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[QUOTE="Cowtown, post: 1658171, member: 2350"]
1,) Because it's not always the same player, so each play is different, and there are more important things to keep track of.

2,) The game evolves, and so do the players. The "three seconds" rule was introduced in the 1930's in part because it was thought the game was getting too rough near the basket (sound familiar? :)). Some time after that the lane was widened, and then the NBA widened it even more as taller players became more prominent, and smaller players adjusted by becoming more skilled. The point is that the game has been around a long time and wsn't always played the way it was when you saw it for the first time. At one time there were only thirteen rules and nine players a side, you could only pass the ball (read: you couldn't dribble).

[URL]http://hooptactics.com/Basketball_Basics_History[/URL]

Some of the high schools where I live have the NBA width lane because FIBA is migrating that way from the trapezoid-shaped lane. We've used it in several tournaments and play is noticeably cleaner, faster and better. That's because it places more of a premium on movement and timing, and sheer physical size is less of an advantage.

Have you noticed in the NCAA that free throw line-ups no longer use the lower space?

Here's something I bet nobody here knows. When the "back door lob" play became popular in the US, other players around the world began trying to do it, but didn't know how do do it properly. So FIBA outlawed the play for several years to prevent players from getting hurt. Then after coaches and players learned the correct way to make that play, the rule was removed.

Both the players and the game evolve. And so must the officials.
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