Basketball Lane
The lane in basketball is an area on the court below the basket where three second violations are called. It is also known as the paint, key, or free throw lane. Read on to learn more about the lane in basketball.
The Lane Lines
The lane lines are the two lines on either side of the lane, differentiating that area from the rest of the court. The lines mark off the area in which the three-second rule is applied. There are two separate three-second rules for offense and defense, which are as follows:
- Offensive Three-Second Rule: An offensive player may not stand within the lane lanes below the free throw line for more than three seconds, with or without the ball.
- Defensive Three-Second Rule: A defensive player may not stand within the lane lines below the free throw line for more than three seconds without actively defending an opponent.
The lines also provide a boundary during free throws, since both offensive and defensive players cannot cross the lines until the basketball leaves the shooter’s hands. If a player from the offensive team crosses the lane lines during a free throw, the shot will not count and the ball will be turned over to the opposition. If a player from the defensive team crosses the lane lines during a free throw, there will be one of two consequences. If the free throw is made, the basket will count and the violation will be ignored. If the free throw is missed, another free throw will be granted to the shooter.
Attacking the Lane
Attacking the lane on offense is a vital part of any offense’s game plan, since layups, dunks, and shorter jump shots take place inside of it. The lane can often be overcrowded by both defensive and offensive players, so plays can be designed to draw the defense out of the area and create space for the ball-handler to drive toward the basket or an opportunity for them to pass to an open teammate. By spreading your team out on the court and using your dribbling skills, attacking the lane can be simple!
Defending the Lane
Since the lane is close to the basket, it can be a very vulnerable spot for the defense. A team using a zone defense might have more coverage in the area than a team using man-to-man coverage, since the offensive players may be able to draw the defense out of the area. By sticking close to the player you are guarding, not letting them dribble around you, and forcing them to take a shot from the outside or pass the ball, you can keep the lane safe and avoid giving them an easy two points.
FAQ
What is the lane in basketball?
In basketball, the lane is another term for the area known as the paint or the key, which is the rectangular area below the basket and between the free throw spot and the end lines. The lane is a crucial area of the court, as it is the site of a lot of scoring, and also is the place where three-second violations are called.
How big is the lane in basketball?
In the NBA and WNBA, the lane is 16 feet wide and 19 feet long. In the NCAA, the width of the lane is reduced to 12 feet, but its length of 19 feet remains the same. In high school basketball, the paint is 12 feet wide and 15 feet long.
What is a lane violation in basketball?
A lane violation, also known as a three-second violation, is a violation in basketball that is called on both offensive and defensive players. For an offensive lane violation to be called, an offensive player must be standing within the paint for three seconds or more, with or without the ball. For a defensive lane violation to be called, a defensive player must be standing in the paint for three seconds or more without actively guarding an opponent.