Basketball Court Layout, Rules and Markings

 

Basketball is one of the most popular team sports in the world, played between two teams of five players each. The objective is simple: score by throwing the ball through the opponent’s basket, which is placed 10 feet above the ground. Since the game’s invention in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith, standardized rules and court markings have evolved to ensure fairness, safety, and consistency across competitions.

This article compiles complete information on basketball court layout, restricted areas, three-point field goal zones, team bench areas, and important measurements, based entirely on official rulebook-style details.

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1. Playing Court Dimensions

A regulation basketball court must have:

• Length: 28 meters
• Width: 15 meters
• Surface: Flat, hard and free from obstructions
• Minimum approved size: 26 × 14 meters (as permitted by national federations)

The boundary lines consist of:

• Endlines (short sides of the court)
• Sidelines (long sides of the court)

These lines define the playing area but are not part of the court itself.

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2. Centre Line and Centre Circle

• The centre line runs parallel to the endlines and extends 15 cm beyond each sideline.
• The centre circle is marked at the midpoint of the court with a radius of 1.80 m.
• If painted, the circle must be the same colour as the restricted area.

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3. Semicircles and Free-Throw Lines

Semicircles

• Radius: 1.80 m
• Centered at the midpoint of each free-throw line.

Free-Throw Line

• Parallel to the endline
• Distance from the endline: 5.80 m
• Length: 3.60 m

These measurements determine the key shooting zones and rebound positioning.

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4. Restricted Areas (The Key/Paint)

The restricted area comprises the floor area bounded by:

• The two endlines
• The free-throw lines
• Lines drawn from the endlines to the outer edge of the free-throw line

Key measurements include:

• Width near the free-throw line: 3.6 m
• Height of the restricted arc: 1.8 m
• Neutral zones and rebound positions are clearly specified for free-throw situations.

Rebound spots must be marked exactly as shown in the reference diagram and follow rules like 10-2-10, 5, 10-2-10 for positioning.

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5. Three-Point Field Goal Area

The three-point scoring zone includes:

• Two lines perpendicular to the endline, each 6.25 m from the basket’s center.
• These lines extend until they meet a 6.25 m radius semicircle.

Important note:
The three-point line itself is NOT part of the three-point area. A shooter must have both feet behind the line.

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6. Team Bench Areas

• Team bench areas are marked outside the playing court, on the same side as the scorer’s table.
• Each bench zone must contain 14 seats for coaches, assistant coaches, substitutes, and team staff.
• All other personnel must stay at least 2 meters behind the bench.

Scorer’s Table Includes:

1. 24-second shot clock operator
2. Timer
3. Commissioner
4. Scorer
5. Assistant scorer