In basketball, the baseline refers to the boundary line that runs along the width of the court, behind each basket. It is the line closest to the out-of-bounds area at either end of the court. The baseline marks the edge of the playing area and is used in various situations:
1. Inbounds Play: When the ball goes out of bounds behind the basket, the team that didn’t cause the ball to go out of bounds gets possession and has to inbound the ball from the baseline. This is often called a “baseline out-of-bounds” play.
2. Shooting: The area along the baseline is where players often attempt certain types of shots, such as a baseline jumper or a layup.
3. Positioning: Players can also use the baseline to position themselves for offensive or defensive plays. It is a key part of the court where players are often restricted in their movement since the baseline is a boundary.
In some contexts, the term “baseline” might also be used to refer to a player’s positioning relative to the basket or the area along the baseline where certain plays are initiated.
