What is the designated area for shooting free throws?

The designated area for shooting free throws is the free-throw line. This line is situated a specific distance from the basket, ensuring that all players maintain the same position during free throw attempts. During a free throw, only the shooter is allowed to stand on or over this line, and no other players can interfere from the lane until the ball is released. This rule maintains fairness and consistency in the free throw process.

The other options represent different areas of the basketball court but do not serve as the proper location for shooting free throws. The area under the basket is typically where rebounds take place. The three-point line marks the boundary for three-point shots, and the paint area, also known as the key, is where players can position themselves during certain plays but is not relevant to the free throw shooting process itself.