In basketball, the “paint” refers to the area on the court around the key, also known as the “key” or “lane.” It is the rectangular space under the basket, typically marked by a line that extends from the baseline (the end of the court) to the free-throw line.
The paint is crucial in both offensive and defensive strategies:
– Offensive: Players often try to drive into the paint to get a closer shot at the basket or create opportunities for passes and rebounds.
– Defensive: Defenders work to protect the paint, blocking shots, preventing easy layups, and contesting rebounds.
The area is also significant because of rules like the 3-second violation, which limits how long an offensive player can stay in the paint without actively engaging in a play.
