Three Seconds

Also known as: Offensive three seconds, Lane violation, 3 in the key

Attackers can’t camp in the lane.

The rule

While your team has the ball in its frontcourt, you can’t stay in the lane (the painted area under the opponent’s basket) for more than 3 seconds in a row. Referees give some leeway to a player who is trying to leave or is in the act of shooting.

The penalty

The other team gets the ball.

The reason

It keeps tall players from standing under the basket all game, waiting for an easy catch and score. It was added in the 1930s, when big men started to dominate close to the rim.

Around the leagues

3 seconds: NBA, WNBA, FIBA, NCAA M, NCAA W, 3x3
3 seconds: Wheelchair. To count as out of the lane, every wheel has to be outside it.

In the Dictionary: Paint