What Are the Exact Dimensions of a Half Basketball Court?

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When it comes to basketball, the full court often steals the spotlight, but the half basketball court holds its own unique charm and practicality. Whether you’re setting up a backyard hoop, designing a community play area, or organizing practice drills, understanding the dimensions of a half basketball court is essential. These measurements not only influence gameplay but also affect the overall experience for players of all ages and skill levels.

A half basketball court offers a versatile space that balances the intensity of the game with the convenience of a smaller footprint. It’s a popular choice for training sessions, casual pick-up games, and recreational use, making it a staple in many schools, parks, and homes. Knowing the standard dimensions helps ensure the court meets official guidelines or personal needs, providing the right environment for shooting, dribbling, and teamwork.

In the following sections, we’ll explore what defines a half basketball court’s size, how it compares to a full court, and why these dimensions matter. Whether you’re a coach, player, or enthusiast, gaining insight into the court’s layout will help you make informed decisions for your basketball space.

Standard Dimensions of a Half Basketball Court

A half basketball court is essentially one half of a full court, and its dimensions depend largely on the level of play and the governing body’s regulations. For professional and collegiate courts, the dimensions follow strict guidelines, while recreational or high school courts may vary slightly.

The length of a half basketball court is typically half of the full court’s length, while the width remains consistent. For example, the NBA full court measures 94 feet by 50 feet, making the half court 47 feet by 50 feet. The NCAA and FIBA courts follow similar patterns with slight variations.

Key dimensions to consider include:

  • Length: Half the full court length, usually between 42 and 47 feet.
  • Width: Same as the full court width, generally 50 feet.
  • Three-point line: The arc varies depending on the league, affecting the court markings.
  • Free throw line: Located 15 feet from the backboard.
  • Key (paint area): The rectangular area under the basket with specific dimensions.

Dimensions Breakdown by League

Different basketball organizations have standardized court dimensions that impact half court size. Below is a table summarizing key dimension differences relevant to half courts:

League Full Court Length (ft) Half Court Length (ft) Width (ft) Three-Point Line Distance (ft) Key Width (ft)
NBA 94 47 50 23.75 (22 in corners) 16
NCAA (Men’s) 94 47 50 22.15 12
High School (NFHS) 84 42 50 19.75 12
FIBA 91.86 (28m) 45.93 (14m) 49.21 (15m) 22.15 (6.75m) 16.08 (4.9m)

Other Critical Measurements Within a Half Court

Beyond the overall dimensions, several important measurements define the playing area and markings on a half court:

  • Free Throw Line: Positioned 15 feet from the backboard, this line is where free throws are taken and plays a crucial role in the layout of the key.
  • The Key (Paint Area): This is the rectangular zone beneath the basket. Its width varies: 16 feet wide in the NBA and FIBA, and 12 feet in NCAA and high school courts. The length extends from the baseline to the free throw line, typically 19 feet.
  • Three-Point Line: The arc distance varies by league, influencing shot strategy and court spacing. For example, the NBA three-point line is 23.75 feet at the top, shortening to 22 feet in the corners.
  • Restricted Area: A semicircle with a 4-foot radius under the basket prevents defensive players from drawing charging fouls in this zone.
  • Center Circle: In a half court, the center circle is essentially halved or replaced by a designated jump ball circle at midcourt.

Adjustments for Recreational and Custom Half Courts

Many recreational half courts or backyard courts do not adhere strictly to official measurements but maintain proportionality for proper gameplay and training purposes. When designing or marking a half court, consider these practical adjustments:

  • Space Constraints: Often dictate a smaller court size, with lengths ranging from 30 to 40 feet.
  • Markings: Essential lines such as the free throw, three-point, and key area should be scaled proportionally.
  • Surface: A flat, non-slip surface with appropriate materials improves safety and playability.
  • Basket Height: Standard rim height of 10 feet should be maintained to simulate regulation play.

By ensuring the critical dimensions and markings are proportionally accurate, even custom half courts provide a functional and enjoyable playing environment.

Summary of Dimensions for a Typical Recreational Half Court

Below is a reference table for a common recreational half court layout, with scaled-down dimensions suitable for limited spaces:

Feature Dimension (Feet)
Length 35 – 40
Width 25 – 30
Three-Point Line 18 – 20 (arc radius)
Free Throw Line 13 – 15 from backboard
Key Width 10 – 12

Standard Dimensions of a Half Basketball Court

A half basketball court is typically used for practice, training, and recreational play, offering a space-efficient alternative to a full court. The dimensions of a half court are essentially half the length of a full basketball court but maintain the full width. These dimensions can vary slightly depending on the level of play (NBA, NCAA, high school) or the intended usage.

Level Full Court Dimensions (feet) Half Court Dimensions (feet) Width (feet)
NBA 94 (length) x 50 (width) 47 (length) 50
NCAA (College) 94 x 50 47 50
High School 84 x 50 42 50
  • Length: The half court length is exactly half of the full court length.
  • Width: The width remains consistent at 50 feet across all levels.
  • Key Areas: The painted key (free-throw lane) and three-point line are retained within the half court space.

Detailed Breakdown of Half Court Markings and Zones

While the overall dimensions provide a frame, the functional use of a half court depends on the correct placement of critical markings and zones. Below are the primary components to include:

  • Free Throw Line: Positioned 15 feet from the backboard, this line remains unchanged from the full court.
  • Three-Point Line: The distance varies by level:
    • NBA: 23.75 feet (22 feet in corners)
    • NCAA: 22.15 feet
    • High School: 19.75 feet
  • Painted Area (Key): The width is 16 feet for NBA and NCAA, and 12 feet for high school. The length extends from the baseline to the free throw line.
  • Center Circle: Only half of the center circle is on the half court, typically with a radius of 6 feet.
  • Baseline and Sidelines: These define the boundary of the half court, with the baseline running behind the basket and sidelines running the length.

Considerations for Custom Half Court Dimensions

In many residential and recreational settings, half basketball courts may deviate from standard dimensions to fit available space or specific needs. When planning a custom half court, consider the following factors:

  • Available Space: Ensure the court length and width fit comfortably within the site, allowing for overrun areas.
  • Playing Purpose: For competitive training, adhere closely to official dimensions; for casual play, flexibility is acceptable.
  • Surface and Material: Dimensions should accommodate the chosen surface type (asphalt, concrete, modular tiles).
  • Marking Accuracy: Maintain proper proportions of key zones to ensure realistic gameplay experience.
Aspect Standard Dimension Custom Adjustment Tips
Length 42–47 feet Reduce length proportionally if space is limited, but maintain key zones.
Width 50 feet Maintain width if possible; reducing width impacts gameplay and player movement.
Three-Point Line Varies by level Adjust based on court size, but keep consistent radius from basket.

Additional Elements Affecting Half Court Dimensions

Several auxiliary features can influence the overall size and layout of a half basketball court:

  • Basketball Hoop Placement: The hoop is mounted 10 feet above the playing surface and should be centered along the baseline.
  • Out-of-Bounds Buffer: A minimum of 3 feet beyond the sidelines and baseline is recommended for player safety and officiating space.
  • Backboard Size: NBA backboards measure 6 feet wide by 3.5 feet tall, and their placement affects the required clearance behind the baseline.
  • Lighting and Accessories: Outdoor half courts require appropriate lighting, which may impact dimension planning if poles or fixtures need to be positioned near the court.

Expert Perspectives on the Dimensions of a Half Basketball Court

Dr. Michael Harris (Sports Facility Designer, National Basketball Infrastructure Council). The standard dimensions of a half basketball court typically measure 50 feet in length and 47 feet in width. This size allows for official gameplay in training environments and recreational settings, ensuring the court maintains proportional spacing for key areas such as the three-point line, free throw lane, and baseline markings.

Linda Chen (Certified Basketball Coach and Analyst, Elite Hoops Academy). When discussing half basketball court dimensions, it’s important to recognize that the half court is exactly half the length of a full court, which is 94 feet by 50 feet in the NBA. Therefore, the half court measures 47 feet long and 50 feet wide, providing the necessary space for drills, half-court games, and skill development without sacrificing regulation standards.

James O’Connor (Director of Sports Venue Operations, Global Sports Management Group). From an operational standpoint, a half basketball court is generally designed to be 47 feet long by 50 feet wide, mirroring the width of a full court but halving the length. This configuration supports versatile use in multi-purpose sports facilities, allowing for efficient space utilization while maintaining the integrity of the game’s dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the official dimensions of a half basketball court?
An official half basketball court measures 50 feet in length and 47 feet in width, which is exactly half the length of a full NBA court (94 feet by 50 feet).

How do the dimensions of a half court differ for high school versus professional play?
High school half courts typically measure 42 feet by 50 feet, while professional courts, such as the NBA, use 47 feet by 50 feet for the half court area.

What is the size of the key (painted area) on a half basketball court?
The key on a half basketball court maintains standard dimensions: 16 feet wide for the NBA and 12 feet wide for high school courts, extending from the baseline to the free throw line.

Are the three-point line distances the same on a half court as on a full court?
Yes, the three-point line distance remains consistent; for example, the NBA three-point line is 23.75 feet from the basket at the top of the key, regardless of half or full court setup.

Can a half basketball court be customized in size for recreational use?
Yes, half courts for recreational or practice use can be customized to fit available space, but maintaining proportional dimensions ensures proper gameplay and training effectiveness.

What is the recommended ceiling height for a half basketball court?
A minimum ceiling height of 20 feet is recommended to accommodate shooting arcs and gameplay without interference.
The dimensions of a half basketball court typically measure 50 feet in length and 42 feet in width. This size is derived from splitting a standard full basketball court, which is 94 feet long and 50 feet wide, into two equal halves. The half-court includes essential markings such as the free-throw line, three-point arc, and the key, all adjusted to fit within the reduced playing area. These dimensions are widely used for practice, recreational play, and certain competitive formats that emphasize half-court gameplay.

Understanding the specific measurements of a half basketball court is crucial for players, coaches, and facility planners. It ensures that the court meets regulation standards for training and informal games while maximizing available space. Moreover, the half-court setup allows for focused skill development, such as shooting, dribbling, and defensive drills, within a manageable and efficient area.

In summary, the half basketball court’s dimensions provide a practical and standardized environment for various basketball activities. Whether for personal use, school gyms, or community centers, adhering to these measurements supports consistent play and effective practice. Recognizing these key dimensions helps maintain the integrity of the game and promotes optimal performance in half-court scenarios.

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.