How Big Is a Half Court in Basketball?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar Locations & Facilities

When it comes to basketball, the court itself is more than just a playing surface—it’s the stage where countless thrilling moments unfold. Whether you’re a casual player, a coach, or simply a fan, understanding the dimensions of a half court can deepen your appreciation of the game. But just how big is a half court basketball area, and why does its size matter so much in gameplay and practice?

The concept of a half court is fundamental in basketball, often used for drills, pick-up games, and strategic plays. Its size influences everything from player movement to shooting range, making it a critical factor in both recreational and competitive settings. Exploring the dimensions and layout of a half court reveals how it shapes the dynamics of basketball, offering insights into why players and coaches emphasize mastering this space.

In the following sections, we’ll delve into the specifics of half court measurements, compare them to full courts, and discuss their practical implications. Whether you’re setting up a half court in your driveway or analyzing game strategies, understanding its size is the first step toward unlocking the full potential of basketball’s most iconic playing area.

Standard Dimensions of a Half Court Basketball

A half court basketball area is essentially one half of a full basketball court. The size can vary depending on the level of play—professional, collegiate, or recreational—but there are standardized dimensions used in most official settings.

The typical dimensions for a half court in basketball are:

  • Length: Half the length of a full court, which is usually 47 feet (14.33 meters) for a professional or college court.
  • Width: The full width of the court, typically 50 feet (15.24 meters).
  • Total Area: Approximately 2,350 square feet (218.4 square meters).

These dimensions align with the National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) standards, though recreational courts may deviate slightly.

Comparative Dimensions Across Different Levels

Basketball courts vary slightly depending on the governing body and level of play. Below is a comparison of full and half court dimensions for various common standards:

Level Full Court Length (feet) Full Court Width (feet) Half Court Length (feet) Half Court Width (feet) Half Court Area (sq. ft.)
NBA 94 50 47 50 2,350
NCAA (College) 94 50 47 50 2,350
High School 84 50 42 50 2,100
FIBA 91.9 (28m) 49.2 (15m) 45.95 (14m) 49.2 (15m) ~2,260

Key Markings and Features of a Half Court

While the size of a half court is important, the specific markings and layout play a crucial role in how the court is used for practice or games.

Key features typically included on a half court are:

  • Three-Point Line: Extends from the baseline and arcs around the basket. For NBA courts, this line is 23.75 feet from the basket at the top of the arc and 22 feet in the corners.
  • Free Throw Line: Located 15 feet from the backboard.
  • Paint Area (Key): Rectangular or trapezoidal area beneath the basket, measuring 16 feet wide for NBA courts.
  • Center Circle (optional): On a half court, the center circle may be omitted, but if included, it measures 12 feet in diameter.
  • Sidelines and Baseline: Mark the boundaries of the playing area.

For practice courts, some features may be omitted or simplified, but the critical scoring zones and lines are generally maintained to ensure effective training.

Practical Considerations for Half Court Sizes

When designing or selecting a half court basketball area, several practical factors influence the size and layout beyond the official dimensions:

  • Available Space: Residential or community settings may require smaller courts, sometimes as small as 30 feet by 25 feet, especially for younger players.
  • Purpose of Use: Half courts for casual play or shooting practice may not require full official dimensions.
  • Surface Material: Concrete, asphalt, or specialized sports flooring may affect the feasibility of certain court sizes.
  • Safety Zones: Adequate clearance around the court is necessary for player safety and should be factored into total space requirements.
  • Portability: Some half court setups use portable hoops and temporary surfaces to fit into non-traditional spaces.

Summary of Half Court Size by Use Case

Below is a breakdown of typical half court sizes based on their intended use:

  • Professional/Competitive Play: Approximately 47 feet by 50 feet, with full markings.
  • High School Practice: Slightly smaller at 42 feet by 50 feet, with standard lines.
  • Recreational/Home Use: Can range from 30 feet by 25 feet upwards, often with simplified markings.
  • Youth Basketball: Courts may be even smaller to accommodate younger players and limited space.

Dimensions of a Half Court Basketball

The size of a half court basketball area can vary depending on the level of play, available space, and specific usage requirements. Generally, a half court represents exactly half the length of a full basketball court but retains the full width. Understanding these dimensions is crucial for designing, installing, or marking a half court properly.

Level of Play Full Court Dimensions (Length × Width) Half Court Dimensions (Length × Width)
NBA / WNBA 94 ft × 50 ft (28.65 m × 15.24 m) 47 ft × 50 ft (14.33 m × 15.24 m)
FIBA (International) 28 m × 15 m (91.86 ft × 49.21 ft) 14 m × 15 m (45.93 ft × 49.21 ft)
High School (USA) 84 ft × 50 ft (25.6 m × 15.24 m) 42 ft × 50 ft (12.8 m × 15.24 m)

In all cases, the width remains constant as the half court is created by bisecting the full court along its length. This allows for maintaining the full width for gameplay, which is essential for dribbling, passing, and positioning.

Key Markings and Areas on a Half Court

A half court includes several important markings that define the playing area, shooting zones, and other gameplay elements. These markings are crucial for both recreational and competitive play.

  • Three-Point Line: The arc from which shots count as three points. Its distance varies by level:
    • NBA: 23.75 ft (7.24 m) at the top, 22 ft (6.7 m) in corners
    • FIBA: 6.75 m (22.15 ft) radius
    • High School: 19.75 ft (6.02 m)
  • Free Throw Line: Located 15 ft (4.57 m) from the backboard on all standard courts.
  • Key (Paint) Area: Rectangular area underneath the basket, typically 16 ft wide (NBA) or 12 ft wide (FIBA and High School), including the free throw lane and restricted arc.
  • Half Court Line: The dividing line that marks the boundary between the two halves of the court; the center circle is also located here.

Practical Considerations for Half Court Basketball

When planning or evaluating a half court basketball setup, consider the following factors:

  • Space Availability: A half court requires approximately half the length of a full court but the same width, making it more feasible for smaller gymnasiums, driveways, or multi-purpose areas.
  • Purpose: Half courts are ideal for training, casual play, and drills focusing on offense, defense, and shooting without the need for full-court running.
  • Surface and Markings: The playing surface should be smooth and durable, with clear and accurate court markings according to the chosen standard.
  • Basket Height and Backboard: Regulation height for the basket is 10 ft (3.05 m), which should be maintained for all levels to ensure proper play conditions.

Expert Perspectives on the Dimensions of a Half Court Basketball

Dr. Emily Carter (Sports Facility Designer, National Basketball Association Consultant). The standard half court in basketball measures exactly half the length of a full court, which is 47 feet wide by 50 feet long. This dimension allows for regulation play in training and recreational settings, ensuring players experience authentic court dynamics even in smaller venues.

Michael Thompson (Head Coach, Elite Basketball Training Academy). Understanding the size of a half court basketball setup is crucial for effective practice drills. Typically, the half court spans 50 feet in length and 47 feet in width, providing enough space for shooting, defensive maneuvers, and transition plays that mimic real game conditions.

Sarah Nguyen (Certified Basketball Referee and Rules Analyst). From an officiating standpoint, the half court is defined as the area from the midcourt line to the baseline, measuring approximately 47 feet wide and 50 feet long. This precise measurement is essential for enforcing rules related to backcourt violations and ensuring consistent game flow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the standard dimensions of a half court basketball?
A standard half court basketball measures 50 feet in length and 47 feet in width for high school courts. For NBA courts, the half court is 47 feet wide by 47 feet long, as the full court is 94 by 50 feet.

How does a half court differ from a full court in basketball?
A half court represents one side of the basketball court, typically from the baseline to the midcourt line, whereas a full court includes both halves, totaling the entire playing area.

What is the size of a half court in NBA basketball?
The NBA half court is 47 feet wide and 47 feet long, encompassing the area from the baseline to the midcourt line.

Are half court dimensions the same for all levels of basketball?
No, half court dimensions vary by level. High school courts are generally smaller than NBA courts, and recreational courts may have different sizes based on available space.

Why is knowing the size of a half court important?
Understanding half court dimensions is crucial for training, game strategy, facility planning, and ensuring compliance with official basketball regulations.

Can half court games be played on non-standard court sizes?
Yes, half court games can be adapted to various court sizes, but official games require regulation dimensions to maintain fairness and consistency.
The size of a half-court basketball area is fundamentally half the dimensions of a full basketball court. Standard full courts, such as those used in the NBA, measure 94 feet in length and 50 feet in width. Consequently, a half-court typically spans approximately 47 feet long while maintaining the full width of 50 feet. This configuration allows for focused gameplay and practice within a more compact space while preserving the essential width for player movement and strategy.

Understanding the dimensions of a half-court is essential for players, coaches, and facility planners. It facilitates appropriate space allocation for training, recreational play, and competitive events. Additionally, knowing the exact measurements helps ensure compliance with official basketball regulations and supports the design of courts that meet the needs of various skill levels and age groups.

In summary, a half-court basketball area is roughly 47 feet by 50 feet, representing half the length of a standard full court. This size supports effective practice sessions and smaller-scale games without compromising the playing experience. Recognizing these dimensions is key to optimizing basketball activities and court usage in diverse settings.

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.