Court Lines & Markings
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
Basketball Court Lines
Basketball 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.
Sidelines
The 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/Endline
The 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 Line
The 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 Line
Field 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 Line
This 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 Circle
The 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 Line
Lane 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 Circle
The 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 Areas
Each 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 Area
This 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.
Block
The 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.
Elbow
The 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 Extended
This 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.
Wing
The 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.
Corner
The "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 Corner
The "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 Area
In 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 Court
The 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 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’).