Three Seconds Rule

The three seconds rule requires that in basketball, a player shall not remain in their teams’ foul lane for more than three consecutive seconds while that player’s team is in control of a live ball in the frontcourt and the game clock is running. It’s also referred to as the three-second violation or three in the key, often termed a lane violation. The countdown starts when one foot enters the restricted area and resets when both feet leave the area.

A few important things to note here:

1. The ball must be in the front court. The 3 second count won’t start while the ball is in the backcourt.
2. While the team has control of a live ball. They must be holding, dribbling or passing the ball between themselves.
3. The game clock is running. The count won’t start until the ball has been passed in from a throw-in and the offensive team has control.

Allowances must be made for a player who:

• makes an attempt to leave the restricted area;
• is in the restricted area when they or their team-mate is in the act of shooting and the ball is leaving or has just left the player’s hand(s) on the shot for a field goal;
• dribbles in the restricted area to shoot for a field goal after having been there for less than 3 consecutive seconds.

Breaking down each point:

1. A player who has been in the key for almost 3 seconds (let’s call it 2.9 seconds) is making a legitimate attempt to leave the key and they are in the key for a total of 5 seconds.
2. The player has been in the key for almost 3 seconds (2.9 seconds) when their team-mate begins the act of shooting, it takes this player another 2 seconds to complete the shot attempt.
3. The player has been standing in the key for close to 3 seconds (2.9 seconds) and receives the ball, dribbles towards the ring and begins their shot attempt; this player has now been in the key for 5 seconds.

In all 3 of the above examples this is legal play and no violation has occurred.

The final part of the 3 second rule which is important is to establish themselves outside the restricted area, the player must place both feet on the floor outside the restricted area. To get out of the key you must have both feet touch outside the key area.