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How wide is the paint on a basketball court
How wide is the paint on a basketball court
What is The Paint in Basketball - What are the Rules?
The colored rectangular area on a basketball court is known as the paint. Other common names include The Lane, Free Throw Lane, and The Key. Here is everything you need to know and more about the painted area on a basketball court!
How Big is the Paint in Basketball?
The width of the painted area is 16 feet long and 15 feet wide in the NBA/WNBA, while the NCAA basketball court paint is 12 feet wide. A regulation basketball court for the NBA, WNBA, and NCAA is 94′ long x 50′ wide. For a High School court, their total dimensions are 84′ long x 50′ wide. With the court being smaller, their pant is only 15′ x 12′.
Why is it Called the Paint?
The area of the basketball court that is a different color from the rest of the wooden panels is the paint. The painted area on the court represents the free throw line all the way to the basketball hoop. Typically speaking, the painted area is the color of the home team.![]()
For example, TD Garden (Boston Celtics) is green, while Madison Square Garden (picture above) for the New York Knicks is orange.
What are the Parts of the Basketball Paint Area?
- Top of the Key: Represents the half-circle in front of the free-throw line
- High Post: A place slightly closer to the basket compared to the top of the key where players might post up to take a shot
- Low Post: An area beneath the high post where players might post up to take a shot from a pass
- The Block: The shapes along the free-throw lane lines where players line up during a free throw attempt
How Many Seconds Can You Be in the Paint?
The defense and offense can only stay in the paint for three seconds or risk a three-second rule violation. A defensive player can’t stand inside the color for more than three seconds unless they actively guard an offensive player.
A defensive player that stays in the paint for more than three seconds without defending an offensive player result in a technical foul.
Offensive players have to leave the paint after three seconds as well during a play. If an offensive player stays in color for longer than three seconds, it loses possession of the ball for their team on that play. That is why players stand outside the paint on offensive plays.
When Did the 3-Second Rule Enter the NBA?
The 3-second rule violation in the NBA became part of the league in 1936.
What is the Restricted Area Arc on The Court?
The restricted area is a half-circle that sits directly underneath a basketball hoop via a four-foot dotted or closed circle. A defensive man can’t take a charging penalty within that circle while standing in this area playing defense. If any contact occurs in that restricted arc area, the defensive player automatically gets charged with a foul against the opposing team.
In 1997, the restrictive area became an official rule in the NBA. The restrictive site on the court stops a defensive player from camping out underneath the hoop to draw a foul. For example, you can’t have a defensive player run to this spot to collide with a player on a layup to draw a foul on them.
Other Violations in the Painted Area to Know About
Another violation in the paint is during a free throw attempt with the offense or defense. For example, if a shooter’s teammate enters the paint before the ball releases from their hand, the point won’t count even if they make the basket. If a defensive player enters the paint before the shot from a free throw attempt, the offensive team can shoot again even if they miss.
What Does it Mean to Score in the Paint?
Scoring in the paint means that points occur within that painted area on a basketball court. Points can be from a dunk, a layup, or a field goal when the player is in the paint.
Why Does the Paint Yield a High Percentage Shot?
The paint is close to the basketball hoop, which yields high percentage shots. That means a high percentage chance of scoring since the offensive team can dunk, layup, and hit a field goal from a short distance. Unlike a three-point shot that sits 23 feet and 9 inches from the hoop, the paint is much closer to the hoop, making it easier to score points.
How Do Teams Use the Paint During a Basketball Game?
Teams might have their big man or power forward post up near the paint to wait for a pass to then shoot the ball. Depending on the offensive team’s play, you will see that player enter the paint quickly to signal a pass. From there, the big man might take a shot, lay the ball up, or even dunk without creating a three-second violation since the sequence was so quick in that area.
How Can a Defense Protect the Paint?
Some teams like to run a 2-3 zone defense scheme to protect the painted area during a game.
The 2-3 defense means you have two players playing the top of the court with three in the back. Having three players play closer to the hoop means one player is in the paint. However, that player needs to leave the color if they are not actively guarding an offensive player or receive a violation.
General Basketball Lines on a Court
- Jump Area: Where the jump ball begins during a basketball game in the 12′ circle in the middle of the court
- Baseline out of Bounds (BoB): This area sits on each side of the court behind the hoops signaling out of bounds
- Free-throw Line: This is where you go to take a free throw shot after a foul
- Half Court Line: Separates the two sides of the basketball court
- Three-Point Line: Anything past the arc that sits 23.9 feet away from the hoop will count as three points on a shot
- Sideline Out of Bounds (SoB): This sideline represents in and out of bounds
Other Sizes to Be Familiar With on the Court
The basketball rim size is 18″ in diameter.
There is no size difference from High School to the NBA via the rim. The hoop sits 10′ off the ground from the rim to the floor, while the backboard is 72″ by 42″.
Conclusion: What is the Paint in Basketball?
In summary, the painted area is usually a different color from the rest of the court, which allows it to stand out on the playing surface. It also yields high percentage shots for offensive teams. For the defense, they can collect rebounds or stop the offensive from getting easy layups during a game if they can protect this area.
However, one thing to remember is that it comes down to referees to enforce the three-second violation rule for either the offense or defense. Both the offense and defense can’t camp out in the painted area for too long without potentially having a violation occur.
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Basketball Court Dimensions, Gym Size, Hoop Height
Basketball court dimensions and size vary based on the level of play.
To help explain the various sizes, we’ve created a chart and diagrams that should help you. And we’ve organized the material into a helpful Q & A format.
What is a basketball court size?
Well, it depends on each court you measure — but there are some standards. The age of the players who will be the primary users and budgets are considerations for court builders.
Basketball Court Dimensions
Regulation basketball court dimensions are 94 feet long by 50 feet wide.
Basketball court size varies depending on the league and level of play. The court measures 94 feet long by 50 feet wide for NBA court dimensions and WNBA and college. Note the paint area – the free throw lane – is 16 feet across. The foul line is 15 feet from the face of the backboard and 2 inches wide.
International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and Olympic basketball courts call for the court to be slightly smaller at 91.9 feet by 49.2 feet. In meters, that’s 28 by 15 meters.
NBA Court Dimensions Diagram
High school basketball court dimensions
The high school and junior high basketball gym courts measure 84 feet long by 50 feet wide. Court markings reflect those dimensions.
You might like Kawhi Leonard Profile.
High School Basketball Court Diagram
At a younger level of play than college or pro, the court length is 10 feet shorter at 84 feet.
Read all about Larry Bird: Boston Celtic, Star Shooter (and Trash Talker)
How long is a basketball court?
So, what are court dimensions in feet? The high school court is 84 feet long. The length of an NBA court is exactly 10 feet longer. College and professional league games, including the WNBA, are played on a 94-foot-long court.
One of the most famous college facilities is Pauley Pavilion, where the UCLA Bruins play.
Visit: Stephen A. Smith Profile.
College Basketball Court Diagram
What are court dimensions in meters?
The metric size of a professional court is 28.
65 meters long by 15.24 meters wide. The high school court measures 25.6 meters long.
What are half-court dimensions?
Half-court dimensions are 47 feet long for the pros and 42 feet long for high school.
See Basketball Roles and Responsibilities of Each Position.
What are the half-court dimensions for a backyard?
Youth half-court dimensions are usually 42 feet long by 37 feet wide. High school half courts are slightly larger, 50 feet long by 42 feet wide.
Check out Ben Simmons Profile.
What are backyard court dimensions?
Backyard courts can be whatever size you wish (or can fit), but typically they are 90 feet long by 50 feet wide.
What are youth court dimensions – Middle School and High school?
The middle school court size is 74 feet long by 42 feet wide. High school courts are slightly larger, at 84 feet long by 50 feet wide.
Looking for a basketball court in your area to play? Check out The Original Basketball Court Finder.
Basketball Hoop Height and Size
It’s critical that you set the goal at the proper height. Here are your guidelines.
See How many teams make the NBA playoffs?
What is the regulation basketball rim height? How tall is a hoop?
The distance from the gym floor to the rim is 10 feet. This rim height is the same for Junior High, High School, NCAA, WNBA, FIBA, and the NBA. Some kids’ leagues will lower the hoop to 8 feet or 9 feet to acknowledge that younger kids have difficulty shooting at ten feet-high hoops.
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How wide is an NBA basketball hoop? What is the NBA rim size?
The rim size is the same for all game levels – junior high, high school, NCAA, WNBA, NBA, and FIBA – at 18 inches in diameter.
Basketball Free Throw and 3-Point Distance
Read the guidelines below carefully, as the three-point distance varies by player.
What is the free-throw line distance? How far is the free-throw line?
The free-throw line is measured from the shooting line that intersects the key to the floor directly underneath the backboard.
The free throw distance in the NBA, WNBA, and NCAA is 15 feet.
Did you know that Steve Nash was the best percentage shooter of free throws in the NBA? He shot 90.43% from the line making 3,060 of 3,384 attempts.
What is the high school 3-point line distance?
The 3-point line for high school is 19.9 feet from the basket.
What is the college 3-point line distance?
The 3-point line for both NCAA men and women is set at 20 feet, 9 inches from the hoop.
What is the WNBA 3-point line distance?
The WNBA 3-point line is 22.15 feet from the basket. From the corners, the distance is 21.65 feet.
What is the NBA 3-point line distance?
The pros shoot 3-pointers from beyond the arc, 23.75 feet from the basket. From the corners, the distance is 22 feet.
Check out Basketball Slang
Size of the Basketball
Matching the size of the basketball to players’ hand size makes a difference.
Read on.
What is the ball diameter and circumference?
The size of the ball is different for men’s, women’s, and youth leagues.
For the NBA, men’s college, and boys ages 15 and up, players play with a 9.43-9.51 inch diameter (the width measured left to right) basketball. The ball’s circumference (the distance measured around the outside) is 29.5 inches. The official NBA game ball is made by Spalding and measures 9.43-9.51 inches in diameter, or 29.5 inches (75cm) in circumference.
NCAA women and the WNBA use a slightly smaller ball with a roughly 9.07-9.23 inch diameter and 28.5-inch circumference.
The ball used in boys’ youth leagues has a 28.5-inch circumference. Girls’ youth basketballs are 27.5 inches in circumference. Kids 5 to 8 years old use the smallest ball at 25.5 inches in circumference.
Backboard, Baseline, and Key
The backboard is four feet out from the baseline, marking the end of the players’ active playing surface.
The key is 16 feet wide and 19 feet from the foul line to the baseline.
Inside the key, a four-foot arc is designated to align with the center of the basket to mark the restricted arc. If a defender is within this arc, they cannot draw a charging foul.
Regulation backboards are six feet wide and 42 inches tall.
Free throw markings
Short lines are drawn three feet apart along both sides of the key area to designate the standing positions for rebounders when a free throw is being shot. The first line is drawn seven feet from the baseline.
A six-foot arc (half circle) starting from the free-throw line away from the basket completes the key area.
Core components of basketball courts
Baskets, free-throw lines, three-point arcs, and the half-court line are some of basketball courts’ foundational elements. Court lines mark 94 feet in length by 50 feet in width for NBA courts. The half-court line is at 47 feet. Indoor courts are frequently made of hardwood-like polished maple. Outdoor courts may be composed of asphalt, concrete, or other pavements.
The words baseline and end line both refer to the ends of the court running behind the goals.
In the middle of the half-court line is a tip-off circle that has a six-foot radius. This is where the opening jump ball takes place.
The backcourt refers to the half of the court where the team’s basket is defended. The boundary lines include their end line, sidelines, and the half-court line of the playing court.
For international play, the standard court size is 28m long and 15m wide, measured from the inner edge of the boundary line.
The 3-Point line
The NBA 3-point arc is 22 feet to the center of the rim. Women’s and Men’s college basketball court features a 3-point arc of 20 feet 9 inches. High school basketball courts have a 3-point arc that is 19 feet 9 inches away from the center of the rim.
Great Basketball Courts Everyone Should See
Rucker Park in Harlem, New York. Where street legends go to make their name. Home of Kareem Abdul Jabaar, Nate Archibald, and Connie Hawkins.
Even Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant have made appearances.
United Center, Chicago, Illinois. Michael Jordan won 6 NBA titles while calling this his home court.
Hoosiers Gym in Knightstown, Indiana. Gene Hackman + Dennis Hopper + Picket Fence = the best basketball movie ever.
Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, California. Home to the UCLA Bruins and John Wooden’s greatest college hoops dynasty.
Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York. Home of the Knicks with a household name that needs no introductions.
The Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. One word: “Showtime!”
The Swim Gym, Beverly Hills High School in Los Angeles. Remember “It’s a Wonderful Life” and the retractable gym floor? This is the place. Built in 1939, a 25-yard pool was placed under the gym floor. It’s a Wonderful Life was a 1946 movie.
Timing of a Game
Here are the total game times for basketball games for each level of play. Remember that time-outs, TV breaks, half time, and other play stoppages will draw out the real-time of a game 2 to 3 times longer than the timed play.
How long is a high school game?
High school basketball games consist of four 8-minute quarters for 32 minutes of game time.
Length of college basketball game?
In the NCAA, college games consist of two 20-minute halves for 40 minutes of game time.
How long is a WNBA basketball game?
WNBA basketball games consist of four 10-minute quarters for 40 minutes of game time.
Length of an NBA basketball game?
NBA games consist of four 12-minute quarters for 48 minutes of game time.
How long is the shot clock?
The shot clock requires offenses to shoot before a timed period runs out. If a shot is not made during that period, a shot clock violation is called, and the ball is turned over to the opposing team.
In high school games, the shot clock varies. For men’s college hoops, the shot clock is 35 seconds, and for women’s college is 30 seconds.
The WNBA shot clock is 30 seconds, while the NBA limits the shot clock to only 24 seconds.
Basketball Court Fun Facts
Do you know everything about hoops courts? Try answering these trivia questions.
1.) What type of wood is used for NBA courts?
Maple is selected for its hardness and light color. The lightness helps provide contrast to the ball to follow the action in person and on TV. The lighter color reflects light better, too.
2.) How often does the NBA require teams to replace the floors in arenas?
Every ten years. But, sometimes, a team receives a waiver if the floor is still in great shape.
3.) What three NBA teams were ranked the highest in appearance by the Chicago Tribune?
Charlotte Hornets, Brooklyn Nets, and the Boston Celtics floors were ranked the highest by a panel selected by the newspaper.
By Greg Johnson & Mike O’Halloran
Greg is a designer and writer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mike has authored three books on basketball coaching and has coached ten different teams.
You’re on our Basketball Court Dimensions page.
Further Reading
Hoops Quotes
Slogans
NBA Players By The Numbers: Wingspans, Verticals, Hand Sizes
Fun Basketball Games For Kids to Improve Shooting
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.
Live to Love read online Rebecca Donovan (Page 10)
But he didn't seem to be offended, our conversation genuinely amused him.
— Are you going to limit yourself to an apple and a granola bar? he asked when we got out of the queue.
- I told you I didn't want to eat. And anyway, weren't we going to have lunch in a couple of hours?
- Yes, but you are an athlete, you have a game today, and you just need enhanced nutrition. His voice sounded almost worried.
“That's right,” I agreed and took a banana.
“Yeah, that makes a big difference,” Evan shook his head disapprovingly.
But I did not listen to him, but hurriedly went ahead, so that he had to catch up with me.
When we entered the art class, Evan immediately sat down on the stool next to me, and I turned to the canvas I had just started, which I had already applied with strokes of green paint.
I put a picture of autumn foliage next to it.
— Well, was it hard to get used to me?
At first I thought he was playing the fool, but when I turned to face him, I realized that he was quite serious.
“Not at all,” I assured him. — That's not the point. I don't understand you. You say strange things. They either mean nothing at all, or, on the contrary, mean too much. I don't want you to get me. That's it. - And, returning to work on the picture, I began to mix green paint of different shades on the palette.
“So I still got you,” he gave me his trademark smirk.
— No. While I'm trying to prevent it. And you can trust me, embarrassing me is not the most worthy way to get the better of me,” I blurted out, flashing my eyes.
“I'm sorry,” he smiled not entirely sincerely.
“Who would doubt it,” I snorted angrily.
I continued to mix paints, which I applied to the canvas in spots and large strokes. Evan stood by and silently watched.![]()
I was terribly embarrassed by his presence, and nothing clever came to my mind that could be said to smooth over the awkwardness.
“I think I should go outside to work on my assignment,” he finally announced. “We’ll meet after class near the lockers.
“Good,” I said without turning around, and when he left, I put the brush aside and sighed with relief.
He got closer and closer to me, and if my prickly answers obviously amused him, then I was already beginning to be seriously disturbed by outbursts of irritation unusual for me. I decided to make him my friend in order to somehow influence the situation. But now she obviously made a fool of herself, because, trying to keep him at a distance, she behaved unnecessarily cruelly. And if I continue in the same spirit, then he will not want to communicate with me at all and will be absolutely right.
Evan, as promised, was waiting for me at the locker.
— Hello! I smiled affectionately in the hope that he had not yet had time to regret his invitation.![]()
— Hello! he smiled back.
— Well, have you returned for another scolding? I asked, looking down.
- Nothing, I'll manage somehow. “He tried to catch my eye, and I, willy-nilly, had to look him straight in the eyes. “And besides, I’m already used to your roughness. It doesn't really bother me. And in general, sometimes you are terribly funny.
— Great! I'm standing here like a fool, worried that I treated you too harshly, and you are all giggles and hahanki. I hope I was able to show my best side,” I said, turning to my locker.
"That's why I'm here," he whispered in my ear, and I froze.
I felt his shirt rubbing against my back and it became difficult for me to breathe. But it turns out that he just wanted to get his books from the top shelf. My heart immediately began to behave in a completely inappropriate way, and my cheeks turned red in treachery. It wasn't until Evan turned away that I was able to breathe freely.
— I need to pick up something from my locker.
Good?
“Of course,” I answered in a barely audible voice before I fully recovered.
He threw the books into his backpack and we walked down the completely empty corridor. I felt a terrible relief, realizing that we would be able to leave without witnesses. I terribly did not want to give food for gossip. And even more I did not want to be caught on the fact that I skipped school. Even if not lessons, but only self-study.
I nervously looked around, expecting that we were about to be stopped and asked where we were going. But everything worked out. We silently walked through the gray veil of fog to his car. Evan opened the door for me. This courteous gesture took me by surprise again.
“Considering how dirty the street is, the game will be interesting today,” he remarked, starting the engine.
“Yes, the speed will obviously not be the same,” I agreed. “Although I like to slide in the mud.
— I understand what you mean.
I relaxed, leaned back against the leather upholstery, and we talked all the way to his house.
Evan lived in one of the historic buildings in the city center. A long alley led to a white farmhouse with black shutters, in front of which was a well-kept lawn with a majestic red-decorated maple tree. The house was surrounded by a wide veranda with white rocking chairs and a hammock. It all looked like a three-dimensional picture of Norman Rockwell. At the end of the alley, already behind the house, there was a two-story barn, converted into a garage. And farther away was an immense field framed by trees, and not a single house within sight.
We entered through a side door that led to the kitchen, which was spacious and equipped with the latest technology, with a separate dining area. The rustic style of a real farmhouse has been preserved here, with smoked beams and darkened wood paneling of the walls.
- Would you like something to drink? I've got soda water, water, juice, and iced tea,” Evan said, placing his backpack on a chair. The kitchen area was separated by a semi-circular bar, and three wide steps led up to the dark wood dining table.
“Iced tea is the way to go,” I replied, sitting down on a chair near the counter, and Evan pulled a glass jug of tea from the refrigerator.
“I liked the layout of the newspaper,” he remarked, handing me a glass. — At my previous school, the newspaper looked much more clumsy, since the printing was self-made. More like a flyer than a serious print publication. And the Weslin High Times really does look like a real newspaper.
- Thank you. Have you already received comments about your article? After all, it is placed on the front page.
“Of course,” he chuckled, because the only gratitude he received for his excellent style was from me. — We were mainly interested in sources of information and the possibility of maintaining confidentiality. This is starting to get on my nerves a bit, but I didn't expect anything else. - He thought for a while, and then added: - But I didn’t interview you on purpose. I think there might be a conflict of interest here.
- And I'm not at all sure that I would agree to answer your questions.
But if so, what would you ask me? I said and immediately regretted my words.
What could I tell him? Explain that I have a lot of problems and physical disabilities are the least of all now?!
- I would ask you to tell me which part of the body does not suit you and how you would like to change it.
This time his expression was not mocking, but very calm and attentive. He didn't act like he usually did. And no cheeky grins or mocking smiles. And yet I continued to hesitate.
- Good. I’ll start with myself, if it makes it easier for you,” he offered in all seriousness.
— Do you really have complexes too? I snorted.
- I don't like my legs. They are too big,” he admitted.
- Wow! What is your foot size?
- Fourteenth. Whereas the tenth is considered the average. And it is very difficult for me to find the right shoes.
Oddly enough, he spoke quite sincerely.
— To be honest, I never noticed. Maybe because you're so tall.
Or maybe it’s because people don’t look at your feet first of all,” I said, immediately afraid that he might misunderstand me.
— Wow! he chuckled, clearly amused by my embarrassment.
“You know perfectly well what I mean,” I blushed deeply.
- So what don't suit you? he did not lag behind.
“Lips,” I admitted cautiously. “I always wanted them to be thinner. I even practiced pursing my mouth in front of the mirror. - Well, as always, I blurted out too much!
Are you serious? And I like your plump lips. They are ideal for p…
- Don't you dare say that! I cut him off.
— Why? he asked, wrinkling his brow.
- Do you want us to remain friends?
“Yes,” he answered quickly.
- Then be kind, leave your indecent hints. Have you forgotten our agreement? You don't play by the rules. So unfair,” I said firmly, hoping very much that he would finally take my words seriously.
— What if I don't want to be just a friend? He looked into my eyes, defiantly.
No, he was clearly incapable of taking me seriously.
“Then we won’t be friends,” I answered, looking straight at him.
— What if I want to be more than a friend to you? - he smiled even wider and leaned on the bar, thereby reducing the distance between us.
— Then we have nothing more to talk about. We will become nothing to each other again. “It was hard for me to breathe, my heart sank, but even when he moved even closer to me, I stubbornly continued to look him straight in the eyes.
“Okay, let's be friends then,” he suddenly straightened up. — Can you play billiards?
But I couldn't say anything because my head was spinning and my heart was somewhere on the other side of the bar.
"Never tried it," I finally squeezed out.
Taking a deep breath to clear my thoughts, I struggled to get up from my chair.
Through a side door we entered a large whitewashed barn and immediately got into a room that could easily accommodate two cars.
In the center was a staircase to the second floor, to the right of it was a closed door.
There were shelves on the wall with tools and all sorts of typical garage items. My attention was drawn to the sports equipment stacked right under the stairs. Ski boots, skis, two surfboards, a couple of waterboards, and basketball baskets, soccer balls, volleyballs - in a word, a real sporting goods store.
“I see you don’t get bored,” I remarked as I went up the stairs, but he only laughed in response.
On the second floor, I saw a real recreation room. Against the far wall was a dark wood bar with a stone top and high chairs in the same wood. On the wall to the left was a giant flat-screen TV set in front of a large dark brown leather sofa and a matching reclining chair. On the floor were video game accessories and accessories. I wonder if what I saw in Sarah's house, and now Evan's, is the standard entertainment set for all rich kids from Wesleyn High?
There was a billiard table in the corner, with chrome lamps hanging over it.
On the wall to the right of the door was a dart board, and to the left were two foosball tables. Behind them was another closed door. The walls were painted dark red, which, together with the blackened beams on the ceiling, gave the room a truly masculine atmosphere, this effect was further enhanced by posters of the most famous rock bands of recent decades.
“Mom is trying to tempt my brother to come home more often,” Evan explained. “Everything here is done more for him than for me. My junk is in the other room,” he nodded towards the closed door.
Evan turned on the stereo system hidden behind the bar, deafening sounds of rock music came from the speakers.
“Never heard this band before,” I remarked as I listened to the reggae song. - I like.
— I was at their concert in San Francisco. I really liked them. If you give me your iPod, I can download their album.
- Agreed.
— Well, shall we start with darts? he suggested as he approached the target.
I sat on a high stool near the bar and watched him pull out his darts.
“You know, I only played darts once and I didn't succeed,” I warned him.
He gave me three darts with silver metal plumage, but kept the black one for himself. Then he stopped at a line drawn on the wooden floor and playfully threw all three darts. From the outside, everything looked quite simple, but for some reason I was not sure that I could handle it.
- Let's warm up a little first, and then we'll start.
I stood at the line on the floor and he showed me how to hold the dart properly.
- The hardest part is adjusting to the weight, but that's the only way to throw the dart at the right angle and at the right speed. Aim and throw. And remember, the hand must be firm. — Evan confirmed his words, easily hitting the target.
“You don’t have to stand over my soul while I study,” I said.
He smiled and sat down on a chair, giving me room to maneuver. The first throw was not ah.
I didn't hit the target at all. The dart hit the blackboard on the wall behind the target.
- Oh, I'm sorry! I winced.
Looks like it's going to be a long game. God knows when I'll be able to hit the target.
- This is what the black board is for. You are not the first and not the last to miss, Evan reassured me. - We will start playing for real only when you get used to it a little. Try again.
I threw the last dart a little better: it was outside the outer circle, but still hit the number "12".
— Well, at least she hit the target, — I was delighted.
Evan, obviously pleased with my progress, pulled the darts out of the board.
We played three more rounds and finally I started to hit the colored ring. Naturally, not exactly where she was aiming, but it was already progress. Despite all my misses or not too successful hits, I was not at all embarrassed by my lack of experience in playing darts. And all thanks to Evan, who gave me advice and generally showed enviable patience.
And I finally started to enjoy it.
Then we played cricket. To equalize our chances, I made Evan take a few steps back from the line. But he still won, which was to be expected. We played and talked about sports, about those types of sports in which we had already or had not had time to test our strength. The latter concerned, of course, only me.
— So, you are equally good at everything? I concluded when he told me how he was surfing and kiteboarding, and in different parts of the world.
“No, I just tried almost everything,” he corrected me. “But I have achieved true mastery only in a few things. My brother plays billiards and darts much better than me. I'm good at chasing the ball, but you can't call me the best player. The same can be said about basketball. I seem to be the best at baseball. I have a steady hand and a damn good reaction. So if you could try yourself in other sports, then you would definitely surpass me. At least you play football better. I haven't seen you on the basketball court, but I've been told you have an amazing shot.
— I love football, as well as basketball, and in order not to relax in the spring, I go in for running. After all, I don’t go to physical education classes, and I haven’t been able to try something else yet. I don't know if I can make it or not.
- Do you want to know?
— What are you talking about? I asked carefully.
“Tomorrow I’ll meet you in the library, we’ll go straight from there,” he said, but noticing how pale I was, he hastily corrected himself: “Or not.
“It won’t work out tomorrow,” I said calmly, and without having time to think properly, I added with a beating heart: “But on Sunday, I probably could.”
— Really? Evan's eyes lit up with joy.
“Of course,” I smiled. — What did you think?
- Cabin for baseball practice.
“Why not?” I shrugged.
- At noon?
- About twelve.
— Great! he broke into a joyful smile, and my head suddenly began to spin. - Well, do you want to eat? Surely you want to after such a modest lunch.
“Well, I won’t refuse,” I replied, ignoring the last remark.
When we returned to the kitchen, I sat on a chair near the bar and watched him take food out of the refrigerator and cupboards, slicing celery, mushrooms, chicken and pineapple.
— What are you cooking? I asked, surprised that he was up to something big.
Because I thought that he would offer me something standard like a pizza or a sandwich.
"Chicken with pineapple," he replied. “Sorry, I forgot to ask, maybe you prefer something else.” Well, how will it go?
“Of course,” I answered slowly. — Do you really know how to cook?
I don't know why I was so surprised. It’s time to get used to the fact that Evan Matthews is an unpredictable person, and yet, opening my mouth, I watched how he easily mixes and crumbles the right ingredients.
“I have to take care of myself, so I can cook,” he explained without looking at me. - And you, as far as I understand, are not?
— No.
I studied once, in the eighth grade, at home economics lessons.
— Wow, you surprise me! “But he didn't go on, and I wasn't ready to explain to him the kitchen rules set by Carol and George.
— Can I ask you something? I blurted out, not really knowing what I was going to say.
It seemed that speaking first and then thinking with Evan had become a habit for me, and it was starting to really scare me. After all, every time I involuntarily either laid out too much about myself, or asked strange questions, or agreed to things that were completely unthinkable for me before.
- Ask, don't be shy. Evan stopped cooking for a second and leaned against the counter with a knife in his hands.
- Do you always get what you want? I started and, catching his puzzled look, tried to explain the question: “I mean, do you also go ahead with others, just like with me?”
He chuckled, but that wasn't the answer I was expecting.
After a pause long enough for me to regret my curiosity a hundred times over, Evan finally said:
— No.
