What is the 5-second rule in basketball?
A · Advanced · Violations · 1 of 9Checked 13 October 2026
There are three. A player holding the ball who is closely guarded, by a defender within 1 metre in a legal guarding position, must pass, shoot or dribble within 5 seconds. A thrower-in has 5 seconds to release the ball. A free-throw shooter has 5 seconds from being handed the ball.
How it works
- Closely guarded: the player is holding a live ball, and an opponent is in an active legal guarding position no more than 1 metre away.
- The count applies to holding the ball. Starting a dribble ends it.
- Throw-in: 5 seconds to release the ball.
- Free throw: 5 seconds to release the ball after the referee puts it at the shooter's disposal.
- Penalty for each: the ball to the opponents, and for a free throw the point does not count.
Tricky cases
Does the closely guarded count apply while dribbling?
No. Under FIBA rules it applies to a player holding the ball.
Why the rule exists
Each one stops a player freezing the game: a ball handler under pressure, a slow thrower-in, a slow shooter.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIBA rules | As above | A27; A17.3.1; A44.2.3 |
From the rule book
FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026, Articles 17.3.1, 27 and 44.2.3, valid from 1 October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIBA Official Basketball Rules (PDF).