Home »
Misc »
How many lines on a basketball
How many lines on a basketball
Basketball Court Lines
Home>Sports>Basketball>Basketball Rules
PreviousNext
Any basketball court has various lines marking different parts of the basketball court, and each line has its own specific role in the way a basketball game is played. Read on to learn about the lines on a basketball court and what each line means.
Table of Contents
- What are the lines on a basketball court?
- The Baselines (End Lines)
- The Sidelines
- The Boundary Lines
- The Free Throw Line (Foul Line)
- The Lane Lines (Paint or Key)
- The Midcourt Line (Half-Court Line)
- The Three Point Line (Three Point Arc)
- The Restricted Area
- The Hash Marks
- FAQ
What are the lines on a basketball court?
It's important to learn the lines on a basketball court to understand the game. Every line on the court has a purpose. Here are all the lines on a basketball court:
- Baselines (End Lines)
- Sidelines
- Boundary Lines
- Free throw Line (Foul Line)
- Lane lines (Paint or Key)
- Midcourt line (Half-court Line)
- Three Point Line (Three Point Arc)
- Restricted area
- Hash Marks
The Baselines (End Lines)
The baselines, also known as end lines, are located on the ends of the court.![]()
The baselines denote inbounds and out of bounds on each side of the court. If the ball goes out of bounds across the baseline, players will stand behind the baseline and to the side of the backboard to inbound the ball. Depending on who you talk to, you may hear someone call these lines either the baselines or end lines. Baselines are 50 feet long.
The Sidelines
On the sides of the court are the sidelines. Like the baselines, the sidelines mark the boundaries between inbounds and out of bounds. If a player steps on these lines or crosses them, he is out of bounds. Behind the sidelines are where the benches and scorers table are located, home to the head coach, players, officials, and media. The sidelines are 94 feet long.
The Boundary Lines
The sidelines and baselines make up the perimeter of a basketball court. Together, they form the boundary lines dividing the court between inbounds and out of bounds. If the ball or a player in possession of the ball touches any boundary line, they will be called out of bounds, and the ball will be given to the opposing team.
The boundary lines measure 94 feet (sidelines) by 50 feet (baselines).
The Free Throw Line (Foul Line)
The free throw line or the foul line is used by players during free throws when a player is fouled while in the shooting motion, after a technical or flagrant foul, or when a team is in the bonus. If awarded a free throw, a player will stand behind the foul line and shoot an uncontested shot that is worth one point. A foul on a two-point shot that doesn’t go in awards two free throws, and a foul on a three point shot that doesn’t go in is worth three points. The free throw line is further away from the basket in the NBA and college basketball compared to high school basketball. Free throw lines are 12 feet in length. They are 15 feet from the backboard and 19 feet from the baseline in the NBA.
The Lane Lines (Paint or Key)
The lane lines are two lines that perpendicularly attach to the baselines and free throw lines. The rectangular area created by the free throw line and two lane lines is usually painted and referred to as either the “key” or the “paint.
” The lane lines are 19 feet long in the NBA.
Players are not allowed to stay within this area for more than three seconds, or they will be called for a violation. However, a defensive three-second violation is only assessed at the professional level since NCAA and high school basketball permits defenders to stay in the paint for any length of time.
The Midcourt Line (Half-Court Line)
The midcourt line is located in the middle of the court and divides it equally into two pieces. It is also known as the half-court line. The midcourt line is used to equally divide the court and to call backcourt violations, which happen when a team with possession crosses mid-court and brings the ball back into their side of the court without the other team touching it. A backcourt violation will not be called if the defense deflects the ball into the other side of the court. The midcourt line is the same length as the baseline, which is 50 feet.
The Three Point Line (Three Point Arc)
The three point line, or three point arc, surrounds each team's basket.
It is used to determine how many points a field goal is worth. A team will earn two points if the shot is taken on or inside the three point line and goes into the basket. If a shot is taken outside the three point line and goes into the basket, a team will earn three points. If any part of a player's shoe is touching the line prior to releasing the ball, it will count as two points.
It is important to note that the distance between the three point line and the basket varies depending on what level of basketball is being played. The NBA three point line is the furthest away, followed by FIBA, the WNBA, and college basketball. Lastly, the high school three point line is the closest.
The radius of the three point line at each level of basketball is as follows:
- NBA: 23ft 9in
- FIBA, WNBA, & College: 22ft 2in
- High School: 19ft 9in
The Restricted Area
The restricted area (also known as the restricted zone or restricted arc) is a semicircle located under the basket, with a four-foot radius in the NBA.
In college basketball, the restricted area is slightly smaller and has a radius of three feet. High school and lower levels of basketball don’t have a restricted area marked on the court.
In this area, offensive charging fouls are not called. A defender inside or on the restricted area is not considered a legal guarding position and cannot draw a charging foul from their opponent. This means that even if a charge occurred, a defender inside the restricted area will be called for a blocking foul because they are within the restricted area and made contact with a driving opponent.
The Hash Marks
The hash marks are small lines connected to the lane lines. They run in rows towards the basket on either side of the free throw line. These lines denote where the non-shooting players should stand during a free throw. Only three players on each side of the painted area are permitted to stand within the hash marks during free throws. Players are not allowed to encroach inside of the hash marks, as this could interfere with the player taking the free throw.
There are also two sets of hash marks on each sideline, which mark the area where coaches and players can stand in relation to the scorer’s table.
FAQ
What do the lines on a basketball court mean?
There are many lines on a basketball court that have different purposes. The most important lines to know on the basketball court are the boundary lines, which mark the area of the court which is in play and the area that is out of bounds. The boundary lines consist of the two sidelines and the two baselines that form the rectangular boundary of the court. The midcourt line separates the two halves of the court. Free throw lines are used to mark the locations where players shoot free throws, and the three point line marks the distance where shots become worth three points instead of two.
What is the name of the line below the basketball hoop?
The name of the line below the basketball hoop is called the “restricted area.” Inside of this line, defenders will not be able to draw a charge, even if they have set their feet before contact.
Thus, when attempting to draw a charge, a defender should stay out of this area when setting their feet.
What is the name of the line that separates a basketball court in the middle?
The midcourt line, also known as the half-court line, is the line that runs through the middle of a basketball court and separates the two halves. The midcourt line is used to divide the two sides of a basketball court equally. Each team will attack offensively on one basket and defend on the other. The midcourt line is also used to call backcourt violations, which occur when a team in possession of the ball crosses the midcourt line to play offense and brings the ball back over midcourt to their defensive side of the court.
PreviousNext
Pages Related to Basketball Court Lines
- Basketball Court Components
- Basketball Free Throws
- Basketball Court Boundary Lines
- Basketball Dribbling
- Basketball Field Goals
- Basketball Clocks And Time
PreviousNext
The Lines and Dimensions of a Basketball Court
Updated: 06-09-2022
Golf's Short Game For Dummies
Explore Book Buy On Amazon
A basketball court has symmetry; one half of the court is a mirror image of the other.
The entire basketball court (see Figure 1) is 94 feet by 50 feet. On each half-court, painted lines show the
free throw lane and
circle, as well as the
three-point arc, whose distance from the basket varies based on the level of hoops being played.
Figure 1: The American court.
Indoor basketball courts are almost always made of hardwood. Outdoor courts are most commonly composed of asphalt.
The borders of the court have their own commonsense names:
- Along the length of the court, the borders are the sidelines.
- Along the ends, the borders are the endlines, or baselines.
- Separating both halves of the court is a midcourt line.
- In the very center of the midcourt line is the center circle (12 feet in diameter), where the center toss takes place to begin the game.
The free throw lane and free throw line
The
free throw lane is the hub of the action in each half-court.
This rectangle is 12 feet wide — 16 feet at the men's pro level. Its length, as measured from the basket to the
free throw line, is 15 feet at all levels. An offensive player may not stand inside the lane for more than three seconds unless he or one of his teammates is shooting the ball. After a shot is taken, the count starts over again. A defensive player may remain inside the lane for as long as he desires.
A player fouled by another player sometimes receives free throws, also known as foul shots. She takes these shots (they aren't really "throws") from the free throw line at the end of the lane — 15 feet from the basket. The shots are "free" because a defender does not guard the shooter while she's shooting. When a player shoots a free throw, her feet may not cross the free throw line until the ball hits the rim, or else the shot is nullified.
The remaining players line up alongside the free throw lane (or behind the shooter) and cannot interfere with the shot.
They line up in order, on either side of the lane, of defense-offense-defense-offense. (Up to four players may stand on one side of the lane.) If a player opts not to take a spot (say, for example, the second defensive spot), then a player from the opposing team is permitted to step into that spot. The fans behind the basket usually scream, jump up and down, and wave their hands to try to distract an opposing team's shooter during free throws.
The three-point arc
The
three-point arc is the other important marked feature of the court. The arc extends around the basket in a near semicircle, and its distance from the basket differs according to the level of play. Even at one level, the distance can change as rules committees grapple with the best distance for the good of the sport. The NBA has changed the three-point distance on two different occasions since first adopting the
trey, as the three-point shot is called, in the 1979-1980 season. The three-point distance was moved back to its original 23' 9" for the 1997-1998 season.
The college distance is 19' 9", while the international distance is 20' 6".
Any shot made from beyond this arc — even a desperation half-court shot at the buzzer — is worth three points. A three-point shooter must have both feet behind the arc as he launches this shot, but either foot is allowed to land on the other side of the arc.
The backcourt and frontcourt
Thinking of the entire court as two half-courts, divide it into frontcourt and backcourt. The
frontcourt is the half of the court where the offense's basket is located. The
backcourt is the other half. Thus one team's backcourt is the other team's frontcourt.
About This Article
This article can be found in the category:
5 Basketball Exercises to Move the Ball with Passes
There is nothing better than watching a team move the ball quickly and efficiently around the court without greed.
Overcoming the defense with smart passing the ball to each other, creating situations for open shots and passes is one of the great offensive techniques.
Want your team to do it?
Basketball passing exercises in this article will help you with this.
But first let me explain something very important...
There are two types of training exercises:
1. Technique for passing the ball.
2. Decision making during transfers.
Unfortunately, most coaches only focus on the "technical" aspect of training and forget how to train their team's decision-making ability when it comes to sharing the ball.
Your players will not improve their game passes by doing thousands of repetitions of chest passes.
While technical drills have their place, they are far less important than passing drills with decision making.
We must let the players learn how to read the defense and make the right decisions.
In addition, ball passing drills are great for starting a workout to warm up your team and get them to communicate and work together.
5 ball passing exercises.
1. Advance
How the drill works:
Players form 3 columns evenly distributed along the end line. The two outside players start with the balls.
3 players advance across the court passing the ball back and forth to the middle player and then finish the exercise with two shots from under the basket.
Purpose:
A fun passing exercise that works on catching and passing without running, with communication, timing, and shooting from under the basket at game speed.
Formation:
Players form 3 columns behind the end line.
Two players on the outside lines have balls.
Instructions:
3 players (1, 2 and 5) begin to move forward on the court. The 1st outside player passes the ball to the 2nd player in the middle line.
Immediately upon receiving the ball, the center line player returns the ball to the same player on the touchline.
The 1st middle player then turns to the other side and receives a pass from the 5th outside player and immediately returns the ball to him.
Outside players may use 1-2 steps to avoid running.
The drill continues until the players reach the opposite 3-point line. When this happens, the two outside dribblers go to the basket and shoot.
The group then waits at the opposite end for the rest of the groups to complete the exercise before starting the exercise on the other side. On the top right diagram, the three players (4, 3 and 2) continue the exercise according to the scheme described above.
Options:
Medium or 3 point shots. Instead of ending with a run to the basket, players may end with mid-range shots or 3-point shots.
Back and forth - Instead of waiting at the other end, the troika can complete the drill both ways.
Only now the threes are placed on both end lines and begin the exercise when the three from the opposite side return to their half of the court.
One Ball - If you are coaching very young players, you can run this exercise with one ball until the players understand how it works.
Coach's notes:
Passes must be passed on the move in front of the player using proper passing technique.
The receiver must hold his hands at goodie level, showing 10 fingers and calling for the ball to be passed to him.
The middle player must catch the ball and quickly pass the ball to a running partner. Don't run!
Shooting technique while moving from under the basket is very important in this exercise. Watch your footwork and make sure all players are doing it right.
2. Monkey in the middle
How the exercise works:
Players are divided into groups of three. Each group has one ball. The two transmitters lined up 12 to 15 feet apart.
The third player in the group is the "monkey in the middle". He tries to hit or steal the ball. The two outside players must pass the ball to each other without using cross passes or dribbling. Simply turning and using feints to open up the passing line and pass the ball past the defender.
Goal:
A fun exercise that works on defense at the same time. This exercise will teach players how to use feints and turns to create a passing zone and also to protect the ball.
Lineup:
• Groups of 3 players.
• Each group has one ball.
• The passers are lined up 12-15 feet apart with the third player (back) in the middle.
Instructions:
1. The drill starts with the defender attacking the player who starts the drill with the ball.
2. The attacker uses feints and steps to pass to another attacker while the defender attempts to parry or intercept the pass.
3. After each pass, the defender rushes towards the ball carrier and tries to press the ball again.
4. When the defender recovers the ball or kicks the ball, the players change positions.
Variations:
Change after a certain time - Players can change positions
after a certain period of time (depending on the age of the players, their strength and stamina), and not after each interception and elimination. For example, 30-40 seconds.
One dribbling available. Let the attacking players hit the ball once to the floor to open up the passing corner. It will be tougher for the defender.
Only bounce passes allowed - in order to make it more difficult for attackers, allow them to only bounce passes.
Notes:
• It is very important for a defender to have active arms and legs at all times. This is the best way to intercept.
• Passing players must wait for the defender to recover before making the next pass. The purpose of the training is to learn how to pass and create passing angles.
• If there is no set time, the offensive player must not hold the ball for more than 5 seconds without passing the ball.
• No passing in an arc! They make the drill too easy for the attackers and will not lead to improvement.
3. Swing passes
How the exercise works:
The team is divided into 4 groups in the corners on half the court. The players make a pass to the player on the right, who start running along the sideline towards the endline. The sender then joins the end of the column into which he passed the ball.
Purpose:
A drill intended to be used primarily with young players or as a warm-up. This training will improve passing the ball on the move, as well as improve reception and passing without dribbling.
Lineup:
• The team is divided into 4 groups. One group located in each corner.
• The first player in one of the groups has the ball.
Instructions:
1. The drill is started by ball carrier 02 passing the ball 01 to the player on the right.
2. Before passing the ball, the receiver must start running in the direction of the next group, where he will make the next pass of the ball.
3. 01, having received the ball, passes it to player 05, who starts a dash towards 03.
4. After each pass, the passer joins the end of the group where the ball was passed.
5. The exercise continues according to the same scheme with passes and jerks of the players along the square in the same direction.
6. After a certain period of time, the coach changes the direction of the passes.
Options:
Turn on the second ball. If the players perform confidently, then you can enter the second ball in the opposite corner.
Various types of passes - The drill can be performed with one or two hand passes, bouncing, etc. One Dribbling - Players are allowed to make one dribbling before passing to the next player. This can be useful if you are passing with one hand.
TIPS:
• The receiver does not need to slow down or speed up to catch a transmission.
Transfers must be accurate, timely and forward.
• The receiver must initiate the snatch in a timely manner with arms outstretched to assist the passing player in making a timely and accurate pass.
• It is very important that you do not interfere in any way during the exercise. Don't let them fall into this bad habit.
• Begin the exercise at medium speed at the beginning until the players understand it. Then increase the intensity.
4. Bronze gears.
How the drill works:
Starting at the end line at the edge of the penalty area, pairs of players pass the ball back and forth using different passes as they run across the court to the other end line. When they get there, they move closer to the touchline and come back using various passes over the players in the middle of the court.
Purpose:
An excellent warm-up that provides many passes in a short amount of time. Including passes of various lengths and types for players in training.
Line-up:
• All players find a partner.
• Each pair has one ball.
• Pairs split into two columns behind the endline at the edge of the SR.
Instructions:
• 1. The first pair move to the opposite side at a slow pace in the middle of the court, passing the ball from the chest to each other.
• 2. As soon as the first pair is closer to the 3-point line, the next pair starts.
• 3. When the first pair of players reach the opposing endline, they move to the touchlines and return, passing the ball over the pairs of players moving in the middle of the court.
• 4. When the players return to their starting position, they rejoin the pairs in the middle of the court and continue continuous practice.
• 5. Every couple of minutes, change the type of passes players make for middle pairs and outside pairs.
Options:
Gears for pairs in the middle.
For the middle lanes, there are several types of passes that I recommend: from the chest, with a rebound, one-handed from the chest, and one-handed with a rebound.
Outline Passes - For outside lines there are several types of passes that I recommend: chest passes, overhead passes, one hand passes.
Remember to consider your team's age, strength and skill level when deciding which passes they should use during practice.
Tips:
• Follow the pace of the exercise; especially if it is used as one of the warm-up exercises. Walking should not be allowed, but too much traffic should also be avoided. Accurate transmission is the main focus of training.
• Players on the outside lines must not make too many passes in an arc and with a very high trajectory on their passes. They should be at a height that is safe enough not to hit the midlines, but straight enough to reach your partner quickly.
• The ability to pass the ball with either hand is an important skill to develop.
Expect mistakes when your players first perform a drill, but make sure you train them properly.
• Footwork is very important during this workout. Players must be able to catch the ball and pass back to their partner in two steps. If you are training young children and they cannot pass the ball at speed yet, slow down the pace of the exercise.
• After each run around the court, the players must switch to the sides so that they practice passing short and long passes from both sides of their body.
5. Netball
How the exercise works:
regular battle without dribbting the ball is allowed at any time. Games can be played 3 on 3, 4 on 4, or 5 on 5.
Target:
An excellent exercise that improves not only passing the ball, but also moving without the ball, positioning, jerking, etc. This exercise will lead to less use of dribbling in games and fewer losses.
Lineup:
• Divide the players into two teams based on the number of players available for training.
• Try to make teams of the same height and skill level.
• Only one ball is needed for training.
Instructions:
1. Teams play normal full game - no dribbling!
2. The exercise is performed within the time specified by the trainer.
3. Start with the arrangement shown in the diagram.
Point system:
• The game is played up to either 5 or 11 points.
• Each 2-point roll is worth 1 point.
• Each 3-point roll is worth 2 points.
• Must win by 2 points.
• In the event of a shooting foul, the offensive player throws one free throw for 1 point.
Variations:
One Shot Allowed - Players are allowed 1 dribbling when they gain possession of the ball. This is not a requirement, just an option.
Only bounce passes allowed - Restrict your players to only use bounce passes.
3 teams. The exercise starts by dividing your team into 3 groups of 3 to 5 players.
Two teams start defense in each half. The third team is in the middle of the court on offense. The offensive team chooses one side and tries to score the ball without dribbling. Same scoring system as above. After a goal is scored or the possession of the ball is changed, the defensive team receives the ball, attacks in the opposite direction. The previous offensive team may play defense up to the center line of the court. Play until one team reaches 5 or 11 points.
Hints:
• It is very important to give players instructions on how to set up wide and run smart to get the ball.
• If you need to step in to make adjustments or re-emphasize the most important points of the exercise (distance, snatches), step in but keep it short.
• All passes must be at least 3 feet long. Don't let the players run up and pass the ball from each other's hands.
• Footwork is important in this exercise. Make sure the players are not running and that they are using turns correctly.
• Players must speak and use raised arms when rushing to the basket to receive the ball.
V. Melnichuk translation 07/23/2018
games with a basketball ball
1) Games used in the physical culture lessons and sectional classes for training rack, moving basketball player
“Race“ Race “Race“ Race Race balls, in columns” .
Two or four equal teams line up in a column one at a time. The players are in the front stance. The first players have the ball in their hands. On a signal, the players pass it under their feet (straightening their arms). The last player, having received the ball, gets up, runs forward, stands up and passes the ball in the same way. When the players who started the pass first are again in front of their teams, they lift the ball up. The first team to finish the game wins ( emphasis is placed on stand )
Dash for the ball.
The players are divided into two equal teams that line up along the front line of the basketball court. Each team is calculated in numerical order. The leader with the ball in his hands stands between the teams. Calling any number, the leader throws the ball forward as far as possible, the players with this number move to the ball strictly along the markings on the basketball court. Whoever touches the ball with his hand first, he brings the team a point. After that, returns the ball to the leader, who throws it again, calling a new number. The team with the most points is considered the winner. 1. Running must be carried out strictly along the lines of the basketball markings. 2. If two players touch the ball at the same time, each team scores a point ( basketball player movement, playing field knowledge )
"10 passes".
Students are divided into two equal teams. The captains stand in the center, as when dropping in basketball.
At the signal of the teacher, the ball is dropped and it is necessary to kick the ball so that the player of your team receives the ball, moving with side steps, you need to make 10 passes from the chest (in a row) so that the players of the opposite team do not take the ball. The game starts at the signal of the teacher. It is necessary to make 10 passes and hit the ball against the shield, the team receives one point for each hit. (basketball player move)
"Most Agile"
The student is in the front stance. The basketball is at knee level, right hand in front, left behind on the ball. At the command of the teacher, the player must change hands so that the ball does not touch the floor and the student does not lose coordination. We perform this exercise in 30 seconds. Whoever completes the most times wins. (emphasis is placed on the rack)
"Talking-racks"
The game is played within the basketball court.
Choose 3 drivers. On a signal, the players scatter all over the court, and the drivers try to knock down any fleeing player. The salted one becomes the leader and, raising his hand up, announces it loudly. At the whistle of the teacher, the players must stop and take the main stance of the basketball player. After correcting the mistakes made, the game resumes. (emphasis is placed on the rack)
2) Games used in physical education lessons and sectional basketball lessons for teaching ball dribbling
“Relay with dribbling ”
Players in two columns line up parallel to each other at the front lines. On a signal, the first ones dribble the ball forward to the opposite side (to the marked place), stop, throw the ball with both hands against the wall, catch it, and dribble the ball back. At a distance of 3-4 m from the column, they stop, pass the ball with both hands from the chest to the next player and themselves stand at the end of the column.
The team that finishes the dribble faster wins. You can place maces on the dribbling path, then the players must dribble, circling them.
"Brownian (random) movement".
Up to 40 low racks are placed throughout the gym in random places. The class is divided into 2-3 teams, each with no more than 10 players. Teams are given 1 minute each, during which the players, while dribbling the ball, must go around as many racks as possible, making a circle around each. The number of racks bypassed by all team members are summed up, thus, the winning team is revealed. Individual competitions are also possible.
It is necessary to dribble the ball for the whole minute, it is impossible to take the ball in both hands. Leading is carried out with one or alternately with the right and left hand. The height of the ball bounce is regulated by the teacher's signal. If in grades 4-6, dribbling is performed with any hand, regardless of the position of the racks, then starting from grade 7, dribbling is carried out with the far hand from the racks, as if simulating dribbling when approaching an opponent.
Leading 15.
Two players, moving in the same direction around the post or the third player standing in the center of the circle and dribbling the ball with the far hand from the opponent, try to touch each other with their free hand on the shoulder and at the same time not lose the ball. Players are allowed, in order to avoid tagging, to take away the free hand of the opponent with their hand. The one who managed to touch the opponent's shoulder and not lose the right to dribble gets 1 point. In case of loss of control over the ball, 1 point is awarded to the opponent and the player who made a mistake changes places with a partner standing in a circle.
Watchman.
The game is played by two people, each with a ball. Player 1 (watchman), dribbling the ball, protects the flag placed on the floor behind him. The "watchman" is allowed to take steps with one foot, the other (supporting) is 25-30 cm from the flag.
