In basketball, the “key” refers to the rectangular area painted on the court around the basket. It is also called the “paint” or the “free-throw lane.” The key is located in front of the basket and extends from the baseline (the boundary at the end of the court) to the free-throw line. The width of the key can vary depending on the level of play (e.g., high school, college, or NBA), but it typically includes the area where offensive players are allowed to stand for only a limited time (3 seconds in the NBA and NCAA).
Key features of the key include:
1. Free-Throw Line: The line from which players take free throws is just beyond the top of the key.
2. Restricted Area: The small semi-circular arc (in the NBA) near the basket, where defensive players can’t take a charge unless they are outside of the restricted area.
The key is important because it is central to offensive and defensive strategies, and players spend a lot of time around this area for shooting, passing, and defending.
