A basketball court is more than a rectangle with two hoops. Every line defines where a rule begins, where a shot changes value, or where players must stand during a particular situation.
Court dimensions vary between governing bodies and levels of play, so there is no single measurement for every competition. This guide explains the main areas and uses common international dimensions as a reference while noting where standards may differ.
How large is a basketball court?
A standard international court is commonly 28 metres long and 15 metres wide, measured from the inner edge of the boundary lines. Other major competitions use courts with slightly different dimensions.
School, recreational, and community courts may also be smaller. Always check the relevant governing body when exact measurements matter for construction or competition.
What are the sidelines?
The sidelines are the two long boundary lines running the length of the court. A player or ball touching a sideline is out of bounds.
Players need space beyond the line for safety, inbounding, officials, and team areas. The visible playing line is not the end of the required facility space.
What are the end lines?
The end lines, sometimes called baselines, run behind each basket. The hoop extends into the playing area from this end of the court.
After many made baskets, the opposing team returns the ball to play from behind the end line.
What is the centre line?
The centre line divides the court into two halves. It separates the backcourt from the frontcourt and plays an important role in timing and backcourt violations.
Once a team establishes possession in the frontcourt, it generally cannot return the ball to the backcourt and be the first team to touch it there.
What is the centre circle?
The centre circle surrounds the midpoint of the court. Games commonly begin with a jump ball inside this circle.
The exact radius and jump-ball procedures depend on the ruleset, but the circle provides a clear location for the opening action.
What is the three-point line?
The three-point line forms an arc and straight sections around the basket. A successful shot released from behind the line is worth three points. A player touching the line at release is attempting a two-point shot.
The distance varies across competitions. International and professional leagues do not all use the same arc, which affects spacing and how players transfer shooting range between courts.
What is the key or paint?
The key is the rectangular area extending from the end line to the free-throw line. It is often painted a different colour, giving rise to the name “the paint.”
This area is central to post play, rebounding, layups, and three-second rules. Its width can vary between rulesets.
What is the free-throw line?
The free-throw line marks where players shoot uncontested one-point attempts after certain fouls or penalties. The shooter must remain behind the line until the ball is released.
The line also forms the upper edge of the key and is used as a reference point for offensive spacing.
What is the free-throw semicircle?
A semicircle extends around the free-throw line. The shooter stands inside this area while other players occupy marked lane spaces or remain outside the required boundaries.
The exact restrictions depend on the competition and situation.
What are lane spaces?
Small marks along the sides of the key identify where players may stand during free throws. Players line up in assigned spaces and must follow rules about entering the lane before the ball is released or reaches the rim.
What is the restricted area?
A semicircle beneath the basket marks the restricted area in many competitions. It affects how certain charging and blocking situations are judged near the rim.
The rule has details and exceptions, so the arc should not be treated as a place where every contact automatically favours the attacker.
Where is the hoop positioned?
The top of a regulation rim is 10 feet, or approximately 3.05 metres, above the playing surface. The basket is mounted in front of the backboard and projects into the court from the end line.
The exact relationship between the rim, backboard, and end line is defined by the relevant equipment standard.
What is the corner?
The corners are the areas where the sidelines meet the end lines. On offence, the corner can provide valuable spacing and a three-point opportunity.
Because the sideline and baseline restrict movement, a ball handler trapped in the corner has fewer escape routes.
What are the wings and top of the key?
These are common coaching terms rather than separate rule markings. The wings sit on either side of the court outside the key, while the top of the key is the area above the free-throw circle.
Coaches use these names to explain player positions, passing angles, and offensive actions.
What is the low post and high post?
The low post refers to areas close to the basket on either side of the key. The high post is around the free-throw line and elbows.
These locations are important for interior scoring, passing, screening, and attacking zone defences.
What are the elbows?
The elbows are the two points where the free-throw line meets the sides of the key. They are useful landmarks for screens, catches, jump shots, and defensive positioning.
Why court markings matter
The lines control shot value, possession, player movement, and legal positioning. They also create the spacing that shapes basketball strategy.
A wider three-point arc stretches the defence. A crowded paint changes driving lanes. The corners, elbows, and posts give players shared language for organising movement.
Check the rules before building or marking a court
If you are planning a competition court, use official and current specifications from the governing body. Do not rely only on a general guide, because line widths, clearances, arcs, equipment placement, and safety requirements matter.
For casual play, understanding the markings is still valuable. Once you know what every line does, the court becomes a map of how the game works.
