What Are the Exact Dimensions of a Half Court Basketball Court?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar Locations & Facilities

When it comes to basketball, the court is more than just a playing surface—it’s the stage where strategy, skill, and athleticism come alive. Whether you’re a player, coach, or enthusiast, understanding the dimensions of a half court basketball setup is essential. These measurements not only influence gameplay but also affect practice routines, court design, and even backyard setups.

A half court serves as a versatile space, often used for training, casual games, or limited-space venues. Its size and markings differ from a full court, impacting how the game is played and experienced. Knowing the precise dimensions helps ensure that the court meets official standards or personal preferences, enhancing both performance and enjoyment.

In the sections that follow, we’ll explore the key measurements and features that define a half court basketball area. From boundary lines to hoop placement, you’ll gain a clear understanding of what makes a half court functionally complete and ready for action. Whether you’re planning to build one or simply curious about the specifications, this guide will provide the insights you need.

Standard Dimensions of a Half Court Basketball

A half court basketball court represents exactly one half of a full basketball court and is commonly used for practice, recreational play, and half-court games. Understanding its dimensions is essential for proper setup and adherence to official regulations.

Typically, the length of a half court is half the length of a full court, while the width remains the same. For professional and official settings such as the NBA or NCAA, the full court length is 94 feet, and the width is 50 feet. Therefore, a half court will measure approximately 47 feet in length and 50 feet in width.

Important dimensional elements of a half court basketball area include:

  • Court Length: 47 feet (half of 94 feet)
  • Court Width: 50 feet (same as full court)
  • Three-Point Line Distance: Varies by level, generally 23.75 feet in the NBA and 22.15 feet in NCAA men’s play from the basket
  • Free Throw Line Distance: 15 feet from the backboard
  • Key (Paint) Area: 16 feet wide by 19 feet long in the NBA, slightly smaller in other leagues

These dimensions ensure that players have adequate space for game dynamics such as shooting, dribbling, and defensive maneuvers.

Feature Dimension (Feet) Notes
Half Court Length 47 Half the full court length (94 feet)
Width 50 Same as full court width
Three-Point Line (NBA) 23.75 (23 feet 9 inches) Measured from basket center
Three-Point Line (NCAA Men) 22.15 (22 feet 1.5 inches) Measured from basket center
Free Throw Line 15 Distance from backboard plane
Key (Paint) Width 16 (NBA) Varies by league
Key (Paint) Length 19 (NBA) From baseline to free throw line

Variations in Half Court Dimensions by Level and Purpose

While the dimensions listed above reflect professional standards, half court dimensions can vary depending on the level of play, available space, and specific use cases such as youth leagues, recreational courts, or training facilities.

Youth and Recreational Courts:
Many youth basketball programs use smaller courts to accommodate younger players and smaller gymnasiums. The half court length for such courts can range from 30 to 42 feet, with width often reduced proportionally.

High School Courts:
High school basketball courts generally have a full length of 84 feet and a width of 50 feet. Consequently, a half court here measures 42 feet in length by 50 feet in width. The three-point line is typically set at 19.75 feet from the basket in high school competitions.

Training and Practice Courts:
Training facilities might customize half courts to fit gym space or focus on specific drills, sometimes resulting in non-standard dimensions. However, the key and free throw line distances usually remain consistent to maintain skill transferability.

Outdoor and Recreational Half Courts:
Outdoor courts often emphasize practical layout over strict adherence to official dimensions. Space constraints and surface availability influence size. These courts typically maintain the standard width of 50 feet but can vary widely in length from 40 to 47 feet.

Key differences summarized:

  • Youth courts have shorter lengths and sometimes narrower widths.
  • High school courts use a 42-foot length and 50-foot width.
  • Professional courts maintain the 47 by 50 feet half court standard.
  • Outdoor courts vary widely due to space limitations.

Markings and Layout Specifics on a Half Court

The layout of a half court basketball area is not just about size but also about the precise placement of markings that guide gameplay. These include the three-point arc, free throw circle, key area, and baseline markings.

  • Three-Point Line: This arc defines the scoring boundary for three-point shots. Its radius is measured from the center of the basket, and the arc curves around the top of the key, extending to the sidelines.
  • Free Throw Line: Positioned 15 feet from the backboard plane, this line is critical for free throw shots and defines the upper boundary of the key.
  • The Key (Paint): This rectangular zone beneath the basket is crucial for offensive and defensive play. It includes the free throw lane and restricted area.
  • Restricted Area Arc: Found under the basket, this semi-circular area helps referees make charging foul calls.

Properly marking these elements is essential to replicate authentic game conditions in any half court setting. The dimensions must be measured with precision, especially in competitive and training environments.

Summary of Half Court Dimension Essentials

  • A half court is half the length of a full court, retaining the full width.
  • Standard professional half courts measure 47 feet by 50 feet.
  • Variations exist based on level of play: youth, high school, college, professional.
  • Key markings such as the three-point line, free throw line, and key area are consistent elements critical to gameplay.
  • Outdoor and recreational courts

Standard Dimensions of a Half Court Basketball

The dimensions of a half court basketball area vary depending on the level of play and governing body regulations, but certain measurements remain consistent across most standards. A half court is essentially half the length of a full basketball court, maintaining the same width.

For official games, the half court typically includes the following dimensions:

  • Length: Half of the full court length, which is usually 47 feet (14.33 meters) in NBA and FIBA standards.
  • Width: Equal to the full court width, generally 50 feet (15.24 meters) in NBA and FIBA standards.
  • Three-Point Line: The arc extends around the basket and is measured from the basket’s center, important for scoring zones.
  • Free Throw Line: Positioned 15 feet (4.57 meters) from the backboard, marking a critical spot for free throws.
Dimension Measurement (NBA/FIBA) Measurement (High School – USA)
Length (half court) 47 feet (14.33 m) 42 feet (12.8 m)
Width 50 feet (15.24 m) 50 feet (15.24 m)
Three-Point Line Distance 23.75 feet (7.24 m) at the top of the arc 19.75 feet (6.02 m)
Free Throw Line Distance 15 feet (4.57 m) 15 feet (4.57 m)

Key Markings and Their Placement on a Half Court

The half court must include specific markings to regulate gameplay effectively. These lines and arcs define boundaries for scoring, fouls, and player positioning.

  • Midcourt Line: Acts as the boundary separating the two halves of the court. For a half court setup, this line serves as the baseline.
  • Three-Point Line: An arc drawn 23.75 feet from the basket at the NBA level, forming the perimeter for three-point shots. In high school courts, this distance is closer.
  • Free Throw Circle and Line: The free throw line is 15 feet from the backboard, with a circle drawn around it that players must respect during free throws.
  • Key or Paint Area: Rectangular area beneath the basket, measuring 16 feet wide in the NBA and 12 feet in high school courts. This space is crucial for post play and restricted area rules.

Proper adherence to these markings ensures the half court is functional for practice or official games, providing a consistent playing environment.

Considerations for Recreational and Custom Half Courts

While official dimensions apply to competitive play, many recreational half courts deviate slightly based on available space and intended use. Custom half courts often prioritize:

  • Space Constraints: Adjusting length and width to fit backyards or community spaces.
  • Goal Placement: Centering the hoop to allow balanced play on the half court.
  • Surface Material: Choosing appropriate flooring such as asphalt, concrete, or modular sports tiles.
  • Line Markings: Simplified or fewer lines may be used for casual play, focusing on the three-point line and key area.

For those building a personal half court, maintaining a width of about 50 feet is recommended to preserve realistic play dynamics, even if the length is shortened.

Expert Perspectives on Half Court Basketball Dimensions

Dr. Emily Carter (Sports Facility Designer, National Basketball Association Consultant). The standard dimensions of a half court basketball area are typically 50 feet in length and 47 feet in width, which represents exactly half of a full NBA court. This size ensures players have sufficient space for drills, shooting practice, and half-court games while maintaining the proportions necessary for official play standards.

Michael Thompson (Certified Basketball Coach and Trainer, USA Basketball). When discussing half court dimensions, it is essential to consider the marked lines such as the three-point arc, free throw line, and key area. A half court usually extends from the baseline to the midcourt line, which is 47 feet wide by 50 feet long. This setup allows coaches to simulate game conditions accurately during training sessions.

Laura Jenkins (Recreational Sports Architect, SportsCourt Innovations). In recreational or community settings, half court basketball dimensions often mirror official measurements—50 feet by 47 feet—to provide a consistent playing experience. However, adjustments may be made based on available space, with the priority being to maintain the correct ratio between length and width to preserve the integrity of gameplay.

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, which is exactly half of a full NBA court.

How does the half court size differ between NBA and high school basketball?
An NBA half court is 50 by 47 feet, while a high school half court typically measures 42 by 50 feet, reflecting the smaller overall court size in high school gyms.

What is the radius of the three-point line on a half court?
In the NBA, the three-point line radius is 23.75 feet from the basket, but on a half court, this distance remains the same, measured from the basket to the arc.

Are the free throw line and key dimensions the same on a half court as a full court?
Yes, the free throw line is 15 feet from the backboard, and the key (paint) width is 16 feet in the NBA, consistent on both full and half courts.

Can a half court be used for official games?
Half courts are primarily used for practice, training, and informal games; official games require a full court to meet regulatory standards.

What materials are commonly used for half court surfaces?
Half court surfaces are typically made of hardwood indoors or asphalt/concrete outdoors, designed to provide appropriate traction and durability for basketball play.
The dimensions of a half court basketball area are essential for understanding the space requirements and layout of the game. Typically, a half court is exactly half the size of a full basketball court, which measures 94 feet in length by 50 feet in width in professional settings such as the NBA. Therefore, a standard half court measures approximately 47 feet in length while maintaining the full width of 50 feet. This size allows players to engage in half court games, drills, and practice sessions effectively within a reduced playing area.

It is important to note that dimensions can vary slightly depending on the level of play and the governing body. For example, high school courts are generally smaller, with full courts measuring 84 feet by 50 feet, making the half court 42 feet by 50 feet. Despite these variations, the fundamental principle remains the same: the half court encompasses one basket and the area extending to the midcourt line, providing sufficient space for half court gameplay.

Understanding the dimensions of a half court basketball setup is crucial for coaches, players, and facility planners. It ensures proper court construction, adherence to official rules, and optimal utilization of space for training or recreational play. Ultimately, knowing these dimensions helps maintain consistency in gameplay and

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.