Both players jump when the referee throws the ball in the air, each attempting to tap the ball into the hands of a player of their own team. The only two players permitted to enter this area prior to the tipoff are the players contesting the jump ball (usually but not always centers). Sections Most important terms related to the basketball court Center circle

^ The NCAA three-point line is the same distance from the center of the basket as the FIBA line, but is 3.33 feet (1.01 m) from the sideline in the corners because the NCAA court is wider.

The 21.65-foot (6.60 m) distance exists only at the points on the three-point line that are directly to the left and right of the basket center.

^ a b The FIBA three-point line is 2.95 feet (0.90 m) from the sideline in a zone starting at the baseline and ending when it crosses the 22.1 feet (6.7 m) arc.

The 22-foot (6.71 m) distance exists only at the points on the three-point line that are directly to the left and right of the basket center.

^ a b The NBA three-point line is 3 ft (0.91 m) from the sideline in a zone starting at the baseline and ending when it crosses the 23.75 feet (7.24 m) arc.

Women's play in all divisions adopted this distance in 2021–22.

^ NCAA Division I men's play used these dimensions in the 2019–20 season, with Divisions II and III adopting them for the 2020–21 season.

įree-throw line distance from point on the floor directly below the backboard A foul shot is worth 1 point, but if a shot is made from the foul line while in play it is still worth 2 points. The free-throw line, where one stands while taking a foul shot, is located within the three-point arc at 15 feet from the plane of the backboard. A basket made from behind this arc is worth three points a basket made from within this line, or with a player's foot touching the line, is worth 2 points. The baskets are always 3.05 meters (10.0 ft) above the floor (except possibly in youth competition).īasketball courts have a three-point arc at both baskets. Many older high school gyms were 84 feet (26 m) or even 74 feet (23 m) in length. In amateur basketball, court sizes vary widely. Under International Basketball Federation (FIBA) rules, the court is slightly smaller, measuring 28 by 15 meters (91.9 by 49.2 ft).

In the National Basketball Association (NBA), the court is 94 by 50 feet (28.7 by 15.2 m). Dimensions īasketball courts come in many different sizes. International competitions may use glass basketball courts. Outdoor surfaces are generally made from standard paving materials such as concrete or asphalt. Indoor basketball courts are almost always made of polished wood, usually maple, with 3.048 meters (10 ft)-high rims on each basket. In basketball, the basketball court is the playing surface, consisting of a rectangular floor, with baskets at each end. The home court of the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association. For the arena in London, see Basketball Arena (London).

Basketball court layout