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Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world and is played at the Olympic Games as well as in various international tournaments. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA), which governs basketball worldwide, has established standard court dimensions for official competitions such as the Olympics and the FIBA Basketball World Cup. According to FIBA regulations, the official dimensions of a basketball court for international competitions are 28 meters in length and 15 meters in width. These measurements are taken from the inner edges of the boundary lines. The playing surface must be flat, hard, and free from any obstacles to ensure fair and safe play.
The court is divided into two equal halves, each containing a free-throw line, a three-point arc, and a painted key (also called the restricted area). The center circle is used for jump balls at the start of the game and in certain situations during play. The baskets are positioned at the center of each end line, with the rim height set at exactly 3.05 meters (10 feet) from the floor.
While the NBA in the United States uses slightly different court dimensions (28.65 meters × 15.24 meters), the difference is minimal. For Olympic and FIBA competitions, the standard 28 m × 15 m size is mandatory, ensuring consistency across all international games.
Maintaining these specific court dimensions is important for fairness, as it allows teams from different countries to compete under the same conditions. It also ensures that players train and develop their skills on courts that meet official measurements, leading to a smoother transition from national leagues to international tournaments.
Key Points:
Official Court Size (Olympics/FIBA): 28 m × 15 m
Governing Body: International Basketball Federation (FIBA)
Basket Height: 3.05 meters (10 feet)
Purpose of Standardization: Fair play and uniformity in international competitions
NBA Court Size: Slightly larger at 28.65 m × 15.24 m
Used In: Olympic Games, FIBA World Cup, international matches
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