Defensive Three Seconds

Also known as: Defensive 3, Illegal defense

Defenders can’t park in the lane either. Only in North America.

The rule

A defender can’t stay in the lane for more than 3 seconds unless they’re actively guarding an opponent, which means staying within arm’s length of them. Guarding the player with the ball also counts.

The penalty

Technical foul: 1 free throw, and the offense keeps the ball.

The reason

Without it, a big defender could stand under the rim all game and block every drive. The NBA added it in 2001, when it started allowing zone defenses, to keep lanes open for drives.

Around the leagues

• Technical foul: NBA, WNBA. 1 free throw, and the offense keeps the ball.
• No such rule: FIBA, NCAA M, NCAA W, Wheelchair, 3x3. Defenders may stay in the lane as long as they like, so zones can protect the rim.

Related: Three Seconds

In the Dictionary: Box and One, Sag, Triangle and Two, Paint