General
the elbow
What does the elbow mean?
The corner spot where the free-throw line meets the edge of the painted lane.
"He's automatic on the mid-range jumper from the elbow."
Origin
The right-angle 'elbow' shape of the lane and foul line.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the elbow on a basketball court?
The elbow is the corner spot where the free-throw line meets the edge of the painted lane, on either side.
Why is it called the elbow?
The right-angle corner formed where the free-throw line meets the side of the lane resembles a bent elbow.
Why is the elbow a good spot to shoot from?
It's a prime mid-range location that gives shooters a reliable angle to the basket and is a common spot in offensive sets.
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