What is the keyway in basketball?

Answer 1

Typically called "the key" this is the area underneath the goal starting at the baseline on either side on the basket and extending 15 feet from the basket to the free throw line (this area alone is called the paint). on the outside of these lines are several 1 foot long stripes and a single square on either side called the block.

these blocks, stripes and lines together make up the key because of the general shape they make. midrange jumpers are associated with this area (top of the key)