Lane
One of the parallel marked corridors that divides a track, pool or bowling alley so competitors race or play within an assigned strip.
Definition
A lane is a longitudinal subdivision of a playing area that keeps competitors in their own corridor. In athletics sprints and in swimming, each athlete is allotted a numbered lane and, in many events, must stay within it; lanes are separated by painted lines on a track and by floating lane ropes in a pool. Ten-pin bowling is also played down a lane — the polished surface from the foul line to the pins.
Lane assignment can be tactically significant: in staggered-start track events the outer lanes begin further along the curve to equalise distance, and middle lanes are often seeded to the fastest qualifiers for the best sightlines. In relays and longer races, runners may "break" from their lanes and merge to an inside line after a set point.
Meaning by sport
This term is used differently across sports:
- Swimming
- A corridor of the pool bounded by floating lane ropes that damp waves between racers.
- athletics
- A painted corridor of the track; sprint lanes use staggered starts so each covers the same distance.
- bowling
- The playing surface from the foul line to the pins down which the ball is rolled.
Where you’ll hear “lane”
Sports that use this term:
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Rules
- Lane disciplineThe rule that competitors must stay within their assigned lane in lane-based races.
- Out of boundsThe rule that a ball or player leaving the marked playing area is out of play and possession is decided at the boundary.
- Swimming stroke rulesThe technical rules that define how each competitive swimming stroke must be performed and how walls are touched.
- Shot clockA timing rule that requires the attacking basketball team to attempt a shot within a set number of seconds.
- False startA rule breach in a race when a competitor begins to move before the starting signal is given.
Tactics
- DraftingRiding, running or swimming close behind another competitor to save energy in their slipstream.
- Man-to-man markingA defensive tactic where each defender is assigned a specific opponent to track and contain.
- Pacing strategyPlanning how to distribute effort across a race so energy lasts the full distance without fading.
- Negative splitA pacing tactic where an athlete covers the second half of a race faster than the first.
- Doubles formationHow a pair positions itself on court — one up, one back, or both at the net — to control space in doubles.
Facilities
- Athletics trackAn oval multi-lane running track, usually 400 metres per lap, used for sprints, distance running and relays.
- Swimming poolA water-filled basin, divided into lanes for competition, used for swimming and other aquatic sports.
- Tennis courtA rectangular marked court, divided across the middle by a net, where tennis is played as singles or doubles.
- VelodromeA steeply banked oval track for track cycling, with sloped bends that let riders hold high speeds through the turns.
Skills Academy
- Endurance-sport skillsThe skills of going the distance — pacing, breathing and efficient technique in running, cycling and swimming.
- Aquatic skillsThe water-specific skills of swimming — the strokes, breathing and staying comfortable in the water.
- Locomotor skillsMoving the body efficiently — running, sprinting, changing pace and getting into position.
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- Content type
- Term
- Provenance
- Tier A — evergreen educational
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- Content updated
- 2026-08-04
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