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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Basketball Court Dimensions & Markings
The playing area of a basketball court in the UK is 91. 8ft (28m) in length and 49.21ft (15m) wide. Indoor courts should be 22.96ft (7m) in height.
Sport England's requirements are split into four levels of play: International, Premier (national competition), Club (regional competition) and Community (schools/recreational). This allows courts to be more flexible with sizes. The dimensions of a basketball court in these cases also include a minimum length and width: 85.3ft (26m) x 45.93ft (14m).
Court aspect
Dimensions
Length (International)
28m
Width (International)
15m
Height (International)
7m
Length (other levels)
26-28m
Width (other levels)
14-15m
Height (other levels)
7m
How long is a basketball court?
The length of a basketball court is 28m. These measurements can be reduced to 26m for Premier, Club and Community courts where only smaller spaces are available.
How wide is a basketball court?
The width of an International-standard basketball court in the UK is usually 15m. The court lines can be reduced by no more than 1m (14m) if required for lower levels of play.
What is the total area of a basketball court?
The total area of a professional basketball court is 420m². The minimum area allowed under Basketball England's guidance is 364m². These measurements apply to both indoor and outdoor courts.
The addition of 2.05m run-offs and 2m for teams and officials on the sideline increases the total area to 677.31m².
Basketball court dimensions in feet
A basketball court is 91.86ft long and 49.21ft wide. The total playing area for a court is 4520.43 ft² and 7290.5ft² if run-offs and sidelines are required.
Court aspect
Dimensions
Length
91. 86ft
Width
49.21ft
Height
22.96ft
Playing area
4520.43ft²
Playing area (including run-offs and sidelines)
7290.5ft²
Basketball court dimensions in yards
A basketball court is 30.62 yards long, and 16.4 yards wide. The total playing area for a court is 502.31yds² and 810yds² if run-offs and sidelines are required.
Court aspect
Dimensions
Length
30.62yds
Width
16.4yds
Playing area
502.31yds²
Playing area (including run-offs and sidelines)
810yds²
Basketball court markings
Regulation line markings must be 50mm width in a contrasting colour to the playing surface.
Sidelines
The outer edge of the court is denoted by the sidelines, which run the length of the court. On a full-sized court they measure 28m.
Baseline and endline
The terms baseline and endline both refer to the ends of the court running behind the goals. Typically they measure 15m.
The use of the different terms depends on the direction a team is playing. Endline is the term for the end of the court which a team is defending, baseline is the for the attacking end.
Mid court
This is the halfway mark on the court and is used to denote the offensive playing area during a game.
On a full-sized court, the mid court line would be 14m from each endline.
Centre circle
Used for the opening tip off, the centre circle has a 3.6m diameter.
Three point line
The three point lines are the arcs that mark a range boundary from each hoop. Scoring from outside this line is worth three points. The distance of the line will vary depending on the level of game, but is typically 6. 75m from the basket.
Free throw line
The free throw line, marked 4.6m from the backboard, is the mark at which a player must stand when shooting free throws.
Free throw circle
The free throw circle is the same size as the centre circle (3.6m in diameter). Shooters must stay inside this circle when taking a free throw. The circle is also used for jump balls.
Free throw lane lines/key
Lane lines run from the free throw line to the baseline, to form the 'key'. The shape and width can vary depending on the level of the game, but FIBA (International Basketball Federation) regulation changes in 2010 set it as a 4.9m by 5.8m rectangle.
Some also include space markings to keep opposing players from obstructing the free throw shooter.
Basketball court lines in feet and yards
Court marking
Dimensions (ft)
Sidelines
91.86ft
Baseline and endline
49. 21ft
Mid court
45.93ft
Centre circle
11.81ft diameter
Three point line
22.14ft from the basket
Free throw line
11.81ft, 15.09ft from the backboard
Free throw circle
11.81ft diameter
Free throw lane lines/key
16ft x 19ft
Court marking
Dimensions (yds)
Sidelines
30.62yds
Baseline and endline
16.4yds
Mid court
15.31yds
Centre circle
3.93yds diameter
Three point line
7.38yds from the basket
Free throw line
3. 93yds, 5.03yds from the backboard
Free throw circle
3.93yds diameter
Free throw lane lines/key
5.33yds x 6.33yds
Basketball goal dimensions
A number of basketball goal systems are available: wall hinged, ceiling mounted or free-standing practice goals.
Backboards
Backboard dimensions are 1.8m x 1.22m, with a minimum thickness of 19mm. Backboards can be made of either timber or transparent material and must be fitted with padding at all levels above U16.
Backboard line markings should be 50mm in width and either black or white, depending on the material of the board. The inner rectangle should measure 0.45m x 0.59m.
Goals
The basketball goal (also known as a ring or hoop) is typically 18 inches (45.72cm) in diameter and must be positioned 3.05m from the floor.
Nets are typically white and suspended from the ring. They should be no shorter than 45cm.
Download the PDF
The images and diagrams showing the dimensions of a basketball court in this article are available in a downloadable PDF
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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 site. 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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The boundary lines measure 94 feet (sidelines) by 50 feet (baselines).
” The lane lines are 19 feet long in the NBA.
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.
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.
Thus, when attempting to draw a charge, a defender should stay out of this area when setting their feet.
8ft (28m) in length and 49.21ft (15m) wide. Indoor courts should be 22.96ft (7m) in height.
These measurements can be reduced to 26m for Premier, Club and Community courts where only smaller spaces are available.
86ft
75m from the basket.
21ft
93yds, 5.03yds from the backboard
They should be no shorter than 45cm.
) and usually vary from 20 to 28 m in length and from 12 to 16 m in width. 
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. 
They limit the areas for players who are fighting for the ball during a free throw. 
If the throw was made inside the zone, then it brings two points. 
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. 
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. 
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. 
ru 
And at the World Cup in Russia they drank 1.4 million liters “I owed about $50,000. There were threats of physical violence." 29th edition of the project "Ludomaniacs" "I was betrayed." Ronaldo smashed everyone at Manchester United, praised Messi and called himself a delicious fruit Which of the stars will not be at the World Cup: shamans still did not cure Manet Russia did not score against Tajikistan: Pinyaev broke Akinfeev's record, and Karpin was pleased, but lost the goalkeeper 
