Basketball Court

Baseline

The line beneath both baskets that designates the "out of bounds" line at each end of the court. Throw in after scoring.

After the referee has handed or touched the ball, an opposing team member takes possession and starts the next round of the play.

Sideline

The two boundary lines that run the length of the court. Their location is determined by the width of the court, which is normally 50 feet wide.

After the referee has called a foul, the 'injured' party takes possession of the ball and performs a 'throw in' from the sideline.

The player has a limited time (5 seconds) to survey player positions, and pass the ball to a teammate not being effectively blocked by an opposing team member.

Half Court Line

The line at the center of the court parallel to the sidelines that divides the court in half. It is also called the "mid court line."

After one team makes a field goal or free throw the other team puts the ball into play from out of bounds under the basket at which the goal was made.

Each team possessing the ball is required to advance it past the half court line within 10 seconds and for NBA is 8 seconds.

Center Circle

To start the game, the circular area at mid court from which jump balls are taken to determine which team has first possession of the ball.

The only two players in this area to tip off are the players contesting the jump ball.

3 Point Circle

The line that separates the two-point area from the three-point area. A player that shoots a basket successfully from outside the 3 point line scores a 3 points in the game.

Free Throw Line

The line from which free throws are taken. The player must stand behind the line to shoot the free throw. The player awarded a free throw has 10 seconds to shoot.

Lane

The rectangular painted area between the baseline, the lane lines, and the free throw line. It is also called the "paint." An offensive basketball player cannot spend more than 3-seconds at a time in.

Top of the Key

The area outside the little circle that 1/2 surrounds the free throw line.

High Post Area

The imaginary area at both sides of the free throw line. When an offensive player stands near the top of the key, he is said to be playing the high post.

Low Post Area

The imaginary area at both sides of the key close to the basket outside the lane.

Elbows

The area of the court where the free throw line meets the lane line. Any offense or defense player who gets to the elbow first will gain an advantage.

Low Blocks

The first line at the low post areas on both sides.

Short Corners

An area along the baseline half way between the sideline and the lane line. A strategic offensive area especially used against zone defenses.

Hash Marks

It is defined as the "mid court area marker." Mid court area marker is one of four lines extending 3 feet in from a sideline, 28 feet from and parallel to a baseline.

Right Wing

An area that is located at the right side the intersection of the three point line and where the free throw line extended would meet it.

Left Wing

An area that is located at the left side the intersection of the three point line and where the free throw line extended would meet it.

Wing areas are designated "Ball side" or Weak side" according to the location of the player with the ball.

Areas Of The Basketball Court | What Are These Lines! For Beginners

(From YouTube, Channel Name: Basketball Coach Allen)