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How to lay out basketball court lines


Basketball Court Lines

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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.

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Pages Related to Basketball Court Lines

  • Basketball Dribbling
  • Basketball Court Components
  • Basketball Field Goals
  • Basketball Clocks And Time
  • Basketball Court Boundary Lines
  • Basketball Free Throws

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What to Buy to Make Your Own Basketball Court with Stencils [Layouts, & Dimensions]

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Have you dreamed of having your own basketball court in your backyard?  Well, with help from this article, your Basketball Court Ideas into a reality!

A basketball court stencil is necessary to build your dream court with the proper dimensions. You do not want to paint lines that are not accurate in size or scale.  It will make pick-up games much easier and practice for real games possible.

Without proper stenciling, it can be almost impossible to play the game correctly.  If the three-point line is too close the score will not be accurate. If the foul line is placed too far back, many free-throws will be missed.

Through sites such as Amazon, it is possible to buy do-it-yourself basketball court stencils that will quickly and accurately help outline a basketball court in minutes.

The basketball court stencil kits are usually pre-cut, so the only instructions are to unroll the stencil onto the area you wish to be the court, grab paint, and go!

It will work on any surface, concrete, asphalt, or wood. Not only will this help players who are interested in competitive play, but it also encourages young children to pick up a basketball and learn the fundamentals of the game.

While many of the pre-cut basketball court stencils are about 13 by 21 feet or one-half of a college court, it is possible to find larger and smaller stencils as well as reusable stencils if painting a driveway permanently is not a possibility.

Because of the popular nature of this sport, different stencils exist but remain “dimensionally” similar.  Obviously, a stenciled court will not be official NBA size, but more along the lines of college or high school.

With the help of a basketball court stencil, players will have the ability to gain a deeper understanding of the dimensions of the court, where they can and cannot dribble the ball, and the approximate amount of power needed to shoot a foul shot or three-pointer.

 

The Basics of a Basketball Court Layout

In order to accurately and effectively play the game of basketball, you must understand the basketball court layout.

The rectangular boundaries which indicate out-of-bounds, the center circle where jump balls take place, and the “paint” are all specific areas of the court which contain certain rules.

Understanding these areas along with the others can help a coach to draw up plays during the game, players to get the most out of their game, and it also keeps fans from getting injured.

So, not only does the layout help coaches but players as well.  The layout is quite straightforward, as different colored paint and lines help to divide the court into its playable areas.

In the middle of the court is a painted circle, about 12ft (3.6 meters) in diameter where games or halves are started.

Both the home and away baskets are identical, which a three-point arch, a restricted area also known as the “paint,” and the hoop in the middle about 4ft (1. 5 meters) in front of the out-of-bounds line.

The “paint” is the painted rectangle under the hoop and the player who has control of the ball may only stay in this area for three seconds before a foul is called.

The foul line, which is at the end of the “paint,” is about 18ft (5.5 meters) away from the hoop, and is used when a player commits a penalty.  Within the three-point arch and the “paint,” a player may shoot a basket but is only worth 2 points.

 

The Importance of a Basketball Court Diagram

The game of basketball is equal parts mental and physical, which may come as a surprise to many of you. Learning the dimensions of the court, which areas may produce the greatest amount of baskets and how to strategize a play can mean the difference between winning and losing a game of basketball.

Printable Basketball Court Diagram With Terms

In order to accurately play and coach the game of basketball, it is important to understand a basketball court diagram.

Usually, a coach will have a clipboard and a dry-erase copy of the basketball court, which they can then use throughout the game to work out plays and strategy.

Most of the time, a diagram is used to create different offensive and defensive plays during the game to outwit the other team. As well as create plays, the diagrams can also be used to show substitutions, areas of concern or measurements to help players shoot the ball with greater accuracy.

Because of the competitive nature of the game, it is very important that players and coaches alike use the basketball court diagram to their advantage.

To expand on the mental side of the game, you should think of the diagram as a board game then determine possible outcomes of your team as well as the opposing team. During practices, the teams must create game-like situations using a diagram like the ones pictured here, and reenact possible outcomes to better defend their own net.

 

Dimensions of Basketball Courts

Dimensions of basketball courts depend on the skill level and age of the athletes playing the game.  Beginning at the elementary school level, courts are approximately 74 feet in length and increase in size up to 94 feet for professionals in the NBA.

As the length and width increase in size, so do the different areas of the court such as the “paint” or rectangle under the basket, or the three-point arch. Each school, college, or professional team sport their own colors which can further confuse opposing teams as they are not used to certain patterns or colored lines. As a large audience began watching and the playing basketball, it quickly became apparent that children and teenagers could not compete on NBA-sized courts (94 feet in length) for reasons such as height and strength.

Because of the popularity of the game, many rules and regulations such as standards for the dimensions of basketball courts have been put into place.

Junior high school courts are about 74 feet in length, while high school courts are approximately 84 feet and college courts are full sized 94ft.

For the adult who enjoys pick-up games with their friends, a high school sized court will suffice, as the skill and ability levels are not honed to professional standards.

It is also important to understand the height of the basket, as this can become a factor in outscoring your opponent. Standard hoops starting at the elementary level are 10 feet high, often leading to low-scoring games until high school.

 

High School Basketball Court Dimensions

Extracurricular sports, especially basketball, have a great impact on young minds. Many people do not know that high school basketball court dimensions differ from those seen in the NBA or even in college. This is due to the fact that many students are still growing during their tenure, making a full-size court very difficult to play on.

Basketball is just as much an individual sport as a team sport, with a coach designing plays, mediating disputes, and providing advice to his team. The players training on their own and using their skill to play their position well their teammates.

Much like a business, everyone must do their own part, work together towards a common goal, and receive advice or criticism from their boss (the coach). It is very important to understand the boundaries of a profession as it is important to understand the boundaries of a basketball court. 84ft (25.60 meters) by 50ft (15.25 meters) are the standard high school basketball court dimensions, which is somewhat smaller than an NBA court, but the ratio of length to width is still the same.

 

College Basketball Court Dimensions

College basketball court dimensions are the same size as the NBA, which differs from high school, junior high, and elementary courts. Not only because of the size of the players but also to increase the difficulty of the sport.

All interior markings, the three-point arc, free throw line, and the center circle are all the same, but the length and width are changed depending on the playing level and country.

In the United States, the college basketball court is 28. 65 meters by 15.24 meters or 94 feet by 50 feet.


I hope this article helped you to better understand the dimensions of a college basketball court and why different leagues such as the NBA or international teams have similarly scaled courts. I hope you’ve gained a deeper understanding of the basketball court diagram and basketball court stencil, as it is just as important as practicing free-throws or three-point shots.  With the correct amount of physical practice and mental planning, it is very likely you will succeed at learning and playing the sport well.

If you have any other questions about the game of basketball and making your own backyard or driveway basketball court, please feel free to leave a comment below.

 

FAQ

What are the dimensions of a kid-sized basketball court?
Elementary school/Junior high school courts are about 74 feet in length, while high school courts are approximately 84 feet and college courts are full sized 94ft.

What are the dimensions of a high school basketball court?
The high school basketball court dimensions are 84ft (25.60 meters) by 50ft (15.25 meters).

What are dimensions of a College Basketball Court?
The dimensions of a college basketball court are 28.65 meters by 15.24 meters or 94 feet by 50 feet.  From the free-throw line to the hoop, it is about 15 feet, and another 4 feet from the hoop to the baseline (out-of-bounds).  From the basket to either side of the three-point arch is slightly less than 20 feet, at 19 feet 9 inches.  The “paint” area is 12 feet wide, and the radius of the center court circle is 6 feet.

What is “the paint” on a Basketball Court?
The “paint” is the painted rectangle under the hoop and the player who has control of the ball may only stay in this area for three seconds before a foul is called.  The foul line, which is at the end of the “paint,” is about 5.5 meters away from the hoop, and is used when a player commits a penalty.   Within the three-point arch and the “paint,” a player may shoot a basket but is only worth 2 points.

When was basketball invented?
The game was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith, who would be the first basketball coach of the Kansas Jayhawks, one of the most successful programs in the game’s history.

Source: Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design

Basketball court markings: standards and norms

Author of the article

Khvatkov Dmitry

Consultant in the production of rubber coatings

Basketball field marking requirements are approved by the FIBA ​​standard. The site must be flat with a hard surface, free of bends, cracks and other obstacles. The accepted dimensions of the field are 28 m long and 16 m wide. By NBA standards, the field is slightly larger: 28.7 m (94' ft) long and 15.3 m (50' ft) wide.

Areas not intended for international competitions may differ from accepted standards (for public use, in schools or universities, etc. ) and usually vary from 20 to 28 m in length and from 12 to 16 m in width.

Basketball Court Marking Standards

Basketball court markings are conventionally divided into 5 components:

  • Boundary lines. They are located along the perimeter of the site and set its size. The lines that run along the field are called side lines, and those that are behind the baskets are called front lines.
  • Central line. Divides the court in half parallel to the front lines.
  • Central zone. It is a circle and is placed in the middle of the center line, and, accordingly, in the center of the entire field.
  • Three-point line. It is a semi-ellipse and is located around the shields on both sides of the field. It limits the close range.
  • Free throw line. It is located in front of the boards parallel to the front line and is limited on the sides by paint lines.

The standard line width is 5 cm. All outlines and lines must be of the same color (usually white) and be clearly visible from anywhere on the court.

Common lines

Common lines are used to limit the playing area of ​​the court. The side lines (along the field) according to FIBA ​​standards should be 28 m long, and the front lines - 16 m. For public areas, deviations from the accepted standards are allowed. Typically, basketball courts in schools or gyms are made from 20 m long and 12 m wide.

Central lines

The center line is parallel to the front and divides the field exactly in half. According to the standards - it should extend beyond the side lines by 15 cm on both sides.

In the middle of the center line there is a circle with a diameter of 3.6 m, which limits the central zone of the field. In this zone, the ball is played at the beginning of the game.

Three-Point Line

Three-Point Lines are located around the backboards on both sides of the field and consist of two straight lines 2.9 long9 m and a semicircle. Straight lines run perpendicular to the front at a distance of 0. 9 m from the side lines. Despite the fact that visually the distance from the ring to the side of the three-point line seems to be less than to its central part, the distance from the backboard to any point is 6.75 m.

Penalty lines

Penalty lines limit the nearest area at the backboard. They consist of a trapezoid and a free throw zone.

Despite the name, the "trapezium" is a rectangle (until 2009year it really was a trapezoid), which is located under the shield. Its dimensions are 5.8 meters long and 4.9 meters wide. The shield is located at a distance of 1.575 m from the end line in the middle of the court. In front of the backboard, at a distance of 1.25 m, there is a semicircle that limits the area for picking up the ball.

At a distance of 4.225 meters from the backboard, the trapeze zone ends and the free throw zone begins. It is a semicircle with a diameter of 3.6 m (like the central circle).

Paint zone lines

These lines are serifs on both sides of the trapezoid (parallel to the sidelines). They limit the areas for players who are fighting for the ball during a free throw.

Zones on the basketball field

The basketball court is divided into zones using markings. Each zone has its own specific rules.

Center circle

The center circle is used as a separate kick-off area at the start of the game. One representative from each team stand in a circle from their side and fight for the ball in a jump, after it is dropped by the referee. All players are exclusively on their side of the field, except for one who rebounds on the opponent's side.

Neutral zone

The peculiarity of this zone is that as soon as the player of the attacking team with the ball crosses the center line and is on the side of the opponent, he cannot pass the ball to the player of his team who is on the other side of the field (i.e. behind center line on your side).

Three-point zone

The three-point line limits the near zone of the shot. Hitting the basket from outside the basket brings the team three points. If the throw was made inside the zone, then it brings two points.

Three-second zone

This is the zone in close proximity to the ring. It is called three-second, since the player of the attacking team cannot be in it for more than three seconds. Most balls are thrown in this zone, so when attacking, it provides maximum protection.

Free throw area

In controversial situations, a free throw is provided from this area. The player of the attacking team must score the ball without stepping over the line of the trapezoid. At the same time, the players of both teams are not in the three-second zone. They take up positions along the paint lines on the sides of the trapezoid and may not step outside the lines until the free throw shooter has shot the ball.

How to mark a basketball field?

Basketball field markings, whether it is an international competition court or an open-air amateur field, are best applied using special equipment. This will ensure the long life of the coating, the lines will not clog and will promote fair play.

You can order the marking of a basketball court in Moscow and the Moscow region from Rezkom. We will measure the premises and develop a design project for the field so that it complies with generally accepted rules and is convenient for operation. For more details, you can contact our manager by phone 8-495-64-24-111.

basketball court markings, main lines on the court

Danila Chezhin

In basketball, as in any other sport, the perimeter of the court is marked in a certain way. The lines on the parquet indicate areas that are important both for observing the rules of the game and for understanding its process. Let's break down the basic elements of basketball markings and find out what they mean.

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Specifications of the basketball court

The standard size of the basketball court provided for competitions under the auspices of FIBA ​​is 28 meters long and 16 meters wide. By NBA standards, the values ​​​​are slightly different - 28.7 meters, or 94 feet, in length and 15.3 meters, or 50 feet, in width.

Basketball Court Lines

The court is bisected by a center line with a circle in the middle. The starting face-off is made in the center circle. Also, the center line during the game separates the attack zone from the defense zone. When moving to the other half of the court, the team that has the ball in attack no longer has the right to cross the center line in the opposite direction.

Basketball touchlines and endlines limit the out-of-bounds area - crossing them, the ball, the player or the player with the ball is out of play.

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Basketball court zones

Each half of the court is symmetrically divided into zones, the so-called shooting zones. The semi-circle closest to the center line, located approximately 7 meters from the basket, is called the three-point arc. Any accurate throw because of it is worth three points. If the basketball player manages to hit the opponent's ring from any position inside the semicircle, the team scores 2 points.

Basketball shooting zones are not limited to two- and three-point positions. Following the three-point semicircle, when moving from the center to the ring, there is a penalty line. Violations of the rules in basketball are often punished by attempts to throw from a static position from a distance of 5 meters 80 centimeters. An accurate free throw brings 1 point to the team's treasury.

Another important zone in basketball starts behind the free throw line and is shaped like a trapezoid. This is the so-called three-second zone, or "paint", as they say in basketball. In the paint that goes beyond the surface of the shield, up to the baseline, there is usually a struggle for a rebound - a rebound from the ball's ring after an inaccurate throw.

One of the most important rules governing the game of teams in defense and attack is also associated with the concept of "paint" - the rule of three seconds. Any defending player, as well as any attacking player, cannot be in the paint for more than three seconds. Fixing this violation in defense is punishable by a free throw. Fixing a violation of the rule of three seconds in the attack - the loss of the ball, that is, the transfer of possession to the opposing team. The three second rule is one of the most changing in basketball. In order to keep up with the latest adjustments and follow current trends, it is always best to refer to the most recent edition of the basketball rules. You should also not forget that the rules of overseas NBA basketball and the European format of the game can differ markedly in some important nuances.

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