Definition

Noun: * The rectangular area on a basketball court, marked on the floor, that extends from the end line (baseline) to the free-throw line, which is 15 feet from the backboard. It is also commonly known as "the key" or "the paint." Specific rules govern player positioning in this area during a free throw attempt.

Usage

The term is used to describe the specific court area relevant to free throw rules. * Players must remain outside the free throw lane until the shooter releases the ball. * The referee called a lane violation because a defender entered the free throw lane too early. * During a free throw, only the shooter is allowed inside the free throw lane behind the free-throw line.

Advanced Usage

• The dimensions of the free throw lane have changed throughout basketball's history, originally being narrower.
• In many casual contexts, players refer to this area simply as "the lane" or "the key," with "free throw lane" being the more formal, rule-specific term.

Variants and Related Words

• The Key (n.): A common synonym for the free throw lane, referring to its keyhole-shaped appearance in earlier rule sets.
• The Paint (n.): A common synonym, referring to the fact this area is typically painted a different color.
• Lane Violation (n.): An infraction called when a player illegally enters the free throw lane during a free throw.
• Free-throw line (n.): The line from which free throws are shot, forming the top boundary of the free throw lane.

Synonyms

• The key
• The paint
• The lane (in the context of free throws)

Related Phrases

• To clear the lane: An instruction for players to move out of the free throw lane area.
• Lane violation: The penalty for entering the free throw lane at the wrong time during a free throw.

Noun

1. a lane on a basketball court extending from the end line to 15 feet in front of the backboard; players may not enter this lane during a free throw