Kristian Ferrell
In basketball, points are accumulated through field goals (two or three points) and free throws (one point). It is rare for a player to score 100 points in a single game, and scoring 111 points is even more impressive. While it is unclear if anyone has achieved this feat in an official game, it is theoretically possible under certain scoring rules. Various scoring systems exist for pickup basketball games, such as playing by 1s and 2s or 2s and 3s, with the latter being considered more balanced by analytics-oriented players.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Points in basketball | Sum of field goals (2 or 3 points) and free throws (1 point) |
| Scoring 100 points | A rare achievement for an individual player |
| Highest score in a national team game | 116 points, scored by Lou Salvador of the Philippines in 1923 |
| Highest score in worldwide organized basketball history | 272 points, scored by Mats Wermelin of Sweden in 1974 |
| Highest score by a female player | 136 points, scored by Anat Draigor of Israel in 2006 |
| Highest score in college basketball | 138 points, scored by Jack Taylor of Grinnell College in 2012 |
| Highest score in Division I college basketball | 100 points, scored by Frank Selvy of Furman University in 1954 |
| Highest score in the NBA | 100 points, scored by Wilt Chamberlain of the Philadelphia Warriors in 1962 |
| Scoring system in pickup basketball | 1s and 2s, or 2s and 3s |
| Balanced scoring system | Alternating possession after each score |
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What You'll Learn
Field goals
In basketball, a field goal is any shot or tap that is not a free throw, and it is worth two or three points, depending on the location of the shot. A field goal is considered the official terminology used by the National Basketball Association (NBA) in their rule books, box scores, and statistics, as well as in referees' rulings. It is also the official term used by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and high school basketball.
There are several techniques for scoring a field goal, including:
- Layups: This is a running shot taken when the player gets close to the basket.
- Jump shots: This shot is taken from a greater distance away from the basket.
- Dunk shots: This involves the player slamming the ball into the basket when they are directly under the basket, rather than throwing it in. A type of dunk shot is the slam dunk, where the player jumps near the basket with possession of the ball and throws it down through the basket while airborne.
The percentage of field goals made is an important statistic for determining some of the best players in basketball. Some of the greatest field-goal shooters of all time include Michael Jordan, who led the NBA in field goals made ten times, and Wilt Chamberlain, who holds the top four spots for most field goals made in a season.
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Free throws
There are four types of fouls that generate free throws: personal, technical, team, and flagrant. Personal fouls involve blocking or striking a player while shooting, and the number of free throws awarded depends on how close the player is to the three-point line. If a player is fouled in the act of shooting and misses the shot, they are awarded two free throws. If they make the basket at the time of the foul, they get the points for the field goal as well as one free throw. This is known as an "And 1".
Team fouls occur when a team exceeds its allotted number of fouls per game. In the NBA, this is typically six fouls per half, while in women's basketball, seven are allowed per regulation half. Once a team surpasses this allotment, the opposing team gets a free throw for every additional foul per player in a game quarter.
Technical fouls refer to unsportsmanlike conduct, like physical or verbal abuse against a referee, or a delay of the game. Finally, flagrant fouls are aggressive fouls that can potentially harm an opposing player. The fouled player receives two free throws, and their team gains possession of the ball.
There are also specific rules around free throw attempts. Only the player taking the free throw is allowed to touch the ball, and the rest of the players must stay behind the three-point line. Up to four players from each team line up on either side of the free throw lane, ready to capture the rebound if the shooter misses the basket. If the shooter violates the rules during their attempt, no point can be scored, and the opposing team will inbound the ball on either sideline at the free throw line.
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Layups
- Catch the ball, landing on your left foot.
- Step forward with your right foot.
- Jump off with your left foot.
- Drive forward with your right knee.
- Bring the ball up with your right hand at the same time.
- Lay the ball up softly.
There are four different layup techniques. The one described above is the simplest and is suitable for children and beginners. More advanced players can try the finger roll variation, where the whole arm is stretched out, or one of the other two more complex techniques.
To improve your layup technique, you can try a few different exercises. Half squats can help train your jumping power, and box jumps can help train your reflexes and jump. You can also practice throwing the basketball against the backboard and trying to catch it at the apex of its flight path. When approaching the basket, it is recommended to practice slowly at first and increase your speed once you have mastered the footwork.
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Jump shots
To release the ball, flick your wrist towards the hoop. Your index finger should follow through, facing the basket. When the ball is released at the apex of the jump shot, keep your elbows straight so that the ball is directed towards the basket. The hook shot is a variation of the jump shot, where the shot is made while your body is not directly facing the basket. To execute a hook shot, you need to face the basket sideways so that your shooting hand is facing away from the basket. This creates distance between you and your defender, making it harder for them to block your shot.
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Dunk shots
Dunking is one of the most exhilarating and impressive feats in basketball. It showcases athleticism and demands skill and technique.
A dunk is a type of basketball shot where a player jumps high enough to "dunk" the ball into the basket without letting go of it. The top of the rim is 10 feet (3.05 meters) above the court, so not every player can dunk. A successful dunk earns the player the adoration of the fans and their opponents. It also makes the player a more dangerous opponent, as they can more easily resist block attempts.
There are several reasons for basketball players to learn how to dunk. Firstly, it can strengthen their offense. Secondly, it can improve their overall athleticism, defense, speed, balance, and effectiveness on the court.
- Strengthen your hip and leg muscles, as they play a key role in providing strength for the jump. Exercises such as squats, lunges, calf raises, weight training, and plyometrics are effective for building strength and explosiveness.
- Practice dribbling and controlling the basketball with both hands to maintain control during takeoff and ensure a smooth transition from dribble to dunk.
- Start with a smaller basketball, as it is easier to handle and control, and gradually work your way up to a normal basketball size.
- When attempting a dunk, begin with a thorough warm-up to prepare your muscles for explosive movements. Include dynamic stretches and mobility exercises to loosen up.
- Take several practice approach steps to build momentum and find a comfortable stride length that allows you to generate maximum power.
- As you approach the hoop, gather the ball with both hands and focus on your takeoff. Explode upward with maximum force, driving through your legs and extending your arms.
- As you reach the peak of your jump, extend your arms towards the rim and aim to dunk the ball with authority. Keep your eyes on the target and maintain control throughout the motion.
- After completing the dunk, land softly on both feet to reduce the impact on your joints. Bend your knees to absorb the landing and maintain balance.
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Frequently asked questions
Points are scored when a player puts the ball through the basket. The number of points awarded depends on the type of shot and the distance from the basket. The most common types of scoring are 2-point baskets (made inside the 3-point line) and 3-point baskets (made beyond the 3-point line). Free throws, which are taken after a foul, are worth 1 point.
Theoretically, there is no limit to the number of points a player or team can score in a basketball game. However, sources suggest that a competitive game should aim for a lower score, with 107 or 112 mentioned as potential targets for a full game.
Scoring 111 points in a basketball game is very difficult and not a common occurrence. It requires a combination of highly efficient offence and strong shooting percentages. Most teams and players aim for a shooting percentage of around 50%, which is already considered challenging.
While there are players who have scored 100 points in a single game, I could not find specific information on anyone scoring exactly 111 points. However, extremely high scores like this are rare and not the norm in competitive basketball.
