Identification

The 3 second violation is a rule in basketball that stipulates that no player on the offensive team may stay inside the bounded free-throw lane for more than 3 seconds.

Types

In 2001, the NBA instituted a new type of 3 second violation, the 3 second defensive violation. Much like in a normal 3 second rule, defenders may not stay in the paint (the square around the basket on the court) for more than 3 seconds.

Significance

In modern basketball, both internationally and in the National Basketball Association, officials rarely call a 3 second violation.

Function

The 3 second violation aims to reduce the logical strategy of clogging the free throw lane with large players, thus slowing the game and severely restricting the ability of smaller players to have an effect on the game.

Expert Insight

The modern interpretation of this rule believes that the player cannot gain an advantage by simply "camping" in the lane for more than 3 seconds, he must get the ball first. Most teams intrinsically abide by this rule, hence the rarity of it.

Effects

A defensive 3 second violation results in a single free throw attempt and retaining possession of the ball. An offensive 3 second violations incurs an automatic turnover.

Source:

Greater Philadelphia Basketball Official's Association; Three Second Violation

Rockets.com; Rulebook 101: Defensive Three-Second Rule

BasketballDommer.com; Three Second Violation