What are the rules for a throw-in (inbounds pass)?
I · Intermediate · Violations · 5 of 13The player taking a throw-in has 5 seconds to pass the ball onto the court from the spot the referee gives. They may not step onto the court with the ball, move more than 1 metre sideways or throw it straight into the basket. After a basket, the thrower may run along the endline.
How it works
- Taken from the place nearest to the violation or foul, but not from directly behind the backboard.
- 5 seconds to release the ball.
- The thrower may move up to 1 metre in total sideways, and backwards as far as there is room.
- No stepping onto the court while holding the ball, and no touching it again before another player has.
- The ball cannot go directly into the basket.
- Defenders may not reach over the boundary line before the ball has crossed it.
- After a made basket or last free throw: any player of the other team throws in from anywhere behind the endline, may move along it and may pass to a teammate who is also behind it. The 5 seconds still apply.
- Quarters 2, 3 and 4 and overtimes start with a throw-in at the centre line.
Tricky cases
Can a player score straight from a throw-in?
No. Causing the ball to enter the basket directly from a throw-in is a violation.
Can the thrower run along the line?
It depends. After a basket, yes, along the endline. At any other throw-in, only 1 metre sideways in total.
A defender reached over the line and knocked the ball away. What happens?
It is a violation. In the last 2 minutes of the fourth quarter and overtime, after a warning, it is a technical foul.
Why the rule exists
It restarts play quickly and fairly: the thrower gets a free pass, but must use it promptly and cannot gain ground.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIBA rules | As above | A17 |
| Last 2 minutes after a time-out | The coach may choose a frontcourt throw-in | A17.2.4 |
| After a disruptive, flagrant or disqualifying foul | Throw-in from the frontcourt throw-in line | A17.2.7 |
From the rule book
FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026, Article 17, valid from 1 October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIBA Official Basketball Rules (PDF).