Helena Frye
The four-point field goal, or four-pointer, is a relatively new concept in basketball. It was first introduced by the Harlem Globetrotters and has since been adopted by several teams in the NBA as a way to encourage specific shot locations and create more space on the court. The four-pointer is typically attempted from further out than the three-point line, with some teams marking these areas with lines or boxes on the court during practice. The four-pointer is an exciting development in basketball, with the potential to change the way the game is played and increase scoring.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Four-point field goal | Also called a four-pointer |
| Designated area | Further from the basket than the three-point line |
| Distance | 30 feet (9.1 m) from the basket |
| First introduced in competition | By the Harlem Globetrotters |
| First professional league to use | Big3 basketball league |
| Number of circles in Big3 | Three distinct circles beyond the three-point line |
| Criteria for a four-point shot | Any part of the player's body must be touching the area of the four-point circle |
| Teams with a four-point line | Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls |
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What You'll Learn
Four-point field goals
A four-point field goal, also known as a four-pointer, is a shot made from a designated area on the basketball court that is typically further from the basket than the line for a three-point field goal. The four-pointer was first introduced by the Harlem Globetrotters, with the shot located 30 feet (9.1 m) away from the basket. The Big3 basketball league was the first professional league to officially adopt the four-point field goal, with three distinct circles beyond the three-point line that are designated as four-point shot areas.
The concept of the four-point shot has been experimented with by several teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, who have a four-point line painted on their practice courts. The Hawks value Trae Young's deep shooting range and view the four-point line as a way to create more space on the court for their big men, such as John Collins. By initiating plays from behind the four-point line, guards like Young can force the defence to spread out and create opportunities for his teammates.
The Brooklyn Nets and the Chicago Bulls have also explored the idea of the four-point line, taping or painting the line on their practice courts. The Philadelphia 76ers (Sixers) were one of the first teams to introduce a four-point line, with coach Lloyd Pierce bringing the concept to the Hawks when he moved there. The Hawks have taken this concept further, also introducing a corner three box, which is worth four points during scrimmages.
The WNBA All-Star Game featured a four-point field goal starting in 2022, with two circles located on each side of the court about 28 feet (8.5 m) from the basket. The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) introduced a four-point line for the 2024 PBA Governors' Cup, making it the first major professional 5x5 basketball league to integrate the four-point field goal into its rules.
It is important to distinguish between a four-point field goal and a four-point play. While a four-point field goal refers to a specific type of shot made from a designated area on the court, a four-point play occurs when a player is fouled while making a three-point shot and subsequently makes a free throw, resulting in a total of four points scored on a single possession.
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Four-point lines in the NBA
Four-point lines are not currently used in official NBA games. However, some NBA teams have started to use four-point lines during practice. This is part of a broader trend of teams using visual aids and "game-ifying markings" to help players understand the most efficient shot locations and improve their spacing on the court.
The Atlanta Hawks were the first NBA team to introduce a four-point line on their practice court. Lloyd Pierce, the Hawks' coach at the time, wanted star player Trae Young to shoot and make plays from deep, creating more space in the paint for the team's "big men" like John Collins. The Hawks also introduced a "corner three box" on their practice court, which extended the three-point line 8 feet out from the baseline. This encouraged players to shoot from the corners, which is considered the most valuable shot in basketball.
Other teams soon followed the Hawks' lead. The Brooklyn Nets, for example, have had a four-point line since the 2016-17 season, while the Chicago Bulls taped a white four-point line to the floor of their practice facility in the summer of 2018. The Philadelphia 76ers (also known as the Sixers) have also embraced this trend, adding not only a four-point line but also a 12-foot arc and a low-post box to their practice court.
While four-point lines are not yet a feature of official NBA games, the introduction of such lines in practice reflects the increasing importance of analytics and efficiency in the league. Teams are always looking for new ways to gain a competitive advantage, and the use of visual aids is a relatively new method to help players understand and embrace optimal shot locations and offensive and defensive spacing.
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The four-point shot in the Philippine Basketball League
The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has officially adopted the four-point shot, joining other leagues experimenting with the idea. The PBA's four-point line is an arc measuring 27 feet, which is further than the three-point line at 23 feet.
The four-point shot was first introduced in competition by the Harlem Globetrotters, located 30 feet (9.1 m) from the basket. The Big3 basketball league was the first professional league to adopt the four-point field goal, with three distinct circles beyond the three-point line that are designated as four-point shot areas.
The PBA first introduced the four-point shot during the 2023 All-Star games in Passi City, Iloilo, and it was retained for the 2024 edition in Bacolod City. The newly-elected PBA chairman, Ricky Vargas, has stated that the four-point shot is one of several rule changes approved by the board.
The four-point shot has been a controversial addition, with some seeing it as a gimmick. However, others argue that it will encourage players to develop their long-range skills, which will make them more competitive in international tournaments. It remains to be seen what impact this rule change will have on the game in the Philippines and whether other leagues will follow suit.
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The four-point shot in the Big3 basketball league
The Big3 is a three-on-three basketball league founded by Ice Cube in 2017. It is a travelling league, with eight teams heading to a city for four minigames on the same day. The games are played without a game clock, with the first team to 60 points declared the winner. The league initially had a minimum age limit of 30 years, which has since been lowered to 22. The Big3 features former NBA stars like Mike Bibby, Chauncey Billups, Rashard Lewis, Kenyon Martin, and Jermaine O'Neal, with the charismatic Allen Iverson as a player-coach.
The Big3 basketball league is the first professional league to use the four-point field goal. The four-pointer was first introduced in competition by the Harlem Globetrotters, located 30 feet (9.1 meters) from the basket. In Big3 games, there are three distinct circles beyond the three-point line that are designated as four-point shot areas. These circles are all 30 feet from the basket, and a player can attempt a four-point shot by shooting with any part of their body touching the area of the four-point circle.
The four-point shot adds an exciting element to the game, as players can now score more points from a single shot. This can lead to more dynamic and high-scoring games, which can be more entertaining for both the players and the fans. Additionally, the four-point shot can create new strategic possibilities for teams, as they can utilize players with strong long-range shooting abilities to maximize their scoring potential.
The introduction of the four-point shot in the Big3 league has sparked discussions about shot selection and strategy. While the four-pointer offers a higher point value, the success rate of making shots from 30 feet or more is relatively low. As a result, players and coaches need to carefully consider when to attempt four-point shots and balance them with other scoring opportunities to optimize their scoring efficiency.
The Big3 league has also implemented other unique rules and features, such as the use of instant replay to review scores, out-of-bounds calls, fouls, and clearances. The absence of a game clock and overtime periods further distinguishes the Big3 from traditional basketball formats.
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The future of four-pointers
Four-pointers, or four-point field goals, are a recent innovation in basketball, with several teams adopting them in practice games. The four-pointer was first introduced in competition by the Harlem Globetrotters, with the shot taken 30 feet (9.1 m) from the basket. Since then, the Big3 basketball league has become the first professional league to officially adopt the four-point field goal, with three distinct circles beyond the three-point line designated as four-point shot areas.
The Philippine Basketball League (PBA) has also announced its intention to implement the four-pointer in its upcoming season, marking the continued expansion of this new rule. Several NBA teams have also begun to incorporate the four-point line in their practice games and strategies, including the Atlanta Hawks, who have a four-point line painted on their practice courts.
However, there are also potential drawbacks and considerations. Some argue that the introduction of the four-pointer could lead to a decrease in defensive play, as the focus shifts more towards scoring. Additionally, the four-pointer may favour teams with players who have exceptional long-range shooting abilities, potentially creating a larger performance gap between teams.
As the game of basketball continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see further experimentation and discussion around the four-pointer. While it may not be universally adopted in the near future, it is certainly a concept that has captured the attention of coaches, players, and fans alike. The four-pointer has the potential to add a new layer of strategy and excitement to the game, and its implementation could be a gradual process, with teams first adopting it in practice games, similar to the current approach of the Atlanta Hawks.
In conclusion, the four-pointer represents an intriguing possibility for the future of basketball. While it may not become a standard rule across all leagues and competitions, its adoption by professional leagues and teams demonstrates a willingness to explore new ideas and adapt to the evolving nature of the sport. The four-pointer is a concept that teams and leagues will likely continue to experiment with, shaping the future of basketball and its strategic possibilities.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, four-pointers are a recent addition to the NBA, with teams like the Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls implementing them.
A four-point field goal, or four-pointer, is a basket made from a designated area on the court, typically further from the basket than the three-point line.
The four-point line is usually around 30 feet (9.1 meters) from the basket.
Four-pointers create more space on the court and encourage efficient shot selection, with an emphasis on three-pointers and layups.
The Big3 basketball league was the first professional league to officially adopt the four-point line. The Philippine Basketball League (PBA) has also announced plans to implement it.
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