Throw-ins and out-of-bounds
FIBA · 2026Five-second releases, boundary restrictions and advancing the ball late in a game.
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Articles 17 and 23 — Restarting playArticle 17 — Release and defensive limitsArticle 17 — Late-game advancementArticles 17 and 23 — Restarting play
The last player to touch the ball before it goes out normally causes the out-of-bounds violation. Boundary lines, the back of a backboard and its supports are out of bounds. The restart is ordinarily a throw-in near the incident, never directly behind the backboard. After a basket, the conceding team may move along its endline and pass between teammates outside it.
Article 17 — Release and defensive limits
The thrower has 5 seconds to release, cannot step onto the court with the ball, touch it again before another player, or score directly. At a designated spot, total sideways movement is limited to 1 m, although moving backward is allowed. Defenders may not cross the boundary plane; where clearance is less than 2 m, they must leave 1 m from the thrower. In the final 2:00 of the fourth quarter or overtime, violating the referee’s boundary warning brings a technical foul.
Article 17 — Late-game advancement
After its time-out in those final 2:00, a team entitled to a backcourt throw-in may choose the frontcourt throw-in line instead. After a made basket the coach may choose either sideline; after other stoppages the frontcourt spot stays on the original side. Shot-clock adjustment depends on the reason for the restart.
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