Let’s talk about…the 3 second rule
June 8th 2023 by Luke Mclaughlan, Competitions & Referees Coordinator, Wanneroo Basketball Association
The basics of the rule:
- 3 seconds in the restricted area (keyway) is only in effect when:
- The ball is live
- Team control is established
- The team with control of the ball is in their front court
- The game clock is running
- When a player remains in the restricted area for more than 3 seconds, a violation may be administered if there is an effect
- Team control ends when a player makes an attempt to score (shoots the ball), not when the ball hits the ring or backboard
- For a player to establish themselves outside the restricted area, both feet must exit
