NBA Restricted area: What is a restricted area in Basketball and how does it benefit the offensive player?

The restricted area is one of the most crucial areas of the paint. So how does it influence the game and why does it benefit the players who take to the air.

The restricted area has influenced several games over the years. With players like Michael Jordan, Vince Carter and Kobe Bryant going air-borne frequently, it is important to put some rules in place to protect these players. So, the league came up with the rule to prevent a secondary defender from moving in front of the basket if the ball handler has driven past his original defender.

This was largely done to prevent injuries to player who often drive to the rim and are generally air-borne. If defensive players ram into any air borne players, the result could be disastrous.

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With offensive players generating numerous free-throws from fouls in the area, lets take a look at the restricted area arc.

NBA Restricted area explained

The arc is positioned at a distance of four feet from the basket. The area was designed to limit collisions when the ball handlers drive to the rim. The rule ensures that a defensive player can not force a charging foul within this area if his feet is present in or above the restricted area.

However, the rule has some exceptions and it usually comes down to the officials for the final decision.

• If the secondary defender decides to block a shot, he can do so irrespective of his position on the court.
• Any number of players can be inside the restricted area arc if the offensive player received the basketball in the low post.
• If a player charges to the basket from the baseline to the rim cannot be charged with respect to this rule.

With increasing athleticism in the league on both ends of the floor and increased work load on the players through the years, rules to protect the vintage plays in the game will go a long way in enhancing the game worldover.