Key Spots on the Floor

A strong official must know the court’s locations with confidence. These spots determine where play is resumed, how mechanics are executed, and where officials position themselves to maintain proper angles and coverage. Mastering these areas will improve your accuracy, game control, and credibility.

Throw-In Spots (Sideline & Endline)

There are four designated throw-in spots in the frontcourt used under NFHS and NCAA rules:

• Two sideline spots at the 28-foot marks in the frontcourt
• Two endline spots located three feet outside each lane line on the endline
  • Any foul or violation that occurs within the free-throw semicircle, paint area, or within the area created by an imaginary line drawn from the elbow to the end of the three-point arc result in an endline-throw in (See shaded area below).

The four designated throw-in spots in the frontcourt. Any foul or violation that occurs in the green-shaded area will result in an endline throw-in.

General Principles for Throw-Ins

• Frontcourt fouls/violations → Resume at the nearest designated spot.
• Fouls/violations inside the paint → Use the designated endline spot corresponding to the side of the basket where the infraction occurred.
• Out-of-bounds violations → Resume exactly where the ball went out, anywhere on the floor.
• Backcourt fouls/violations → Resume at the nearest throw-in spot in the backcourt.

Throw-In Fundamentals for Officials

• Allow space for the thrower, especially near tight corners.
• Ensure defenders are vertical and not crowding the thrower.
• A thrower may:
  • Move up to 3 feet to either side of the designated spot
  • Move as far back as they wish
• Inform the thrower about their status:
  • “Hold your spot” or “Spot throw-in.”
  • “You can run the baseline.” (allowed after a made baskets)

When Can the Thrower Run the Endline?