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The restricted area is the semicircle under the basket where a help defender cannot draw a charge against a driving ball handler. In the NBA, WNBA and NCAA it’s a 4-foot arc; in FIBA it’s 1.25 meters; in high school it depends on state adoption. The core idea: to get a charge near the rim, a defender must be set outside the arc (and meet legal guarding rules). Primary defenders and most post-up plays are common exceptions.
Quick Answer
The restricted area protects airborne drivers from late help sliding under the rim. In NBA, WNBA, NCAA and most FIBA play, a secondary defender standing with any part of the foot on or inside the arc cannot draw a charge on a player driving to the basket. Primary on-ball defenders can still draw a charge anywhere. Post-up backing-down plays and rebounding contact aren’t governed by the arc.
| League | Arc Radius | Who the Rule Targets | Core Principle |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBA | 4 feet | Secondary (help) defenders | Help defenders inside/on the arc cannot draw charge on a driving player; primary defender exception; post-play exception. |
| WNBA | 4 feet | Secondary defenders | Same framework as NBA. |
| NCAA (Men/Women) | 4 feet | Secondary defenders | Secondary defender must be outside the arc; primary defender and lower-defensive-box/post exceptions apply. |
| NFHS (High School) | State option | Secondary defenders (when adopted) | Many states use an arc mirroring NCAA concepts; check your state manual. |
| FIBA | 1.25 m (≈4.1 ft) | Secondary defenders | Help defenders on/inside the arc cannot draw charges against drives; similar post/primary-defender concepts. |
What Is the Restricted Area?
The restricted area (RA) is a painted semicircle centered under the basket. It limits where a help defender can take a charge on a ball handler driving to score. If the defender has a foot touching the line, the defender is considered inside the RA.
Dimensions vary by governing body. NBA and WNBA use a 4-foot radius; NCAA uses a 4-foot radius; FIBA uses 1.25 meters. In high school (NFHS), the arc is a state association option; many states use an arc comparable to NCAA, but it is not universally mandated.
How Officials Judge Charge vs. Block Near the Arc
What counts as a charge or a block?
- Charge (player-control foul): The ball handler causes illegal contact with a legally positioned defender established before the shooter begins the upward motion.
- Block (defensive foul): The defender is late, not in legal guarding position, moves into the path too late, or is inside the restricted area (as a secondary defender) when contact occurs.
Referee checklist in RA situations
- Who is the defender? Primary on-ball or secondary help?
- Is the defender inside, on, or outside the arc line? (The line belongs to the RA.)
- Did the ball handler gather and begin the upward motion before the defender established legal guarding position?
- Was the offensive action a drive to the basket (RA relevant) or a post-up/rebound/screen (RA usually not relevant)?
- Point of contact and timing: Did the defender have both feet on the floor and torso facing at the moment of contact?
Timing that matters
- Gather/upward motion: A charge requires the defender to be set before the ball handler starts the upward motion to shoot. If the defender slides in after that, it’s a block.
- Feet on the floor: To draw a charge, defenders must have both feet on the floor in legal position; being airborne negates a charge attempt.
- Contact location: The RA applies when contact occurs with a help defender who has any part of a foot on or inside the arc.
League-by-League Differences That Matter
NBA
Rule basis: 4-foot arc. The RA limits secondary defenders on drives. A primary defender can draw a charge even with feet in the RA. If the offensive player receives the ball in the lower defensive box (for example, on a post-up), the RA does not protect that player; the defender can legally take a charge in the RA if all other criteria are met. Offensive (player-control) fouls never produce free throws; ball goes to the defensive team out of bounds. Defensive blocks on a shooter yield free throws if the try is missed; continuation may apply.
WNBA
Rule basis: 4-foot arc, mirroring the NBA framework. The same distinctions among primary vs. secondary defender and post play apply. Player-control fouls do not result in free throws; common defensive fouls on shooters do.
NCAA (Men and Women)
Rule basis: 4-foot arc; the rule targets secondary defenders. Primary defenders may draw charges anywhere on the floor, including inside the arc. When the offensive player receives the ball with feet inside the lower defensive box, the RA restriction generally does not apply. On a player-control/team-control foul, no free throws are awarded and the ball is awarded to the opponent for a throw-in. A defensive blocking foul on a shooter leads to free throws if the try is unsuccessful; otherwise the basket counts and one free throw may be awarded.
NFHS (High School)
Rule basis: State-association option. Many states have adopted an RA and apply a “secondary defender” standard similar to NCAA. Because dimensions and adoption vary, crews follow their state manual. In general high school enforcement: player-control fouls never result in free throws; defensive blocks may lead to bonus free throws when the opponent is in the bonus, or shooting free throws if the foul occurs during a try.
FIBA
Rule basis: 1.25-meter arc. A secondary defender with a foot on or inside the arc cannot draw a charge against a driving opponent. As in other codes, primary defenders and most low-post plays are not protected by the arc. Offensive fouls do not result in free throws; defensive shooting fouls do.
Game Situations and Rulings
Example 1: Two-foot takeoff, help slides late
A guard drives from the top, gathers at the dotted line and launches off two feet. A help defender slides in with heels on the arc line and absorbs contact. Ruling: Blocking foul (NBA/WNBA/NCAA/FIBA). The help defender is inside/on the RA and cannot draw a charge on a drive. If the shot misses: shooting free throws (defense fouled the shooter). If it goes in: count the basket and one free throw. Play resumes accordingly.
Example 2: On-ball defender set in the RA
A center switches onto the driver well outside the lane and maintains legal guarding position down to the rim, ending up with feet in the RA. Contact occurs straight on. Ruling: Charge (all major codes). The RA does not protect the ball handler from a primary defender. Result: offensive foul, no free throws; ball awarded to the defensive team out of bounds.
Example 3: Post-up spin inside the lower defensive box
A forward catches on the block (inside the lower defensive box), spins middle, and runs into a defender standing on the arc. Ruling: Charge is possible (NBA/WNBA/NCAA/FIBA). The RA restriction generally does not apply to post plays where the player receives the ball in the lower defensive box. If the defender was legal and established before the move, charge. If the defender arrived late, block with standard penalties.
Example 4: Baseline drive and pass, then crash
A wing drives baseline, leaves his feet to pass, then crashes into a help defender standing with toes barely touching the arc. Ruling: Block (all codes) if the help is a secondary defender with any part of the foot on the arc. If the helper was fully outside and legal before the passer started upward, charge (offensive foul, no free throws). If the pass was released and the foul is on the airborne passer, the team-control principle still means no free throws on the charge.
Example 5: Rebound crash under the rim
After a missed shot, two players battle for a rebound and collide in the semicircle. Ruling: The RA is not used on rebounding contact. Officials judge block/charge/over-the-back using standard principles unrelated to the arc. Free throws or possession depend on whether it’s a common foul and the penalty situation.
Exceptions and What the Arc Doesn’t Cover
- Primary defender: If you’ve guarded the ball handler from the start of the play, you can draw a charge anywhere, including inside the arc, if all legal-guarding criteria are met.
- Post-ups and the lower defensive box: When the offensive player receives the ball on the block or close to the rim, the RA limitation is generally removed; standard charge/block criteria apply.
- Rebounds and loose balls: The RA is not applied; normal contact rules govern.
- Screens: Illegal screens are judged by screening rules; the arc is not relevant.
- Airborne defenders: To take a charge, defenders need both feet on the floor and to be set; the arc doesn’t legalize an airborne “take.”
What Officials Specifically Watch For
- Feet relative to the line: A foot touching the line equals “inside” the arc.
- Torso contact: Charges typically require significant torso contact with a legal defender.
- Establishment time: Defender must be set before the offensive player begins the upward motion.
- Type of play: Drive versus post-up/rebound determines whether the RA applies.
- Continuation (NBA/WNBA/FIBA): Whether the shooter had started a continuous shooting motion affects whether a basket counts before/after contact.
How the Game Resumes and Free Throws
- Charge (offensive/player-control foul): No free throws in NBA/WNBA/NCAA/NFHS/FIBA. Ball awarded to the defensive team for a throw-in at the nearest spot (or per league’s inbounding rules). Any basket made on a charge does not count.
- Block on a shooter: If the try misses, free throws are awarded (2 or 3 depending on the attempt). If the try is made, count the basket and award one free throw.
- Block not on a shooter: Common foul. In NBA/WNBA, free throws may be awarded if the defense is in the penalty. In NCAA/NFHS, free throws depend on bonus status. In FIBA, team foul penalties apply similarly.
Similar Rules That Cause Confusion
- Verticality versus RA: A defender may jump straight up (verticality) to contest in the RA; that’s not a charge but can be a legal contest. The RA only restricts drawing charges by secondary defenders.
- Lower Defensive Box (LDB): The RA usually doesn’t protect a ball handler who receives the ball in the LDB (post play). Standard block/charge rules apply there.
- Blocking outside the arc: The RA doesn’t excuse a late slide outside the arc. You still need legal guarding position and timely establishment.
- Offensive push-offs: An offensive player who extends the arm to displace a defender can be called for a player-control foul anywhere; the RA is irrelevant.
Practical Tips for Players and Coaches
For defenders
- Decide early: Are you the primary or the help? If you’re help, get both feet clearly outside the arc before the driver gathers, or wall up vertically.
- Show position: Square your torso and be still at contact. Avoid planting with heels on the line; officials see the line as “inside.”
- Know post exceptions: Against low-post catches, meet early and be set; the arc won’t save the offense.
For ball handlers
- Read the helper’s feet: If the help is deep and outside the arc, use a Euro step or stride stop. If the helper is inside, finish through with verticality or a floater.
- Avoid charge magnets: Don’t lower the shoulder or initiate through the chest of a set defender. Jump stops and two-foot finishes buy you options.
- Baseline discipline: When driving baseline, anticipate help sliding toward the arc. Kick out early or take a short floater.
Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings
- “Any defender in the arc equals a block.” Not if it’s the primary on-ball defender or a true post-up; the RA doesn’t apply there.
- “The defender only needs one foot outside.” To draw a charge, the defender needs both feet on the floor in legal position outside the arc at contact.
- “If I pass, I can’t be called for a charge.” A player-control foul can occur on airborne passes; the RA rule still applies to secondary help.
- “Verticality means no foul.” Verticality protects legal space; forward movement or body displacement still creates a block.
- “Rebound collisions use the arc.” The arc is ignored on rebounds; standard contact rules apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the restricted-area line count as inside the arc?
Yes. If any part of the defender’s foot touches the line, the defender is considered inside the restricted area for RA judgments.
Can a primary defender take a charge with feet inside the arc?
Yes. Across major codes, the RA limits secondary (help) defenders on drives. A legal primary defender may draw a charge anywhere, including in the arc.
Does the arc apply when the ball handler catches in the low post?
Generally no. When the offensive player receives the ball in the lower defensive box, the RA restriction is not applied. Officials use normal charge/block criteria.
How do I know if I’m the primary or a secondary defender?
If you initially guard the ball handler and stay with him on the drive, you’re primary. If you rotate from another player or from help-side to take the contact, you’re secondary.
What if contact occurs above the arc while the defender is airborne?
To take a charge, a defender must have both feet on the floor in legal position before contact. An airborne defender cannot draw a charge; the arc is not a factor in that scenario.
Are there free throws on a charge?
No. A player-control/team-control foul does not award free throws in NBA, WNBA, NCAA, NFHS, or FIBA. The ball is awarded to the defensive team for a throw-in.
Does the restricted area matter on screens?
No. Illegal screens are judged by screening rules (positioning, time and distance). The arc does not change a screen ruling.
Is there a restricted area in every high school game?
Not necessarily. NFHS allows state associations to adopt an arc. Many states have one, but dimensions and implementation can vary. Check your state’s manual.
Final Thoughts
The restricted area streamlines one of basketball’s toughest calls: charge vs. block under the rim. Remember the core: it protects drivers only from secondary help set inside or on the arc. Primary defenders and most post plays are outside its protection. For clean outcomes, defenders must get outside early or play vertically; ball handlers should read feet and finish under control. When in doubt, officials track who’s primary vs. help, foot location relative to the line, and whether the defender was set before the shooter’s upward motion.