<P> The most - commonly enforced rule on the key is the `` three seconds rule '' in which a player from the offensive team is prohibited from staying on the key for more than three seconds , or else the player 's team will lose possession of the ball . Another rule enforced is the lane violation in which players from both teams are prohibited to enter the lane until after the free - throw shooter releases the ball from his hands . A recent innovation is the introduction of the restricted area arc directly underneath the basket where the defending player can not force an offensive foul on the opposing player . </P>
<P> The most - commonly enforced rule on the key is the `` three seconds rule '' in which a player from the offensive team is prohibited from staying on the key for more than three seconds , or else the player 's team will lose possession of the ball . Another rule enforced is the lane violation in which players from both teams are prohibited to enter the lane until after the free - throw shooter releases the ball from his hands . A recent innovation is the introduction of the restricted area arc directly underneath the basket where the defending player can not force an offensive foul on the opposing player . </P>
basketball how long can you stay in the paint
basketball how long can you stay in the paint
three seconds
three seconds