free throw lane

American  

noun

Basketball.

1. the rectangular area, 19 feet (5.7 meters) long and usually 12 or 16 feet (3.6 m or 4.8 meters) wide, extending from the end line behind each backboard to the foul line and along the sides of which players line up during a foul shot.

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Etymology

Origin of free throw lane

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

They have painted the No. 6 in the free throw lane.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 26, 2022

He had a smooth, easy jump shot with a quick release and was especially known for using the backboard for bank shots from either side of the free throw lane.

From Washington Post • Jan. 1, 2022

The league also had a 30-second shooting clock and a wider free throw lane, 18 feet instead of the standard 12.

From Washington Times • Dec. 24, 2020

Back in 1964, the free throw lane was widened a second time, from 12 to 16 feet because Chamberlain would throw the ball up toward the basket, jump toward the rim, and dunk the ball.

From Fox News • Jun. 15, 2020