Kristian Ferrell
In basketball, in the paint refers to the area on the court located under the basket. It is usually painted a different colour from the rest of the court, hence the name. The key, as it is also called, measures 15 feet from the baseline below the basket to the free-throw line. It is the most active area on the court, where players can score points by shooting or dunking within its boundaries. The paint is where players can post up to take a shot or move closer to the basket. Due to its proximity to the basket, the paint is one of the best areas on the court to shoot from, and most offences and defences are designed with this territory in mind.
How to score in the paint in basketball
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | "In the paint" refers to the area on a basketball court located under each basket. |
| Other names | The key, the block |
| Dimensions | From the baseline below the basket to the free-throw line, which is 15 feet away. The width varies with different levels of play. In the NBA, it is 16 feet wide. |
| Rules | A player cannot stay in the paint for more than three seconds while their team has control of the ball. |
| Scoring techniques | Layups, dunks, and post-ups. |
| Strategies | Most offenses and defenses are designed with the paint in mind. The point guard often starts and directs plays from the top of the key. |
| Importance | The paint is the most active area of the court, and the team that controls it for most of the game usually has the best chance of winning. |
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What You'll Learn
Layups and dunks
A layup is a high-accuracy shot where a player runs as close to the basket as possible and shoots the ball into the ring without stopping. There are several types of layups, including the inside-foot layup, which is used when a defender is between the offensive player and the basket. To perform an inside-foot layup, the player should take two steps: the first long, with the outside foot, and the second short, with the inside foot, before jumping off the inside foot and finishing the shot with the outside hand. The body should be used as a shield to protect the basketball.
A dunk is similar to a layup, but the ball is thrown downwards towards the rim, and there is almost no distance between the ball and the hoop when it leaves the player's hands. Dunks are the highest-percentage shot in basketball.
Players should practice drills to improve their finishing fundamentals and become more comfortable with the different types of layups. For example, in the inside-foot layup drill, a player stands under the rim with a basketball and performs the inside-foot layup technique, repeating the action until 10 layups are made with the correct form.
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Post-up moves
The Power Dribble: This is an aggressive dribble to the side of your dominant hand that creates force and pushes you into your move. It is designed to put you in a better position to score while also keeping your defender guessing.
Drop Step: After executing the power dribble, if the defender is on the same side, use that opportunity to pivot away from them, sealing them off with your body. This creates space between you and the defender, allowing you to drive to the basket and score.
The Jab Step: In tight spaces, a well-executed jab step can create doubt in your defender's mind and give you the upper hand. It's about positioning yourself for success by outmaneuvering your opponent mentally before making a physical move.
The Shoulder Shimmy: This move is about using rhythm and misdirection to throw off your defender. A quick, sharp shake of your shoulders fakes one direction, only to go the other way and create space to score.
The Up & Under: This move involves pivoting on your inside foot, turning around, and faking a shot. You then step through with a power dribble and drive to the basket.
The Hook Shot: A traditional hook shot involves jumping off two feet and shooting over your head with one hand. To make it harder to block, add arc to your shot. You can also experiment with taking two longer steps and jumping off one foot.
The Post Fadeaway: This move involves turning away from your defender to face the basket and taking a jump shot. It is a signature move of NBA legends such as Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.
Remember, post-up play is not just about size or strength but also about technique, patience, and understanding your opponent's habits. Embrace physical contact, work on your footwork, and always be aware of your opponent's positioning to create opportunities to score in the paint.
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Rebounding and shot-blocking
Rebounding
A rebound is the ball that bounces back after an unsuccessful basket attempt. The player who catches the ball after a missed shot is awarded the rebound. Rebounding can be done individually or as a team. Offensive rebounding occurs when the offence grabs the rebound, while defensive rebounding happens when the defence secures the ball. Size and jump height are important factors in rebounding, but technique also plays a significant role. Successful rebounders need to anticipate where the ball will land and position themselves accordingly. The best rebounders in the NBA secure between 12 and 15 rebounds per game, with Wilt Chamberlain holding the record of 55 rebounds in a single game.
Shot-Blocking
Shot-blocking is a thrilling defensive play that can shift the momentum of a game and intimidate opponents. A block occurs when a defensive player legally deflects or stops a shot attempt by an offensive player before it reaches the basket. The key to successful shot-blocking is timing and positioning. Defenders must wait for the offensive player to commit to the shot before jumping to block it. Standing between the shooter and the basket, and anticipating their movements, increases the chances of blocking the shot. Shot-blocking requires athleticism and a strong understanding of positioning. It is most effective near the basket, where offensive players are more likely to attempt layups or close-range shots.
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High and low post positioning
The paint, or "the key", is a crucial part of the basketball court. It is the most active area on the court, and most of the action occurs within it. It is a rectangular area underneath the basket that goes from the baseline to the free-throw line, extending between the free-throw lane lines. This area is usually painted a different colour to the rest of the court, hence the name "the paint".
The high and low post positions are important areas within the paint. The high post is a specific area that begins from one edge of the free-throw line to the other, as well as the area between the free-throw line and the top of the three-point line. The edges of the free-throw line are often referred to as the "high post elbows" or simply the "elbows". High post players usually begin with their bodies facing the basket. A high post offense is a strategy that uses a high post player to gain possession of the basketball or create scoring opportunities near the basket or around the perimeter through offensive actions like handoffs or screens.
The low post is the area near the basket and on the lane lines. This is a common spot for players to establish a position or post up to receive a pass and then attempt to score or make another pass. Low post players usually begin with their backs towards the basket. Feeding the low post, or a post entry pass, is an offensive action where a perimeter player throws the ball to a low post player for potential scoring opportunities near the basket. Before receiving the ball, the low post player should establish a position slightly above or directly on the low post block and raise one hand to indicate they are ready to receive the pass. Once the low post player has the ball, they can attempt to score with a layup or dunk, or pass to another player.
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The 3-second rule
The rule states that a player shall not remain in their opponent's 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. The countdown starts when one foot enters the restricted area and resets when both feet leave.
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Frequently asked questions
"In the paint" refers to the area on a basketball court located under each basket. It is usually painted a different colour than the rest of the court and measures 15 feet from the baseline below the basket to the free-throw line.
The area is often painted a different colour than the rest of the traditional hardwood court, hence the name "the paint".
The paint is a crucial part of the basketball court, and controlling it increases your chances of winning the game. Strategies to control the paint include rebounding and shot-blocking.
Players can score in the paint by shooting or dunking the ball within the boundaries of the paint. They can also post up in the paint to take a shot or make a move closer to the basket.
A player cannot stay in the paint for more than three seconds while their team has control of the ball. Staying in the paint for longer than three seconds will result in a turnover, and the opposing team will gain possession of the ball.
