We all know Basketball is a fast-paced game. You’ve got players running up and down the court, cutting left and right, setting screens, driving to the basket… We get it, sometimes you need to take a breather. However if you’re going to stop moving your feet, be aware of where you’re standing!
Standard Basketball rules state that if an offensive player has one or both feet in the key, either in motion or stationary, the refs blows his whistle, the play stops, and the ball is handed to the defensive team. We aren’t quite as strict, so we’ve modified this to a “5 in the Key” rule. Here are a few key points to note:
- Only the GC can call this violation, however both teams should be aware of the rule.
- A 5 second limit is in effect to help avoid constant violations, stoppages in play, or disagreements.
- The rule is in effect for the entire time the offense has the ball.
- Any part of the offensive player in the key (one or both feet, or just a heel) is considered 'in the key'.
- To leave the key, a player must completely exit with both feet.
- The count restarts when a shot is attempted. For example, a player who rebounds their own missed shot is allowed be in the key for an extended period of time, as long as they attempt their next shot within 5 seconds.
Keep in mind that every gym floor is painted a little different, and some courts can have multiple outlines for the key (both rectangle and trapezoid). Before the game begins, captains should be confirming with the GC which lines are being used and inform their team.
