In 1935, a rule was adopted that stopped any offensive player from standing in the free throw lane for more than three seconds. In 1955, the foul lane was widened to 12 feet (3.7 meters) from the previous 6 feet (1.83 meters). These changes resulted in more offensive movement and less rough physical contact near the basket.
Chat with our AI personalities
When an offensive player has any portion of one foot or both feet completey in the lane for 3 seconds with removing it or a teammate taking a shot. At the point of the rebound of a missed shot the 3 second count will begin again.
On the offensive end, the three second rule was adopted in 1936. On the defensive end, the rule was adopted in 2001.