
The three-point line in basketball has changed the way the game is played, especially in high school basketball. The National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) set the distance for a three-pointer at 19 feet 9 inches (6.02 meters) in 1987, and it has remained unchanged since. This distance is measured from the center of the basket to the three-point line, creating an arc surrounding the basket. The introduction of the three-point rule in 1961 by the American Basketball League (ABL) added excitement to the game and has had a lasting impact on the sport, influencing strategies and player skills, especially in the high school game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Organization | National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) |
| Distance from the center of the basket | 19 ft 9 in (6.02 m) |
| Distance from the center of the hoop (in the corners) | 22 ft (6.71 m) |
| Court length | 84 ft (25.6 m) |
| Court width | 50 ft (15.24 m) |
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What You'll Learn
- The 3-point line in high school basketball is 19 feet 9 inches from the basket
- The introduction of the 3-pointer changed how high school basketball is played
- The 3-point line distance in high school basketball has remained the same since 1987
- The 3-point line distance in college basketball is longer than in high school
- The 3-pointer was first introduced in 1961 by the American Basketball League

The 3-point line in high school basketball is 19 feet 9 inches from the basket
This distance is shorter than the 3-point line in other basketball leagues and competitions. For example, the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) have a 3-point line that is 23 feet 9 inches from the center of the basket. The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) use a distance of 22 feet 1.75 inches.
The variation in 3-point line distances across different leagues and levels of competition is notable. The 3-point line in high school basketball, set at 19 feet 9 inches, is the shortest among the major leagues. This shorter distance encourages a unique style of play, emphasizing fast-paced offense and sharp shooting.
The introduction of the 3-point line in high school basketball has had a lasting impact on the sport. It has changed the way players, coaches, and fans perceive and play the game, with an increased focus on long-range shooting and strategic floor spacing. The 3-pointer has added a new layer of excitement and strategy to high school basketball, mirroring the evolution of the game at the college and professional levels.
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The introduction of the 3-pointer changed how high school basketball is played
The introduction of the 3-pointer in high school basketball has changed the way the game is played and perceived. The 3-point field goal, also known as the triple, is a shot made from beyond the three-point line, which is a designated arc surrounding the basket. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has set the arc at 19 feet 9 inches (6.02 metres) from the centre of the basket.
Before the introduction of the 3-pointer in the 1987-88 season, high school basketball lacked the excitement and flair that the new rule brought. The game has become more dynamic, with deep jumpers fuelling upsets, sparking comebacks, and creating heroes of long-range shooters. The 3-pointer has added a new layer of strategy and excitement to the game, as players and coaches adapt to the new scoring option.
However, the introduction of the 3-pointer has also brought about criticism. Some argue that it has led to the emergence of selfish shooters, diminished post players, and game plans that rely solely on the ability to make 3-pointers. The rule change has also created challenges for coaches, as they must now incorporate the 3-pointer into their offensive and defensive strategies. Additionally, the effectiveness of the 3-pointer as a scoring option is debated, with some coaches preferring shots from closer range that have a higher chance of success.
The impact of the 3-pointer is evident in the usage statistics of high school basketball teams. While the average number of 3-point attempts has increased over time, the percentage of successful attempts has remained relatively stable. This suggests that while the 3-pointer has become a more popular scoring option, it is not necessarily a higher-percentage shot compared to attempts made from inside the arc.
Overall, the introduction of the 3-pointer has significantly changed high school basketball, adding a new dimension to the game and altering the strategies and dynamics of play. While it has brought excitement and flair, it has also sparked debates about the balance between offence and defence, and the impact on the overall style of play.
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The 3-point line distance in high school basketball has remained the same since 1987
The 3-point line in high school basketball has been a fixture since the 1987-1988 season, with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) setting the distance at 19 feet 9 inches. This distance was chosen to match the college three-point line at the time, and it has remained unchanged for over three decades.
The introduction of the three-point line in high school basketball was a significant development, revolutionizing the way the game was played. It gave rise to a new style of scoring and defense, emphasizing long-range shooting and perimeter play. The 3-point line reduced the importance of the half-court offense and the dominance of taller players in the paint, as coaches adopted strategies that spread the floor and extended the defense.
In the years since its introduction, the 3-point line has become an integral part of the game at all levels, from high school to the professional ranks. While the distance may vary slightly between different leagues and organizations, it is generally accepted that the 3-point line in high school basketball is shorter than in college or the NBA. This variation in distance is intentional, as the NFHS considers the skill level and physical demands appropriate for high school players.
The NFHS sets the rules and guidelines for high school sports, including basketball, to ensure consistency and fairness. The 19-foot-9-inch distance for the 3-point line in high school basketball strikes a balance between rewarding players for long-range shooting and maintaining a level of difficulty suitable for young players. This distance has been a constant since 1987, providing a standard for high school players across the United States to practice and perfect their three-point shooting skills.
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The 3-point line distance in college basketball is longer than in high school
The three-point line in basketball is a designated arc surrounding the basket, and a successful attempt from beyond this line is worth three points. The distance from the basket to the three-point line varies depending on the competition level. In the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), the three-point line is 19 ft 9 inches (6.02 m) from the center of the basket.
In college basketball, the three-point line was previously set at 20 ft 9 inches (6.32 m) from the center of the basket, but in 2019, the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved moving it back to 22 ft 1¾ inches (6.75 m). This distance is the same as that used in international basketball and is now the standard for men's college basketball.
The change in distance for the three-point line in college basketball has had a noticeable impact on the game. Historical data suggests that 3-point shooting percentages tend to drop initially after the line is moved back, while driving lanes and post play become more prominent. Over time, however, teams adapt to the new distance, and the number of three-point attempts and makes per game tend to increase again.
The three-point line in high school basketball remains shorter than that of college basketball. This difference in distance between the two levels of competition creates a unique set of strategies and playing styles for each. The shorter three-point line in high school may encourage more attempts and a faster-paced game, while the longer line in college demands greater shooting accuracy and can open up more options for driving to the basket or post play.
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The 3-pointer was first introduced in 1961 by the American Basketball League
The 3-pointer, a field goal made from beyond the three-point line, was first introduced in 1961 by the American Basketball League (ABL). The ABL, founded by Abe Saperstein, was a new league that aimed to compete with the NBA. Saperstein, who was also the founder of the Harlem Globetrotters, wanted to add excitement to the game and provide an opportunity for smaller players to showcase their shooting skills. He envisioned the 3-pointer as basketball's equivalent of the home run in baseball, coining it the "25-foot home run".
To determine the distance of the three-point line, Saperstein and DePaul University coach Ray Meyer measured the court and selected 25 feet as the appropriate length from the backboard. However, while Saperstein was travelling, the other ABL owners voted to shorten the line to 22 feet. This change was officially implemented in June 1961.
The introduction of the 3-pointer in the ABL was short-lived as the league only lasted a season and a half before shutting down in 1963. Despite its brief tenure, the concept of the 3-pointer gained traction and was adopted by other leagues. In the 1963-64 season, the Eastern Professional Basketball League incorporated the 3-pointer, and it was further popularized by the American Basketball Association (ABA) in their inaugural 1967-68 season.
In 1979, the NBA introduced the three-point line for a one-year trial during the 1979-80 season. The distance for the NBA three-pointer was set at 23 feet 9 inches (7.24 m) from the center of the basket, which remains the standard distance used in the league today. The adoption of the 3-pointer by the NBA played a significant role in influencing other leagues to follow suit.
In terms of high school basketball, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) sets the three-point line at 19 feet 9 inches (6.02 m) from the center of the basket. This distance was adopted nationally in 1988, a year after the NCAA introduced the three-pointer in their tournaments.
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Frequently asked questions
The 3-point line in high school basketball is 19 feet 9 inches (6.02 metres) from the centre of the basket.
The 3-point line in college basketball is 20 feet 9 inches (6.32 metres) from the centre of the basket.
The 3-point line in the NBA is 23 feet 9 inches (7.24 metres) from the centre of the basket.
Yes, in high school basketball, the 3-point line in the corners is 22 feet (6.71 metres) from the centre of the hoop, while at the top of the key, it is 23 feet 9 inches (7.24 metres).











































