Last Updated on: 19th September 2023, 12:35 am
In basketball, a lane violation occurs when players violate the rules governing their movement in and around the free-throw lane. The free-throw lane, also known as the key or the paint, is the rectangular area on the court that extends from the baseline to the free-throw line and is bounded by the two free-throw lane lines and the end line. There are several ways in which a player can commit a lane violation, including:
- Stepping on or over the free-throw line before the ball has left the shooter’s hand during a free-throw attempt.
- Entering the free-throw lane too early during a free-throw attempt. In college and professional basketball, players cannot enter the lane until the ball has left the shooter’s hand. In high school basketball, players can enter the lane once the ball has hit the rim.
- Remaining in the free-throw lane for more than three seconds at a time. This rule is designed to prevent players from camping out in the lane and clogging up the area around the basket.
The referee will blow their whistle and stop play when a lane violation occurs. Depending on the nature of the violation, the opposing team may be awarded a free throw, possession of the ball, or both. Players need to understand the rules governing movement in and around the free-throw lane to avoid committing a lane violation and giving the opposing team an advantage.
