Andrew Pace
The three-point field goal, also known as a 3-pointer or simply a three, is a shot taken from beyond the three-point line in a basketball game. The three-point field goal was first introduced by the American Basketball League (ABL) in 1961, with the goal of adding excitement to the game and making the league stand out from the NBA. A successful three-point field goal is worth three points, in contrast to the two points awarded for field goals made within the three-point line and the one point for each made free throw. The number of three-point attempts in the NBA has been increasing, with some arguing that there are now too many 3-pointers being shot in games.
How many points is a 3-pointer worth in basketball?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Points awarded for a successful 3-point field goal | 3 points |
| Points awarded for a successful 2-point field goal | 2 points |
| Points awarded for a successful 1-point free throw | 1 point |
| Distance from the basket to the three-point line in the NBA | 23 feet 9 inches (7.24 m) |
| Distance from the basket to the three-point line in the WNBA, FIBA, NCAA, NAIA | 6.75 m (22 ft 1.75 in) |
| Number of free-throw attempts awarded if a shooter is fouled while attempting a three-pointer and misses the shot | 3 |
| Number of free-throw attempts awarded if a player completes a three-pointer while being fouled | 1 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
History of the three-pointer rule
The three-pointer rule in basketball has evolved the sport, transforming the way it is played, watched, and analysed. Here is a brief history of the rule:
Origins and Early Adoption
The three-point rule was first introduced in 1945 during a game between Columbia and Fordham. Columbia doctoral student Howard Hobson, who had studied basketball for 13 seasons, believed that long-distance shots added excitement to the game and wanted to make them more viable while reducing the advantage of taller players. The line was drawn 21 feet from the hoop, and Columbia won the game 73-58. The three-pointer was tested twice more at the college level, in 1958 and 1961, before being officially adopted.
American Basketball League and Beyond
In 1961, the American Basketball League (ABL) became the first league to institute the three-point rule league-wide, with a 25-foot arc. ABL commissioner Abe Saperstein, who also founded the Harlem Globetrotters, wanted to add excitement to the game and give smaller players a chance to compete. However, the ABL lasted only a short time, and the three-point rule was met with criticism as a "gimmick".
After the ABL's dissolution in 1963, the three-point rule was adopted by the Eastern Professional Basketball League for the 1963-64 season. It gained further popularity when the American Basketball Association (ABA) introduced it for their inaugural 1967-68 season. The ABA used the three-point shot as a marketing tool to compete with the NBA, and it quickly became an integral part of their game.
NBA and International Adoption
Despite initial resistance, the NBA adopted the three-point rule for the 1979-80 season, influenced by their merger with the ABA in 1976. This adoption marked a significant shift in the dynamics of the game, and the three-pointer gradually became a cornerstone of team strategy. The rule also sparked discussions about potential alterations to court dimensions and the encouragement of offensive variety.
On the international stage, FIBA, the sport's governing body, introduced the three-point line in 1984, with the line set at 6.25 meters (20.5 feet). It made its Olympic debut in 1988 in Seoul, South Korea, and the distance was later adjusted to 6.75 meters (22.15 feet) in 2010.
The three-pointer rule has had a lasting impact on basketball, and its evolution continues to shape the sport's future.
Where to Watch IU Basketball Tonight
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How three-pointers are worth less than two-pointers
A three-pointer in basketball is worth three points, in contrast to the two points awarded for field goals made within the three-point line. The three-point field goal was first introduced in 1961 by the American Basketball League (ABL) as a way to add excitement to the game and distinguish the league from the NBA.
While three-pointers are worth more than two-pointers, the value of a three-pointer is decreasing as the number of attempts beyond the arc has increased. A recent study by Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics sports analytics professor Shane Sanders and associate professor Justin Ehrlich found that while the number of three-point shots continues to increase, the average expected value of three-pointers has become less than two-pointers since the 2017-18 season. This is because the success rate of making three-pointers has decreased, making them less valuable.
Additionally, when including made and missed free throws, the disparity between two-point and three-point shots becomes even greater. The average two-point shot attempt is now worth 0.087 more points than a three-point shot attempt. This has led to teams altering their shot selection to emphasize more high-percentage two-point shots.
Despite the decreasing value of three-pointers, they still play a significant role in the game. For example, the Celtics made a record-tying 29 three-pointers in their season-opening win over the Knicks. Additionally, three-point specialists like Steph Curry and Klay Thompson have led the Golden State Warriors to multiple NBA titles.
Understanding Margin Bets: Basketball Winning Margin Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The 50–40–90 club
In basketball, a 3-pointer is worth 3 points, as the name suggests.
Now, the '50–40–90 club' is an informal group of players who have achieved a field goal percentage of 50% or higher, a 3-point shot percentage of 40% or higher, and a free throw percentage of 90% or higher, over an entire regular season. This is an extremely difficult feat and is considered a benchmark of all-around excellence in shooting. To put this in perspective, a player must make at least half of their field goal attempts, which includes both 2-point and 3-point shots, demonstrating accuracy and consistency from anywhere on the court.
The 3-point shot, worth 40% or more, showcases a player's ability to consistently make shots from long range, which is a highly valued skill in the modern game. Free throws, on the other hand, are worth a single point and are taken from a fixed position on the court, so a 90% success rate showcases near-perfect technique and focus under pressure.
Very few players have achieved this prestigious 50-40-90 milestone, and those who have are often regarded as some of the greatest shooters in the history of the game. The first player to achieve this feat was Steve Nash, who managed it four times in his career, showcasing an incredible level of consistency. Nash's achievement was followed by Larry Bird, who just surpassed the 50% field goal percentage mark, highlighting his efficiency as a shooter. More recently, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant have come close to achieving this feat, with Curry's incredible 2015-16 season seeing him shoot just shy of 50% from the field, 45.4% from 3-point range, and an impressive 90.8% from the free-throw line, just falling short of the club's stringent requirements.
The 50-40-90 club represents the pinnacle of shooting ability, and those who have achieved this feat are forever etched in the history books as some of the greatest shooters the game has ever seen.
Who's Calling the Shots: ESPN's Basketball Announcers Tonight
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Free-throw attempts after a three-pointer
A three-pointer in basketball is worth three points. In the game, a three-pointer is a field goal attempt made from outside the three-point line.
Free throws, or foul shots, are attempts to score points by shooting from behind the free-throw line, with no opposition. Each successful free throw is worth one point. Free throws are awarded after a foul on the shooter by the opposing team, or in the case of technical fouls. They are also awarded when the fouling team has entered the bonus/penalty situation, which is when a team commits a certain number of fouls, and each subsequent foul results in free throws.
The number of free throws awarded depends on the situation. If a player is fouled while shooting, and misses the shot, they will receive two or three free throws depending on where they were fouled. If the player makes the shot, the number of free throws is reduced to one, and the basket counts. This is known as a three- or four-point play.
In NCAA men's basketball, one free throw is awarded beginning with the seventh foul of the half. If the player makes this shot, they are awarded another. Starting with the tenth foul of the half, two free throws are awarded.
Free throws are an important part of the game, especially in the final moments. A team that is trailing by three points will likely attempt a three-pointer to tie the game or go into overtime. However, the leading team may try to foul the opposing team to limit them to only two points from free throws, rather than the three they would get from a successful three-pointer.
Tennessee Basketball Triumphs Tonight: A Victory to Remember
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The future of three-pointers in the NBA
The three-point shot has been a game-changer for basketball, with its introduction in the 1960s adding excitement and a new dimension to the sport. In the NBA, the three-pointer has evolved from a risky move to a valuable strategy, with teams increasingly focusing on it to gain an edge. Over the years, the three-point shot has seen a remarkable shift in its role, going from being sparingly used to becoming integral to game strategies.
The future of the NBA will undoubtedly continue to be influenced by the three-pointer. The number of three-point attempts per game has been steadily increasing, and the efficiency of these shots has also improved. This trend is expected to continue as teams invest more in three-point specialists, who in turn see their market value rise. The three-point shot has become a highly valued asset, and players who excel in this skill will be in high demand.
However, there are discussions about the potential drawbacks of the three-pointer's dominance. Some argue that there are too many three-point shots being taken, which may be impacting the style of play and viewer experience. There is also a suggestion that the value of the three-pointer may be decreasing as teams adjust their strategies to focus more on high-percentage two-point shots. This is supported by a study from Syracuse University, which found that the average expected value of three-pointers has been less than two-pointers since the 2017-18 season. As a result, there have been talks of moving the three-point line back to decrease the likelihood of successful three-point shots.
Despite these concerns, the three-point shot is here to stay. It has become an essential part of the NBA, and teams will continue to invest in developing players' three-point shooting abilities. The three-point revolution has had a profound impact on the NBA, and it will be interesting to see how the league continues to evolve in response to this dynamic strategy. The future of the NBA promises to be filled with even more thrilling three-point action, as teams and players refine their skills to master this valuable shot.
Perfecting the PER: Strategies for Basketball Players
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A 3-pointer in basketball is worth 3 points.
A three-point field goal, also known as a 3-pointer, is a shot made from beyond the three-point line, a designated arc surrounding the basket.
The distance varies by competition level. In the NBA, it is 23 feet 9 inches (7.24 meters) from the center of the basket. In the WNBA, NCAA, NAIA, and FIBA, the distance is 6.75 meters (22 feet 1.75 inches).
