Andrew Pace
Basketball is a high-scoring sport, with teams in the NBA regularly exceeding 100 points per game. While the game has many intricate rules, the basic objective is to outscore your opponent by throwing the ball through the basket, or hoop, an act known as shooting. The number of points awarded depends on where the player is when they shoot the ball. If a player shoots from behind the three-point line, they are awarded three points.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to score 3 points | By shooting the ball through the hoop from behind the three-point line |
| 2 points | By shooting the ball through the hoop from anywhere inside the three-point line |
| 1 point | When players are fouled, they get free attempts to shoot the ball, which are called foul shots. A player is given one point for every successful foul shot |
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What You'll Learn
Field goals from outside the three-point line
Field goals, also known as baskets, are shots taken from the court during a game of basketball. A player can score three points by making a field goal from outside the three-point line. This is also known as a three-pointer.
The three-point line is a semi-circular arc drawn on the court, with the basket at its centre. The radius of the arc is 6.75m in 3x3 basketball. In the traditional, 5x5 game, the three-point line is 6.75m from the basket.
To score three points, a player must shoot from behind the three-point line without touching the line with their foot. If a player's foot is on the line, referees may trigger an instant review to determine whether they should receive two or three free throws.
If a player is fouled in the act of shooting from outside the three-point line, and the basket is made, they are awarded three points for the basket, plus an additional free throw, resulting in a four-point play.
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Free throws after being fouled
Free throws, or foul shots, are attempts to score points by shooting from behind the free-throw line, with no opposition from the other team. They are usually awarded when a player is fouled in the act of shooting by a defender from the opposing team. The player who was fouled takes the free throw. The number of free throws awarded depends on the type of foul committed and the league in which the teams are playing. In the NBA, for example, a personal foul results in two free throws, while a technical foul results in one free throw. In NCAA men's basketball, a team begins to be awarded free throws from the seventh foul of the half, and in FIBA, WNBA, and NCAA women's play, the limit is four fouls per quarter.
Free throws can also be awarded when a team exceeds a certain number of fouls in a game. In the NBA, this starts with the fifth foul in a quarter, or the second in the final two minutes. In this case, the opposing team gets two free throws. In FIBA and NCAA women's basketball, the fouled player also shoots two free throws from the opponent's fifth foul in a period. In NCAA men's basketball, one free throw is awarded from the seventh foul of the half, and if the player makes the free throw, they are given another one. From the tenth foul of the half, two free throws are awarded.
If the offended player is injured and unable to take their free throws, a substitute player chosen by the coach will take the free throws. The injured player may return to the game at any time after the free throws are attempted. The substitute player cannot be replaced until the ball is legally touched by another player on the court.
Free throws are an important strategy in basketball. For example, a trailing team may intentionally foul late in a close game. This stops the clock, similar to a time-out, and allows the trailing team to take possession if the second free throw is missed.
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Jump shots
To execute a jump shot, you need to take a wide stance, usually with your feet about shoulder width apart, bend your knees, and square your shoulders to the basket. You should also keep your back leaning towards the basket. With your non-dominant hand, guide the ball to line up the shot, and hold it with your fingers spread out. Your elbows should be tucked in close to your body, and your shooting arm should be slightly bent. When you're ready to shoot, jump straight up, extend your shooting arm forward, and snap your wrist to release the ball. Keep your elbows straight and your index finger facing the basket after releasing the ball to ensure it is pointed in the right direction.
To score three points with a jump shot, you must shoot from behind the three-point line without touching the line with your foot. This is usually within two metres of the basket. To get the necessary power for a three-pointer, you will need to bend your knees more than usual and get this power from extending your legs and jumping.
If you are fouled in the act of shooting a three-pointer and the ball goes in the basket, you are allowed an "And 1" free throw, which can result in a four-point play.
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Lay-ups
To perform a lay-up, you must first master the footwork. You should be able to do a lay-up from both sides of the basket to increase your ability to score against opponents. When approaching the basket, you want to be close enough to have easy access, but not so close that you end up directly underneath it. Angle your approach to the side of the basket that matches your shooting hand. For example, if you are right-handed, you should approach from the right side.
The lay-up can be performed with or without the backboard. The simplest version involves throwing the ball from your hand onto the backboard. The ball is taken above the head and flipped into the basket. The finger roll is a more advanced variation, where the whole arm is stretched out, and the hand is placed under the ball.
When performing a lay-up, you should dribble with your right hand, keeping the ball one step ahead of you. Step with your left foot, then take another step forward with your right foot, and jump up and towards the basket. As you jump, bring the ball out of the dribble and position it close to your chest. Shoot with your left arm as you lift your left leg. Imagine a string attached to your left arm and leg, and move them simultaneously. Your left knee should be bent and pointed towards the basket.
It is important to practice lay-ups until your muscles remember the movement. You should incorporate lay-ups into every basketball practice, gradually increasing the difficulty. This includes practicing with your non-dominant hand, performing lay-ups while being defended, and finishing a lay-up after receiving a pass from a teammate.
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Slam dunks
To score three points in basketball, a player must shoot from behind the three-point line without touching the line with their foot. This is called a three-point field goal, or a 3-pointer.
A slam dunk is a basketball shot where a player jumps through the air and forces the ball through the basket with one or both hands over the rim. The phrase "slam dunk" was first used by Los Angeles Lakers announcer Chick Hearn. Before this, slam dunks were known as "dunk shots".
The first slam dunk in a game is credited to Bob Kurland, who played for Oklahoma State in the 1940s. He was also the first to regularly use the high-percentage shot, leading his team to two national championships.
In 1984, Larry Nance Sr. of the Suns won the first-ever slam dunk contest at the NBA All-Star Game. Since then, 25 players have been crowned the best dunkers in the NBA, with Nate Robinson the only player to win the contest three times.
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