View synonyms for

free throw lane

noun

Basketball.

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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Word History and Origins

Origin of free throw lane¹

First recorded in 1925–30

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

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

From

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

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

From

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

From

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

free throw free throw line

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