<P> The perimeter is defined as the areas outside the free throw lane and inside the three - point line . Shots converted (successfully made) from this area are called "perimeter shots" or "medium - range shots ." If a player's foot is on the three - point line, the shot is considered a perimeter shot . </P> <P> The low post is defined as the areas that are closest to the basket but outside of the free throw lane . This area is fundamental to strategy in basketball . Skilled low post players can score many points per game without ever taking a jump shot . </P> <P> The key, free throw lane or shaded lane refers to the usually painted area beneath the basket; for the NBA it is 16 feet (4.9 m) wide, for the NCAA it is 12 feet (3.7 m) wide; for both instances it extends 15 feet (4.6 m) from the backboard . At the top of the rectangle is the free throw line, behind which players shoot uncontested shots when they're fouled . A circle is drawn around the free - throw line with a 6 feet (1.8 m) radius; this is used for jump ball instances, as is done at the center circle . Two 6 - inch hash lines, 3 ft from the free throw lane line and 5 ft 8 in from the free throw line, show the lower defensive box linked to the restricted area . </P> <P> For FIBA tournaments, since October 2010 the key has been a rectangle 4.9 m wide and 5.8 m long . Previously it was a trapezoid 3.7 meters (12 ft) wide at the free - throw line and 6 meters (19 feet and 6.25 inches) at the end line . </P>

Where is the free throw line measured from