The Elbow in basketball refers to the area on the court where the free throw line intersects with the lane line on each side of the key.
It is called the Elbow because the two lines form a 90-degree angle, resembling a bent elbow. There are two elbows on a basketball court, one on each side of the lane.
The elbow is a crucial spot for both offensive and defensive players, especially during dribble penetration. The player who establishes position at the elbow first often gains a tactical advantage.