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Semantics play a big part of the game. To eliminate confusion, coaches, players and spectators alike must all communicate using the same basic basketball terminology. Here are the terms used for the court lines & markings found on a typical basketball court: | Court Lines | Court Areas | Court Comparisons |Basketball Court LinesBasketball courts are comprised of sidelines, baselines, mid court line, three point lines, free throw lines, free throw circles, free throw lane lines, and center circle. SidelinesThe sidelines are the two boundaries lines running the length of the court. Their location is determined by the width of the court, which is normally 50 feet wide. Along with Baseline and End line they establish the size of the playing area. Baseline/EndlineThe baseline/endline runs from sideline to sideline behind the backboard at the ends of the court. They are located four feet behind the basket, and normally have a width of 50 feet. Baseline and Endline are interchangeable terms depending upon which team has ball position. Baseline is used for the offensive end of the court. Endline is used for the back court or defensive end of the court.
Mid Court LineThe mid court line divides the court in half. Offensively, once the ball crosses the Mid Court Line, it becomes a boundary line reducing the offensive playing area to just half of the court. Also, on most levels, the offensive team only has 8 to 10 seconds to advance the ball across the mid court line.
Three Point LineField Goals made from outside this Three Point Line or arc count as three points. The distance of the three point line from the basket varies according to the different levels of play.
Free Throw LineThis line is used as a boundary line when shooting free throws. It is fifteen feet away from the backboard. On a free throw attempt, the shooter cannot step on or across this line until the ball strikes the rim. The free throw line is also used in defining the three second area. Free Throw CircleThe free throw circles have a diameter of 12 feet. They come into play on free throws and jump balls. During a free throw attempt, the shooter must remain inside the free throw circle. On jump balls, non-jumpers must remain outside the circle until the ball is tapped by one of the jumpers.
Lane LineLane lines are boundaries running from the free throw line to the baseline. The width and shape of the lane lines vary on different levels of the game. The lane lines also contain lane spaces markings used to align and separate the non-shooters. The first lane space, on both sides of the basket, are occupied by the opposing team from the free throw shooter. Non-shooters cannot step into the three second area until the ball leaves the free throw shooter's hand. Center CircleThe Center Circle is a 12 foot diameter circle located in the center of the court. It is used to start the game and other jump ball situations. On jump balls, non-jumpers must remain outside the circle until the ball is tapped by one of the jumpers. Basketball Court AreasEach area of the court has its own name. It is very important to use the proper terminology when describing these areas. The court areas of a typical basketball court include: Three second area, blocks, elbows, wings, free throw line extended, top of circle, wings, corners, short corners, restricted area, and front and back court. Three Second AreaThis is the area below the free throw line and between the lane lines. It is sometimes called the "Paint" since, in most gyms, it is painted. I f any offensive player remains in this area for more than three seconds it is a violation and the other team gets the ball. Note: Some professional leagues, like the NBA, also limit the defensive players to three seconds in this area as well.
BlockThe block is a buffer area painted on the lane lines separating offensive and defensive players during a free throw attempt. Additionally, it is a very strategic area during the game. Any player - offensive or defensive - establishing a position on the block gains a definite advantage.
ElbowThe elbow is the area of the court where the free throw line meets the lane line. Like the Block, the Elbows become important on dribble penetration. Any player, offensive or defensive, who gets to the elbow first will gain an advantage.
Free Throw Line ExtendedThis imaginary line represents the extension of the free throw line across the width of the court. Most coaches use it to establish defensive rules. When the ball is above the free throw line extended a certain rule applies. When the ball is below it another rule applies. It is also used as a reference for offensive player alignment.
Top Of Circle (Key)The top of circle is the area straight out from the basket just outside the free throw circle. It is use primarily as a reference for aligning offensive and defensive players. It is also a favorite spot from which many players like to shoot.
WingThe wing area is located on the side of the court near the free throw line extended. Wing areas are designated "Ballside" or "Weakside" according to the location of the player with the ball. The wing on the same side as the ball handler is the "Ballside or Strongside" wing. The wing on the side away from the ball handler is the "Weakside" wing.
CornerThe "Corner" is primarily used to designate the area where the sideline and baseline meet. This is another favorite area from which players like to shoot. It is usually an open area when zone defense is played. However, it is also an area where the defense can readily trap an offensive player with the ball.
Short CornerThe "Short Corner" is an area along the baseline half way between the sideline and the lane line. It is a strategic offensive area especially used against zone defenses.
4' Restricted AreaIn professional basketball there is a semi-circular 4' restraining area in front of the basket. No offensive charges can be taken by defenders when they are positioned on or inside this area. Front Court & Back CourtThe term "Front Court" is used to denote the offensive end of the court from the midcourt line to the baseline. "Back Court" is used to denote the area behind the mid court line. It includes the half of the court from the midcourt line back to the endline. Once the ball is advanced across the midcourt line into the front court, it cannot go back into the Back Court. Court Dimensions & Timing ComparisonsCourt sizes and timing rules differ depending on the level of play, and within the various basketball associations. However, they do have two things in common: size of the rim size (18”) and the height of the basket (10’). Printable Version - Click Here Learn about the various player positions and roles - Click Here Return to Basketball Basics' Main Menu - Click Here A basketball court is a rectangular floor that contains baskets at each end. Most of the professional basketball courts are made of maple wood, and they are highly polished. Basketball courts are symmetric in nature. It means half of the court is the mirror image of the other part. The size of a professional or organized basketball court is 94 ft. X 50 ft. Coaches, players, fans, and spectators use the same basketball court terminology to standardize the game and avoid confusion. So if you want to enter into the magical world of basketball as a player, enthusiast, or spectator, you have to know the terminology of a basketball court. This post will help you out with that. Before we discuss each parts of the basketball court, let me list them first below:
SidelinesThe sidelines of the court are the two boundaries that run through its length. The court’s width determines the location of the lines, and the width of basketball courts usually are 50 ft. BaselinesThe baseline or the endline of a basketball court runs from one sideline to another. They are located around 4 ft. behind the basket. Since the average width of a basketball court is 50 ft., so the standard length of the baseline is also 5o ft. It is essential to understand that baseline and endline are not the same things but interchangeable terms that depend on the ball position. The Paint (Free Throw Lane)The standard size of the free throw lane is 19 ft. X 12 ft. wide. It is rectangular and used to line up players during a free throw. The player who shoots the free throw stands at the top of the free throw lane. At the same time, other players have to stand in the marked spots on each lane’s side. When it comes to offense, any player won’t be able to stand in the lane for more than 3 seconds unless they are moving towards the basket with the ball. On the other hand, the defense might stay in line for more than three seconds to guard offensive players when it comes to the NBA. Every basketball player is bound to follow this 3-second rule, or else he or she will be penalized. Free Throw CircleThere are two free throw circles, and each of them has a diameter of 12 feet. They come into play in the time of jump balls and free throws. During the attempt of a free throw, the player must have to stay inside of the circle. On the other hand, when it comes to jump balls, all the non-jumpers need to remain outside of the free throw circle until the jumpers hit the ball. Three-Point LineThis is the semicircle part that surrounds the area of the basket on each side. If you score behind this line, then you will get three points instead of the regular two points that players get from the field goal. Perhaps this is the main reason for which this section is called three-point line. In women’s college and high school basketball games, this line is 19 ft. 9 in. away from the middle of the basketball hoop. However, when it comes to college basketball, the three-point line is 20 ft. 9 in. apart from the center. On the other hand, when it comes to the NBA, it is marked 23 ft. 9 in. away from the hoop and 22 ft. from the sideline. Center Jump CircleThe center jump circle is the area where the action starts. So it is fair to conclude that this is the heart of the court. This is a circular area that has a radius of 6 feet. When the ball gets tipped, all players except the two jumpers need to stand outside of this center jump circle. In NBA court, you will see two jump circles at the free throw line. It is used in NBA for situations like held ball. Division LineThe line that runs through the middle of the court is known as the division line. Just like the name suggests, it divides the court into two identical parts. The division line is also known as the halfcourt line. When it comes to school or college basketball games, a team gets 10 seconds to take out the ball from the division line. But in NBA players only get 8 seconds to get the ball across the halfcourt line. BlockThis court area works as a buffer because it separates the offensive players from the defensive ones. During the attempt of a free throw. It is known as a strategic area in the court because, during the game, any player (regardless of defensive or offensive) who wins this area gains a competitive advantage in the game. WingSimilar to a soccer game, the wing in a basketball court is located at the side. The area near the extended free throw line is known as the wing. CornerThe area where the baseline meets the sideline is known as the corner. This is the favorite place in the court for those players who like to shoot. This is mainly an open are where zone defense takes place. Defensive players can also use this area strategically to trap the offensive players. ElbowThe area in the court where the lane line meets the free throw line is known as the elbow. Like block, the elbow is also known as a strategic location in the court because any player (regardless of defensive or offensive) who wins the elbow position gains an advantage. BasketThere are two baskets in the court, and both of them are located at the end of the court (4 ft. inside the baseline). It is made of backboard and ring, which is used to hold a net. Baskets are ideally designed to let the ball pass through the ring and net. The backboard of the basket is 72 in. wide. The ring’s diameter is 18 in., and it is placed 10 ft. off the floor. ConclusionBasketball is a thrilling game because a split second can change the result. To understand and play the game better, you should know the different parts of the basketball court. We hope that this post has helped you out with that. Check out the list of best portable basketball hoop made by outdoorbasketballhub.com! |
It is a line running the width of the middle court that divides it into two equal sections
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