AMERICAN PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL COURT
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High School & Junior High School Basketball Court
The main difference between a college basketball court and a high school basketball court is the length. While college courts are 94′ long, high school courts are 84′. Junior high courts are even smaller at 74′ and play with a width of 42′. The other primary difference is high school courts generally do not have a restricted arc under the basket. The three-point line is 19′ 9″ on both high school and junior high basketball courts.
Quick Facts About Basketball Court Measurements
Q: I heard the NCAA made some changes to their courts regarding the three-point line and the restricted arc area. What are they?
A: That is correct! In 2015, the NCAA passed rules that expand the restricted arc area under the basket from three feet to four feet. They also decided to move the women’s three-point line back to the men’s line – 20 feet, nine inches – so they are both the same distance from the hoop.
Q: What is the restricted arc?
A: Typically, it is defined as if a defensive player is inside or touching the arc, they cannot draw a “charge” or an offensive foul.
Q: How far is the free throw line from the basket?
A: 15 feet.
Q: What’s the size of the basketball hoop?
A: 18 inches across
Q: How far is a three-point shot?
A: In high school it is 19′ 9″ from the line to the center of the hoop. In college games, it is 20′ 9″. In professional leagues, it varies but goes as high as 23′ 9″.
Q: How far is a half-court shot?
A: Not 47 feet as you might think. If you consider the backboard is 4 feet from the baseline, a half-court shot is 43 feet, unless you’re on a high school court which would then be 38 feet.
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