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Much has changed since Dr. James Naismith’s original vision of “basketball” - a game he invented in the cold winter of 1891. Originally played using peach baskets as goals, basketball has undergone several revisions to its rules, equipment and dimensions. For example, the first orange ball was introduced in the late 1950’s and dribbling remained unheard of until this time as well. In its early years, basketball was primarily played at educational institutions such as colleges, high schools and YMCA’s and gained its popularity through spirited interscholastic competitions. For more on the development of this dynamic sport, visit our basketball history guide and our guide to the original 13 rules.

With the formation of high school, women’s, collegiate, professional and even international basketball teams, the dimensions and distances of basketball court lines have shifted and reshifted. These measurements include the length and width of the court, centerline, free throw line, 3-point line and more. Today, such features are regulated and sanctioned as follows (click on images for larger view):

• High School (NFHS) Basketball Court dimensions are 84′ Long x 50′ Wide. The distance of the Free-Throw Line from the Backboard is 15′. The distance of the 3-Point Line from the center of the Basket is 19′ and 9”.

• NCAA (Men’s Collegiate) Basketball Court Dimensions are 94′ L x 50′ W. The Distance of the Free-Throw Line from the Backboard is 15′. The distance of the 3-Point Line from the center of the Basket is 20′ and 9”.

NCAA Basketball Court Dimensions

Twenty years after the NCAA instituted the 3-Point Shot, the men’s basketball committee chose to redefine the distance of the 3-Point Line. Beginning in the 2008-2009 season, the 3-Point Line (the line that separates the three and two-point areas) moved back a foot to a distance of 20′ and 9” from the center of the basket. Previously on par with the high school 19′ and 9” distance, the space interval was not welcomed by all. Many coaches feared the new interval would significantly affect the number of 3-point shots attempted and successfully accomplished. Others hoped the new line would distinguish the true sharpshooters from the merely sufficient players. The line, based upon the results of its first season, has had little effect on shooting rates and national statistics. Women’s NCAA upheld the 19′ and 9” distance in their 2008-2009 season.

Professional Basketball:

• NBA Basketball Court Dimensions are 94′ L x 50′ W. The Distance of the Free-Throw Line from the Backboard is 15′. The distance of the 3-Point Line from the center of the Basket is 23′ and 9” (or 22′ at a point where a line parallel to the baseline intersects the long axis of the court and the center of the basket).

• International (FIBA) Basketball Court Dimensions are 91′ L and 10” x 49′  2.5” W. The Distance of the Free-Throw Line from the Backboard is 15.09′. The distance of the 3-Point Line from the center of the Basket is 20′ 6.1”.

Women’s Teams use the following regulations:

• Women’s NCAA Basketball Court Dimensions are 84′ L x 50′ W. The Distance of the Free-Throw Line from the Backboard is 15′. The distance of the 3-Point Line from the center of the Basket is 19′ and 9”.

• Women’s Professional (WNBA) Basketball Court Dimensions are 94′ L x 50′ W. The Distance of the Free-Throw Line from the Backboard is 15′. The distance of the 3-Point Line from the center of the Basket is 20′ 6.1”.

Below is a comparison Basketball Court Measurement chart for further visual aid:

And Youth Tournaments:

• Junior High School (Youth Tournaments) Basketball Court Dimensions are 74′ L x 42′ W. The Distance of the Free-Throw Line from the Backboard is 15′. The Distance of the 3-Point Line from the center of the Basket is 19′ 9”.

The basketball rim height is always 10′ above the floor (with exceptions for certain youth games.) When constructing a court for your home, school or facility, it is important to know and clearly mark these dimensions as well as areas such as the key, restricted arc area (if necessary) and so on. And don’t forget to use a good quality basketball court marking kit as well as other necessary equipment to get the job done properly and efficiently. Dazadi offers the several basketball court marking kits. We recommend the Easy Court Premium Basketball Court Marking Kit. This reliable kit includes a reusable cardboard stencil to help you set a regulation key and free-throw line (as well as a high school 3-point line), easy-to-use stencil paint and easy-to-follow instructions. Although you’ll see other kits (such as some we have on our site) selling for $20-$40, it is important to note that lesser quality kits are made of a thin newsprint and can be difficult to use. The long-lasting, quality work of the Easy Court is worth the added purchasing cost. But don’t just take our word for it. User reviews and ratings can be found on our product profiles and offer valuable insight into the quality of each product. Consumer testimony is an important resource when shopping for that perfect fit. We encourage you to take advantage of this awesome option.

The rules of basketball have evolved greatly since Dr. James Naismith first drew up the famous first 13 rules. The most notable developments are the inclusion of the dribble, the free throw, and the three point basket. Here Dazadi offers rules that are by no means official, but rather give players a basic understanding of how the modern game is played. Read the rest of this entry »

In 1891 the minister Dr. James Naismith faced the problem of finding a sport for students at the School for Christian Workers that could be played indoors during the bitter New England winter. Taking inspiration from a game he played as a child called “Duck-on-a-Rock,” he nailed peach baskets (originally he asked the janitor for boxes but none could be found) to two YMCA gymnasium walls and wrote up thirteen simple rules. The very first basketball game, which featured two teams of nine players using a soccer ball, occurred on January 20, 1892 and ended in an amazingly low score of 1-0. Read the rest of this entry »

“I am sure that no man can derive more pleasure from money or power than I do from seeing a pair of basketball goals in some out of the way place.” - Dr. James Naismith (1861 - 1939), inventor of basketball.

The basketball goal certainly has come a long way since Dr. Naismith nailed two peach baskets to either side of a YMCA gymnasium on a chilly December day in 1892. Modern models feature such an overwhelming variety of pole sizes, backboard materials, adjustment methods, and other features that the average player is often left confused as to which basketball hoop is right for them. To help you sort through our massive selection and discover which one is perfect for your needs, we have drawn from our many years of expertise to create what we believe is the most thorough and helpful basketball goal buying guide on the internet. Read the rest of this entry »