The basketball court’s measurements aren’t universal around the world, nor in the USA!
Take a look at the dimensions seen in the NBA and how the College courts compare to them.
- Length – 94′ (28.65m) – mostly referred to as sideline, is the longest straight line on the court
- Width – 50′ (15.24m) – in other words the baseline – the foundation to most measurements on the NBA court
- Free Throw Line – 15′ (4.57m) from the baseline – a spot from players shoot foul shots after being fouled in an open play
- Three-Point Line – 22′ (6.71m) from under the basket to the corners and 23’9” (7.24m) to the three-point arc – with its growing popularity the long-range shot has become the most lethal weapon in today’s NBA team’s offense
- Key – 19′ (5.79m) long and 16′ (4.88m) wide – often called the paint – offensive players are not allowed to stay in this area for longer than 3 seconds, with the same rule applying for the players on defense except when the player they are guarding is nearby
The Hoop
- Rim height – 10′ (3.05m)
- Rim diameter – 18” (46cm)
- Backboard height – 42” (110cm)
- Backboard width – 72” (183cm)
NBA backboards are made of tempered glass or Plexiglas, which are strong and shatter-resistant materials with the inner rectangle marked on them measuring 18” (46cm) in height and 24” (61cm) in width.
The rectangle helps players aim properly for layups and jump shots.
Basketball
- Weight – around 21 ounces (595g)
- Pressure – around 8 pounds per square inch (562g per cm squared)
- Perimeter – around 30 inches (76cm)
Collage Basketball – the NCAA
- Three-point line – on the courts of college basketball the arc is closer to the hoop – 21.65′ (6.60m) from under the basket to the corners, and 22,15′ (6.75m) to the top of the key
- Restricted area – a small area under the center of the hoop with a radius equaling 3′ (91cm), compared to the NBA’s 4′ (122cm), in which the defenders cannot draw charging fouls on the opposite players.
