Three Seconds in the lane

Point 1 A player cannot stay in the lane for three seconds. The lane being the part of his/her free-throw lane between the end line and the farther edge of the free-throw line. But only applies when the ball is in control of his/her team in his/her frontcourt.

Point 2 The this rule applies to players who have only one foot touching the lane. The line is part of the lane. All lines designating the free- throw lane are part considered part of the lane.This does not include lane-space marks and neutral -zone marks, so if you are standing on them the three second count does not apply.

Point 3 If a player has been in the lane for less than three seconds and is moving in the lane either dribbling or trying for a basket then they should be allowed to finish the play.

RESULT: once te violation is called The ball is dead an given the to other team for a throw-in from the closest spy out of bounds.

For more information read NFHS Rule book. Rule 9 Section 7

My Thoughts

This rule is a little easier to follow although I plan on making it a little more complicated for you.

The purpose of this rule is to keep the bigger players from getting better offensive position by standing right next to the basket without having to move. So now anyone on offense cannot stand in “the lane” for more than three seconds. This means that if he/she is making an attempt to get out of the lane even though the person has been in the lane for three seconds it is allowed, as long as the official can see that he/she is making an attempt to leave the lane.

A common part of this rule that people, including coaches and players, do not understand is that if an offensive player is in the lane for more than three seconds and a player on his/her team shoots the ball then they are allowed to remain in the lane for another three seconds. He/she would not need to leave the lane to get a new three seconds.

In youth basketball games officials often will try to talk players in and out of the lane. Depending on what level the game is I might say to the players in the land to “keep moving” or “ in and out of the lane.” By saying this I am doing two things. The first is I am letting them know that I see that they are in the lane and, second, it is a warning to them that if they do not move I will call the violation.