar dimensions to the NBA and WNBA, which include the:

• Court
• Foul line
• Backboard
• Basket height
• Tip-off circle

That said, there are a few significant differences in the dimensions of the NCAA court. For starters, the key is only 12 feet wide, rather than 16. The first box on the side of the key is only six feet from the baseline, not seven. The restricted area under the basket is also one foot smaller, at three feet in diameter rather than the NBA’s four.

However, the most recognizable difference between the NBA’s court dimensions and the NCAA’s is the distance of the three-point line. The NCAA three-point line is only 20 feet, nine inches from the center of the basket. Because of the smaller diameter, it is a continuous arc from one side of the baseline to the other, with no straight lines necessary to create space on the sidelines.

The difference in three-point line distances is the biggest adjustment for shooters to make as they begin their professional careers, and also why it’s so difficult to project how well a player will shoot in the pros.

High school basketball courts are a little different from their college and professional counterparts. The most noticeable difference is that the court is a full 10 feet shorter, measuring only 84 feet. However, there are some similarities. The court is still 50 feet wide. The basket is also 10 feet off the ground.

The tip-off circle has a six-foot radius, just like the big kid courts, and while the high school landscape isn’t as standardized as college and professional basketball, the backboard is supposed to have the same measurements as the NCAA and NBA.

Just as in college and professional basketball, the foul line is 15 feet from the backboard, and the key is 19 feet long. It’s also the same 12 feet wide as the NCAA — four feet narrower than the NBA and WNBA.

The other visible difference is the distance from the three-point line. Shorter than either the NCAA or NBA, the high school free throw line is just 19 feet, nine inches from the center of the basket. Additionally, high school basketball courts do not have any restricted area under the basket, since that rule doesn’t exist in high school basketball.

FIBA governs international basketball courts. The measurements for FIBA basketball courts differ from U.S. courts because of the difference between our Imperial measurements — feet and inches — and the more standard metric system.

FIBA courts are an even 28 meters long, which converts to almost 92 feet. The 15-meter width converts to just over 49 feet. The tip-off circle is a bit smaller as well, at 3.5 meters in diameter. This difference translates to a radius of about five feet, seven inches.

The key is almost the same size at 5.8 meters long and 4.8 meters wide. These numbers convert to within a few inches of 19 and 16 feet. The basket is 1.2 meters, or almost four feet, in from the baseline, which puts the foul line at 4.6 meters — 15 feet — away. The restricted area under the basket is 1.25 meters or just a shade more than four feet in radius.

The basket is still 10 feet off the ground, which means the biggest difference is the three-point line. At the top of the arc, the three-point line is 6.75 meters from the center of the basket or 22.15 feet. This measurement works out to about 22 feet, two inches. The FIBA three-point line, which has also been adopted by the WNBA, is over a foot and a half closer than the NBA line.

Since its invention in 1891, basketball’s court dimensions have varied. Let’s look at some of its historical changes, as well as answering that nagging question — “Why are basketball hoops 10 feet high?” — below:

The Story Behind the 10-Foot High Hoop

It would appear the 10-foot basketball hoop is the result of a careful calculation that considers the human anatomy and mechanics of the game. After all, even the tallest players today have to jump to dunk a ball, and a ten-foot high rim gives a comfortable target to shoot for at a distance. But as we see so often in history, the truth is much more mundane.

When James Naismith dreamed up the game in Springfield, MA in 1891, the railing he chose to hang the baskets on was ten feet off the ground. So, while everything else about the sport has changed since that first game, the baskets are still right where Dr. Naismith hung them.

The History of the Three-Point Line

The three-point line is arguably the most recognizable aspect of a basketball court’s dimensions and part of the reason why is attributed to the history surrounding this semicircle.

The first instance of the three-point line appeared in the American Basketball League in 1961, a full 70 years after Dr. Naismith invented the game. The line was added to increase excitement, but the league folded in just one and a half seasons, so the idea never had a chance.

In 1967, the next competitor to the NBA arrived. The American Basketball Association, or ABA, instituted the three-point line from the very start, and it was a huge success. The ABA had many exciting innovations that produced a better product for the fans. But ultimately, there was not enough room for two professional basketball organizations, so the NBA and ABA merged in 1976.

The three-point line, however, was not included in the merger! The decision-makers in the NBA at the time were too stubborn to adopt such a radical change. They held out for three years before implementing the three-point line in the 1979-1980 season. The NCAA didn’t integrate it until 1986, and it didn’t arrive on high school basketball courts until 1987.

That isn’t the end of the story, however. The line was moved closer for three seasons in the ‘90s to try to boost scoring, but it was quickly moved back to its original place. Taking the idea to the extreme, the NBA has even admitted to having discussions about a four-point line. Ultimately, we’ll believe it when we see it.

The Original Cage Matches

In the early days of professional basketball, the game was played inside an actual cage. The reasons were more about practicality than about safety. The rule for who got to inbound a ball that left the court was “whoever got to it first,” so organizers took to putting up a cage so the ball could never go out of bounds in the first place.

Those first basketball courts were about a third smaller than they are today, and the cages provided a physical boundary and an extra immovable for savvy teams. Could you imagine how much different the game of basketball would be today if those cages had stuck around?

The Alternative Key Designs

Today, basketball courts at all levels share a common design for the key — a rectangle measuring either 19 feet by 16 feet or 19 feet by 12 feet. However, this was not always the case. From the creation of FIBA in 1956 until 2010, the key was a trapezoidal design that was significantly wider at the baseline.

Another design of this feature is responsible for the name “key.” Have you ever thought about how a rectangular area under a basket got such a random name?

The reason is that the original area was much narrower, while the circle surrounding the free throw line was the same size. These two factors combined to create a shape that resembled an old-fashioned key. In 1951, the key was widened to 12 feet and later to the 16 feet we see now in the NBA and FIBA.

While the term lives on, time has erased any record of its design and original reference. And for the record, the official name for this feature is “free throw lane,” which isn’t a phrase many of us hear often.

And that’s a wrap on the history of basketball’s court dimensions.

Perhaps you don’t have 94 feet of flat asphalt or indoor floor space. Don’t worry, because residential half court setups can be just as fun. And whether you are looking to paint your court or apply a pre-made solution, sticking to the official dimensions will take your pickup games to the next level.

Take a look at our selection of goals, nets and accessories to bring your home’s court together. You’ll have a hard time dragging your kids off the court as they spend hours posting up like Boogie, slashing like LeBron and launching it from deep like Steph.

How Far is The Free Throw Line from The Basket?

The free throw is one of the most common situations that occurs during a basketball game. Usually, an offensive player goes up for a shot and is fouled by their defender putting them on the charity stripe for a couple of freebies. There are other ways in which foul shots are awarded, but this is the most common.

You notice the terms associated with free throws – like “charity stripe” and even the term “free throw” – depict them as an easy, or not hard, act. During free throws, the player is shooting an unguarded shot from a very manageable distance. 

Just how far is that distance? 15 feet, to be exact.

The Art Of The Free Throw

Whenever I think about measurements on the basketball court, like the free throw line, I can’t help but remember the famous scene in the 1986 film Hoosiers. If you call yourself a basketball fan and have never seen it, stop everything (after you finish this article, of course) and watch it immediately!

The film, based loosely on the true story of Indiana high school basketball Cinderella Story the “Milan Miracle”, follows an underdog basketball team through their season. Towards the end of the movie, they are set to play in a massive arena, a far cry from the small high school gyms they are used to.

The team’s coach (played by the legendary actor, Gene Hackman) brings them on the court to measure the foul line distance. When they measure it, it comes out to be fifteen feet, the same distance as it is in their little hometown court. I love the message of the scene, that every foul shot is the same distance away: Fifteen feet. 

So, if every free throw is essentially created equal, then why do players’ free throw percentages differ so much? There are a couple of reasons:

1.

Just because everyone shoots free throws from fifteen feet away, it doesn’t mean their techniques are the same. Some players’ shooting techniques are flawed, be it from where they release their shot to how much they use their legs while shooting. 

There are a lot of moving pieces when someone attempts a shot and they must be close to perfect in order to make them on a regular basis. When it comes to a skill like shooting, technique is probably the single most important aspect.

2. Arc

While the arc under your shot is a direct result of your technique, it is critical to understand the importance of a high arcing shot. 

The rim is 18 inches wide, so improving the angle at which your shot enters the rim will help you make shots more consistently. If your shot isn’t perfect but shoot with a lot of arc your chances of making a shot, even if it hits the rim several times before going in, increase.

3. Shooting Routine

It can be an isolating feeling when you step to the foul line and the referee hands you the ball. Sure, no one is guarding you, but every eye is on you until you take your shots. 

When you take a shot in a game, there really isn’t much time to think about it like there is during a foul shot. But, the more you think, the more out of the regular flow of the game you are. 

Take a look at someone like Giannis, an MVP talent that has trouble shooting from the foul line. He takes so long to shoot, the natural motion of the shot is completely interrupted. This can be a huge problem.

During my playing days, my foul shot routine was simple: three dribbles, set myself, and shoot. No unwanted motion and no time to overthink my shot. Obviously, a lot more goes into the shot than your routine, but if you are loose when you shoot, the odds of your shot going in increase.  

4. Fatigue

Basketball is a physically rigorous sport. If you make it to the foul line while tired and out of breath, there is a good chance that your shot will suffer. Whether you short arm it or don’t bend your knees far enough because of fatigue, the trajectory of your shot will change. 

A simple trick if you find yourself at the foul line gasping for air is to take two or three deep breaths in order to regulate your breathing. Fatigue affects everything that you do on the court, and foul shots are difficult when you are tired.

For further reading, you may be interested in this conclusion: Shooting 95% from the free-throw line is almost impossible!

Want to know why? Watch this video to learn more. WIRED’s Robbie Gonzalez steps up to the foul line with top shooter Steve Nash to find out what it would take to get to 95 percent.

NBA Foul Shooting: The Best Ever

Watch any of the best and/or worst foul shooters in NBA history and you will probably notice immediately why they are either good or bad at the skill.  

If you are an aspiring hooper, you may want to take some pointers from the best’s foul shooting routine (and block the worst shooter’s routines from your memory bank!)

Let’s take a look at some of the best free-throw shooters in NBA history.

1. Stephen Curry – 90.66%
2. Steve Nash – 90.43%
3. Mark Price – 90.39%
4. Peja Stojakovic – 89.48%
5. Chauncey Billups – 89.40%
6. Ray Allen – 89.39%
7. Rick Barry – 89.31%
8. Calvin Murphy – 89.16%
9. JJ Redick – 89.12%
10. Damian Lillard – 88.91%

It is no coincidence that the free throw % leaderboard is littered with the best three-point shooters in league history as well. 

A lot of shooting comes down to the repetition of a shooting stroke that goes in the hoop time and time again. Repeating the same consistent shooting motion is what has made these shooters so dominant.

Final Thoughts

With the free throw line distance being measured at fifteen feet for as long as the game of basketball has been around, players have a consistent target to practice from.  

However, just because the distance doesn’t change doesn’t mean that you will be successful at shooting free throws without proper practice and repetition.

Many players don’t think practicing free throws is important, but the more points you can add to your team’s final score, the better your chances to win are. So, don’t slack on your free throw practice!

What is your free throw shooting routine? Let us know below in the comments section!

Why Does the Referee Award Three Free Throws?

Also 2 shots are awarded when a violation occurs on a athlete who did not plan to shoot the ball into the basket, and the offending basketball player's team has more than 5 fouls. 3 throws of - when on an athlete about to throw violated the rules outside the 3 point zone.

How are free throws awarded in basketball?

A free throw is awarded by the referee in the event of a foul at the time of the throw or for intentional rudeness. When the ball hits the basket during the violation, it breaks once, in other cases - twice. Each of the goals scored, when performing free throws , is worth one point.

How many free throws can a referee award for a basketball foul?

Every free throw in basketball brings the team one point. Free throws for one foul may be awarded one, two or three. Free throws may only be awarded by referee .

When a technical foul is called in the sports game of basketball free throws can be taken?

57.3 When a technical foul is called free throws may be taken by any Player designated by the Captain of the opposing team. 57.4.1 Must take position behind line free throw and inside the semicircle.

How many points does a free kick give in basketball?

Points (English points) - an indicator in basketball , which is used to determine the winner of the game. For free throws the team is awarded one point , for a hit from behind the arc (FIBA: 6.75 m, NBA: 7.24 m) - 3 points , all other throws are estimated at 2 points .

How many substitutions are allowed during a game?

How many substitutions are allowed during a basketball game In one game, are allowed to make as many as many substitutions as desired . You can change any athletes, however, only in those moments when it becomes possible to do so.

When are 3 free throws awarded in basketball?

Also 2 throws are awarded when there is a violation of the rules on an athlete who did not plan to throw the ball into the basket, and the team of the offending basketball player has more than 5 fouls. 3 throws - when an athlete about to throw has been violated outside the 3 point zone.

What does 24 seconds mean in basketball?

Basketball 24 second rule (English shot-clock) - rule obliging the attacking team to shoot the ring within 24 seconds . The clock starts from the moment the team has possession of the ball and only runs when the ball is in play. Counter 24 seconds is discarded if the ball touches the hoop.

Who throws a technical foul in basketball?

In the case of unsportsmanlike conduct by the coach, assistant coach, substitute (player on the bench) or team follower, foul is awarded to the coach, and the opposing team hits two free throws.

What is the name of one of the fouls in basketball?

Carrying the ball in basketball - violation of rules , recorded by the player performing the dribbling, in case of holding the ball in his hand.

What is a pivot in basketball?

Turn or pivot (eng. pivot ) - turn (usually with the ball) on the supporting leg.

Who is the author of the basketball game?

Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world. Basketball included in the program of the Olympic Games since 1936 (inventor game James Naismith was there as a guest). The regular world championships in basketball among men have been held since 1950, among women since 1953, and the European Championships since 1935.

When do teams change pots?

Before the first and third periods teams have the right to warm up in the half of the court where the opponent's basket is located. Teams must exchange baskets before the third period. The game cannot start if one of the teams Five (5) Players are not on the court ready to play.

How many points are awarded for hitting the basket on a long distance shot?

For each hit of the ball into the ring points are awarded as follows: 2 points - within the arc, 3 points - beyond outside the arc, 1 9030 penalty shot.

How many points are there in basketball?

Most points among all leagues, ages, not taking into account gender differences, was set by 13-year-old Mats Vermelin, representing Sweden. He scored 272 points The record was set on February 5, 1974 at the regional competition for boys in Stockholm. The match ended with the score 272–0

What are the points in basketball?

For one hit in the basket, a team can get a different amount of points .

• 1 point - when hitting the basket from the free throw line;
• 2 - when hitting the basket from a medium or close distance;
• 3 - when hit in the basket at a distance of 6 meters 75 centimeters.

Top 10 Worst Free Throwers in NBA History - All About Basketball

Top 10 Worst Free Throwers in NBA History to put it mildly, a bad free throw. Some of the players featured on this list have been and are considered to be the top players in the NBA. But everyone with the prefix super has its weak point. These guys have free throws. It was impossible to look without laughing at obvious blunders from the foul line. But first things first…

10. Chuck Hayes

Chuck, a 198 cm power forward forced to play center, came to the league playing in the NCAA for one of the leading clubs - the Kentucky Wildcats.

Hayes is now 28 years old and currently a player for the Houston Rockets. In principle, it is no different except for the clumsy execution of free kicks on the floor. Some statistics: the career rate of hitting free throws is not so terrible - 60.3% (232-385). I suggest watching the video, there is really something to see!

9. Quame Brown

Carolina, Quame Brown was drafted in 2001 by the Washington Wizards with the first pick. For all 10 years, Kveim has been rubbing his soft spot on the bench, leaving the court for 7-10 minutes. However, Brown's personality did not go unnoticed. His meter undershoots to the ring are known to the entire association. In the video, you can see that I am not exaggerating with the word "meter".

8. Emeca OKAFAR

Chukvuemek Noubuisi Okaphor, more well -known under the name of Emek, came to the league in 2004 and immediately knocked down in the leaders of the blocks, however and possessed one of the wings. percent hit in the NBA. Now Okafor plays quite successfully for the Hornets. He defends well, knows how to play in public, but suffers from the main problem of the big guys - a low percentage of hits from the foul line. The most interesting thing is that Okafor knows how to ignite the audience not only with a spectacular dunk, but also with frank misses from the penalty line. I propose to watch a fragment of the match between New Orleans and Oklahoma, where Okafor "distinguished himself."

7. Dwait Howard

Olympic champion of 2008, the best defensive player of 2009-2011, winner of the Slampdank of the Contest ... In general, you will not load you with the track record of the choir. I'll just say that this is a superman man who absolutely does not know how to throw free kicks. Dwight's career lane hit rate is 59.8%. However, now Howard started to work on free throws and by the end of the season we saw progress. But Dwight still has a lot to strive for. This video is proof of that.