How to Label the Basketball Court

Basketball players manuever through the court to shoot and score points.

Basketball court details and measurements vary amongst different leagues and schools, yet the basic parts are the same. A court is rectangular shaped with a circle and a dividing line in the middle. On either side of the line is a half-circle (or similar shape) containing a small circle, a painted rectangle, and the basketball hoop. Players often specialize in one area or another in defense or in offense.

Things You'll Need

• Diagram of basketball court
• Pen or pencil

Instructions

Draw the Court

1. Get a drawing of a basketball court with a view from the top. A wireframe with little to no shading would be preferable.

2. Write "Midcourt line" on the line that divides the basketball court. The midcourt line divides the court between the two basketball teams.

3. Write "Center circle" on the circle in the center of the basketball court. This circle is reserved for the two players who jump for the ball at the onset of every game. Each team chooses one player for this, usually the "center" or tallest player among their active players on court.

4. Write "Three-point line" just outside of each half-circle. The three-point line marks the boundary between the two-point and three-point areas. When a player stands outside the three-point line and scores, the shot counts for three points.

5. Write "Perimeter area" in the blank space within the three-point line. The perimeter also together with the three-point line begins the two-point area. Shots made in the perimeter are known as medium-range or perimeter shots.

6. Label either side of the rectangle as "Low post area." Shots taken here are closer to the basketball hoop than those in the perimeter. Low post shots count two points.

7. Label the painted rectangle as the "Key area."

8. Note the dotted half-circle overlapping with the farther end of the rectangle (away from the hoop). The other half of that circle marks the free-throw area. Mark the line dividing the circle as "Free-throw line."

References

• For Dummies: Finding Your Way Around a Basketball Court
• Messiah College: Basketball Court Dimensions and Positions

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish