Amanda Knapp
In basketball, a field goal is a basket scored on any shot or tap other than a free throw, worth two or three points depending on the location of the attempt on the basket. The term field goal is an official one in the NBA, NCAA, and high school basketball. It is used to refer to shots that fall within these sports' rules, as well as in statistics and referees' rulings. A field goal can be a jump shot, layup, slam dunk, or tip-in.
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What You'll Learn
Field goal scoring
In basketball, a field goal is a basket scored on any shot or tap other than a free throw. It is one of the primary methods of scoring in the game. Field goals can be worth two or three points, depending on the location of the attempt on the basket. A two-point field goal is scored when a player makes a basket from anywhere inside the three-point line. This is the most common type of field goal and includes layups, jump shots, and dunks. Layups and dunks are considered high-percentage shots due to their proximity to the hoop. Jump shots, on the other hand, are mid-range to long-range attempts taken with both feet off the ground, making them more difficult but still valuable for scoring.
A three-point field goal, often referred to as a 3-pointer, is scored when a player successfully makes a shot from beyond the three-point line without touching the line with their foot. This type of field goal adds an extra point to the score, providing a significant boost to the team's total. While it is a more challenging shot than a two-point field goal, it can be a powerful tool in a team's scoring strategy. Teams with strong three-point shooters can gain a competitive edge by consistently making these longer-range shots.
Field goals can also, albeit rarely, be worth other values. For example, in FIBA 3x3 basketball competitions, a field goal is worth one point, while in the BIG3 basketball league, a field goal can be worth four points.
The term "field goal" is official terminology used by the National Basketball Association (NBA), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and high school basketball. It is used in their rule books, box scores, statistics, and referees' rulings.
Field goals play a crucial role in basketball, and players with a high field goal percentage are valuable assets to their teams. Coaches often strategize around their team's ability to execute field goals, balancing close-range and longer-range attempts based on their players' strengths. The field goal percentage (FG%) is a critical statistic, calculated by dividing the number of successful field goals by the total attempts and then multiplying by 100. It measures a player or team's ability to convert shot attempts into points, with a higher FG% indicating greater scoring efficiency.
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Field goal statistics
In basketball, a field goal is a basket scored on any shot or tap other than a free throw. It is worth two or three points, depending on the location of the attempt on the basket. In the context of field goal statistics, the following measurements are often considered:
- Field goals made (FGM): This represents the number of shots made from any distance.
- Attempted field goals (FFA): This indicates the total number of attempts made by a player.
- Field goal percentage (FG%): This is the ratio of field goals made to field goals attempted. It is calculated using a scale of .000 to 1.000, with a higher value indicating greater efficiency. A FG% of .500 (50%) or above is generally considered favourable, although this may vary depending on the player's position. For instance, guards typically exhibit lower FG% compared to forwards and centers.
It is worth noting that three-point field goal percentages are sometimes calculated separately, but they are still encompassed within the overall field goal percentage.
Some notable records in field goal statistics include:
- Wilt Chamberlain holds the top four spots for most field goals made in a season and has the second-highest field goal percentage for a season at 72.7%.
- Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks achieved the highest field goal percentage for a single season, securing 74.2% in the 2019-20 season.
- Michael Jordan is regarded as one of the greatest field-goal shooters of all time, leading the NBA in field goals a remarkable ten times.
- Shaquille O'Neal boasts the record for most seasons (10) with the best field goal percentage.
- DeAndre Jordan holds the highest career field goal percentage at 67.4%.
- Steve Nash stands out for his record in 50-40-90 seasons, encompassing two-point field goals, three-point field goals, and free throws.
- Diana Taurasi set the record for the highest number of field goals in a WNBA season, with 298 out of 660 attempted field goals in 2006.
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar holds the NBA record for the most field goals made in a career, with an impressive 15,837 field goals.
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Types of field goals
A field goal in basketball refers to any shot made during normal play that successfully goes through the basket, except during a free throw. Field goals can be scored in a variety of ways, including jump shots, layups, and dunks. The type of field goal and the subsequent points awarded depend on the player's position on the court when the shot is made. Here are the main types of field goals in basketball:
2-Point Field Goal: This is the most common type of field goal in basketball. It is scored when a player makes a basket from anywhere inside the three-point line. This includes layups, which are close-range shots, and jump shots, which are mid-range to long-range attempts taken with both feet off the ground. Layups and dunks are high-percentage shots due to their proximity to the hoop.
3-Point Field Goal: This type of field goal is scored when a player successfully makes a shot from beyond the three-point line. The three-point line is located 23 feet 9 inches (7.24 meters) from the basket in the NBA and is slightly closer in other leagues, such as college or high school basketball. A three-point field goal adds an extra point to the score, making it highly valuable and impacting a team's scoring strategy.
It is worth noting that field goals can occasionally be worth different values, such as one point in FIBA 3x3 basketball competitions or four points in the BIG3 basketball league.
The field goal percentage (FG%) is a critical statistic in basketball, measuring the accuracy of field goals made. It is calculated by dividing the number of made shots by the total number of shot attempts. A player or team with a high field goal percentage is valuable as it contributes to their scoring efficiency and increases their chances of winning the game.
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Field goal violations
A field goal in basketball is a basket scored on any shot or tap other than a free throw. It is worth two or three points, depending on the distance from the basket. A field goal can also be worth one point in FIBA 3x3 basketball competitions or four points in the BIG3 basketball league.
Now, here are some common field goal violations in basketball:
Goaltending Violation
Goaltending is a violation of interfering with the ball while it is on its way to the basket. It occurs when the ball is:
- In a downward flight, entirely above the rim, and has the possibility of entering.
- Not touching the rim.
- Touching the backboard while being above the height of the rim, regardless of whether it is in an upward or downward flight.
If goaltending is called, the shooting team is awarded the points for the field goal as if it had been made.
Basket Interference (Offensive Goaltending)
Basket interference is a related violation to goaltending. It occurs when a player touches the basket, rim, or ball when it is on the rim or directly above it during an attempted field goal. Like goaltending, if the defending team commits basket interference, the shooting team is awarded points as if the attempted field goal had been made.
Throw-in Violations
There are several violations related to throw-ins that can result in the opposing team being awarded the ball:
- Carrying the ball onto the court.
- Failing to release the ball within 5 seconds.
- Touching the ball on the court before it touches another player.
- Stepping on the court over the boundary line before releasing the ball.
- Throwing the ball out of bounds without it being touched by a player.
- Exiting the playing surface to gain an advantage on a throw-in.
- Handing the ball to a player on the court (with some exceptions).
Other Violations
Some other common field goal violations include:
- A team being in continuous possession of the ball in its backcourt for more than 8 consecutive seconds.
- A player dribbling a second time after voluntarily ending their first dribble.
- A player who attempts a field goal touching the ball first if it fails to touch the backboard, basket ring, or another player.
- Interfering with the ball after a successful field goal or free throw.
- Failing to immediately pass the ball to the nearest official when a personal foul or violation is assessed.
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Field goal strategies
Field goals are an essential aspect of basketball, influencing strategies, player performance, and the outcome of the game. They can be scored through a variety of shots, including layups, dunks, jump shots, hook shots, floaters, slam dunks, and alley-oops.
When it comes to field goal strategies, coaches often prioritize close-range field goal shots near the basket over perimeter-based field goal shots. This is because close-range shots have a higher probability of success and are considered high-percentage shots. Layups and dunks, for example, are two of the most common field goals with the highest chances of scoring.
To improve field goal efficiency, teams focus on selecting these high-percentage shots, optimizing player positioning, and fostering team chemistry to create open shooting opportunities. Additionally, advancements in technology have provided players and coaches with detailed feedback to refine their skills and strategies. High-speed cameras and wearable sensors, for example, provide insights into shooting mechanics and player movements.
Another important aspect of field goal strategy is understanding field goal percentage (FG%). FG% is a vital statistic that indicates a player's shooting efficiency. It is calculated by dividing the number of field goals made by the number of field goal attempts and then multiplying by 100. A higher FG% indicates a more efficient scorer, and this metric is valuable for coaches, analysts, and players in developing strategies and making roster decisions.
Finally, the introduction of the three-point field goal has revolutionized basketball strategies. The three-point shot rewards players who score from beyond the three-point line and has given rise to the era of the three-point shooter. Players positioned as guards or forwards are often more skilled in long-range shooting, making them more likely to successfully score three-pointers.
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Frequently asked questions
A field goal in basketball is any shot made during play, except for a free throw. It can be worth two or three points, depending on the distance from the basket. Field goals can be jump shots, layups, slam dunks, or tip-ins.
A field goal is scored when a player shoots from beyond the three-point line and the ball goes through the basket. The shot must be taken within the boundary lines of the court.
High-percentage field goals are those with a higher probability of being scored, such as layups and dunks. Close-range field goals are usually prioritized over perimeter-based field goals as they have a higher chance of success.
