What is the half circle in the free throw lane?
1 min read
Asked by: Tonya Chase
To remedy this situation, the NBA rules committee voted to add a 4-foot semicircle inside the foul lane with its apex 3 feet from the center of the basket. If an offensive player makes contact with a defensive player in this restricted area, it is now a defensive blocking foul resulting in free throws.
What is the small circle under the basket?
What is the restricted area? A four-foot arc underneath the basket under which players cannot draw charges. The rule is designed to prevent players from hanging below the rim while offensive players drive to the basket. A defender must establish his position outside of the area in order to draw a charge.
