Basketball · Official Basketball Rules

Law 26: 3 Seconds

2 parts · 2 tests · 20 facts · updated 22 October 2026 · markdown

The 3-second rule in the opponents' restricted area, its conditions and allowances, and what it takes to be established outside.

26.261The 3-Second Rule

The limit, its conditions and the three allowances.

A player shall not remain there for more than 3 consecutive seconds.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 26.1.1 · recall
It applies while the team controls a live ball in its frontcourt and the game clock is running.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 26.1.1 · recall
The rule is about remaining in the opponents' restricted area; FIBA has no defensive 3 seconds (the NBA does).
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 26.1.1 · applied
Allowances must be made for a player who attempts to leave the restricted area.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 26.1.2 · applied
Allowance is made when he or a team-mate is in the act of shooting and the ball is leaving or has just left the hand.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 26.1.2 · applied
Allowance is made for a player who dribbles in to shoot after being there for less than 3 consecutive seconds.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 26.1.2 · applied
Both feet must be placed on the court outside the restricted area.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 26.1.3 · recall
The count runs only while his team controls the ball in its frontcourt and the clock runs.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 26.1.1 · applied
Both feet outside end the count.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 26.1.3 · applied
The limit is 3 consecutive seconds: C (3.5 s) is the first moment beyond it.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 26.1.1 · applied

Lines, feet and being established outside.

The count applies while the game clock is running.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 26.1.1 · recall
It is about remaining in the opponents' restricted area.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 26.1.1 · recall
The restricted area's lines are part of it (Art. 2.5.3), so a foot on them is inside.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 2.5.3, 26.1 · applied
The limit is 3 consecutive seconds; leaving with both feet ends the count.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 26.1.1, 26.1.3 · applied
Backcourt possession is not covered: the rule needs control in the frontcourt.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 26.1.1 · applied
It is a violation, penalised by a throw-in for the opponents.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 22, 26 · recall
The count needs a live ball, team control in the frontcourt and the clock running.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 26.1.1 · applied
3, 5 and 8 seconds.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 26, 27, 28 · recall
Dribbling in to shoot after under 3 seconds is allowed.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 26.1.2 · applied
Both feet must be on the floor outside; the line belongs to the area and a raised foot is not placed.
Source: FIBA OBR 2026, Art. 26.1.3 · applied

FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026 (v1.1), Article 26 (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the Rules, not reproduced)