The Free Throw Lane, also known as "The Key" or "The Paint”, is a rectangular area on a basketball court.
It extends from the Free Throw Line to the baseline, directly under the basket. The lane is typically painted a different color than the rest of the court. In the National Basketball Association, the free throw lane measures 16 feet wide, while in college and high school, it is 12 feet wide.
During a free throw attempt, players must stay outside the lane until the ball is released. Defensive players are not allowed to enter the lane until the free-throw shooter releases the ball.