free throw lane

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of free throw lane¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

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

From Seattle Times

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

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

The free throw lane at McDonough Arena was not a place for the faint of heart Sunday evening.

From Washington Post

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