In Memo #4, we reviewed the Defensive Three-Second (“D3”) rule. As noted in that explanation, the D3 rule seems simple, but is actually rather complex, with five different caveats that affect the legality of defensive players in the lane and the count itself. The same is true for the Offensive Three-Second (“O3”) rule, although there are only two caveats that affect the count.
The O3 rule states that an offensive player cannot be in the lane for more than three seconds while his team has control of the ball. The count starts when the offensive player enters or is in the lane and his team has control of the ball in the frontcourt (if a player is in the lane and his team has control of the ball in the backcourt, there is no count). The count stops when a shot is taken, the player exits the lane or there is a loss of team control/possession (for example, a strip followed by the offensive team regaining control would start new count).
However, the rulebook also includes two actions the player in the lane can take to discontinue (or pause) the count:
- If the player is in the act of shooting before or at the end of the third second, the count is discontinued while he is in continuous motion toward the basket, or
- If the player will imminently exit the lane, the count is discontinued until he exits.
If the player stops his continuous motion toward the basket or stops short of exiting the lane, respectively, the count resumes where it was discontinued.
2015-16 REFEREE OPERATIONS MEMO #12 – THE OFFENSIVE THREE-SECOND RULE
Here are two examples of an offensive player in the lane illegally for more than three seconds:
The highlighted player is in the lane for more than three seconds and a violation is called.
http://dmmx2.nba.com/videourlredirect?&project=/bballops/bballops_O_3_Memo_02
The highlighted player is in the lane for more than three seconds and a violation is called, even though the player’s teammate is in the lane with the ball when the three-second count is reached.
http://dmmx2.nba.com/videourlredirect?&project=/bballops/bballops_O_3_Memo_03
Here are two examples of an offensive player in the lane legally for more than three seconds:
The highlighted player receives a pass and starts a continuous motion toward the basket before the three-second count is reached. A foul is called.
http://dmmx2.nba.com/videourlredirect?&project=/bballops/bballops_O_3_Memo_Legal_01
The highlighted player starts to exit the lane before the three-second count is reached, and he does not stop until he clears the lane.
http://dmmx2.nba.com/videourlredirect?&project=/bballops/bballops_O_3_Memo_Legal_13
In Memo #10, we noted that we would be posting “Making the Call with Joe Borgia” more frequently and across social media and NBA.com platforms. Last week, Joe highlighted a play in which an offensive player loses control of the ball while in the lane, which reset the count, and then after regaining control, the player started his motion toward the basket. Together, these two events resulted in a long – but legal – count in the lane.
http://dmmx2.nba.com/videourlredirect?&project=/bballops/bballops_MTC_O_3_example
FAQs
The O3 rule states that an offensive player cannot be in the lane for more than three seconds while his team has control of the ball.
What is an offensive 3 second violation? ›
The three-second rule states that an offensive player cannot remain within the painted area (also known as the key, lane, or the paint) for more than three consecutive seconds while their team is in possession of the ball. The purpose of this rule is to avoid clogging the paint and to encourage continuous play.
Is there still a 3 second rule in college basketball? ›
The 3-second count is in effect whenever an offensive player has at least one foot in the lane when their team has possession of the ball. That count stops as soon as a try is attempted, or a try is imminent. Keep this in mind at the next game you attend.
What is the 3 second defensive rule in the NBA? ›
Any defensive player, who is positioned in the 16-foot lane or the area extending 4 feet past the lane endline, must be actively guarding an opponent within three seconds. Actively guarding means being within arm's length of an offensive player and in a guarding position.
How do you get a 3-second violation? ›
It is assessed when a member of the defending team spends more than three seconds in the free throw lane (also called the key, the 16-foot lane, or "the paint") while not actively guarding an opponent.
Can you get a 3-second violation on offense? ›
Offensive 3-second violation
Offensive 3-second violations are called when an offensive player stands in the lane for more than three seconds without guarding an opponent. Only the offensive team can commit this violation. There are different reasons for this violation.
When was the offensive 3-second violation made? ›
For starters, the 3-second violation was created in 1936, but it was just an offensive foul that prevented offensive players from staying in the paint the entire time. An offensive player can't stay in the paint for over three seconds, as that will be an offensive 3-second violation.
Is there offensive 3 seconds in college? ›
Yes, an offensive player must vacate the lane after 3 seconds. Otherwise, it is a violation and a turnover. Defense can stay in the lane as long as they want.
When did NBA add 3-second rule? ›
In 2001, the NBA's owners approved of four rule changes in the hopes of improving the "flow and pace" of the game. The most significant of those rules was defensive three seconds.
Where does the 3-second rule apply? ›
The three seconds rule (also referred to as the three-second rule or three in the key, often termed as lane violation) requires that in basketball, a player shall not remain in their opponent's foul lane for more than four consecutive seconds while that player's team is in control of a live ball in the frontcourt and ...
The 3-second Rule
- Choose your marker. Choose any stationary object that is on the side of the road in front of the car in front of you.
- Start counting. When the car in front of you passes the object, start counting to three.
- Count slowly. Add "one-thousand" before each number to keep yourself legit.
- Finish.
Some of us may be all too familiar with the age-old “three-second rule”. But is it really safe to eat a piece of food that you dropped on the floor, if you pick it up within three seconds of it dropping? Unfortunately, this 'rule' is a myth!
How long can an offensive player stay in the key? ›
The most-commonly enforced rule on the key is the "three seconds rule" in which the team of a player on offense who stays on the key for more than three seconds loses possession of the ball.
How many seconds can a player hold the ball in basketball? ›
5 second rule
On an inbound pass, a player may only hold on the ball for a maximum of 5 seconds. In the game, if a player is closely guarded, they must start dribbling, passing the ball or attempting a shot within five seconds.
When did the NBA remove hand checking? ›
The NBA never officially allowed hand checks. However, the league did not strictly enforce the rules against hand checking until the 2004-2005 season. Prior to that, hand checking was a common defensive tactic, and it was used by some of the best players in the league, such as Michael Jordan and Gary Payton.
What is a 3 2 motion offense? ›
The 3-Out 2-In Motion Offense involves two players in the post and three players positioned around the perimeter. The goal is to get the basketball inside, but all the scoring doesn't have to fall on the shoulders of your post players.
Can you get called for a 3 second violation with the ball? ›
Contrary to the previous answer, one can get a 3-seconds-in-the-key call whether they have the ball or not. That 3-second rule resets each time there's a shot, though…
