
Basketball is a team sport played between two teams of five players each, who score points by shooting a ball through a hoop. There are several ways to score points in basketball, and the value of a set shot depends on whether it is a basket or a field goal, and where it is taken from. Set shots are easier to perform when tired as they require less energy than jump shots, but players should still practice both to become a threat from anywhere on the court.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Points for a basket made inside the 3-point line | 2 points |
| Points for a basket made beyond the 3-point line | 3 points |
| Points for a free throw | 1 point |
| Points if fouled while shooting and the shot goes in | 2 or 3 points, depending on where the shot was attempted, plus an additional free throw |
| Points if fouled while shooting and the shot does not go in | 2 free throws |
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What You'll Learn

Set shots require less energy than jump shots
In basketball, set shots and jump shots are two different types of shots that players can use in different situations during a game. While jump shots are released when the player has elevated off the ground, set shots are performed with both feet on the ground.
Set shots are considered to require less energy than jump shots. This is because jump shots require more power and energy as they are often utilised when a player is moving or attacking the basket. Jump shots are also usually taken from a higher release point, at the peak of the shooter's vertical path, requiring more body and core strength. As a result, players who rely solely on jump shots may experience fatigue or inconsistency during games.
On the other hand, set shots are easier to perform when tired as they demand less energy. They also allow for more control and quicker release, reducing the variation in shooting form. This increased control can lead to improved accuracy, as seen with archers who remain stationary and precise for optimal aim.
While jump shots can be advantageous for knocking down shots over taller players, set shots provide more options and are effective for pump fakes. The lower-body strength required for jump shots can also lead to a higher risk of injury, such as ankle rolls or ligament stress.
To excel in basketball, players should aim to develop consistency in both their set shots and jump shots. Practising in game-like scenarios and utilising training equipment can help improve performance in both types of shots, making players more versatile and adaptable on the court.
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A basket made outside the three-point line scores three points
Basketball is a team sport played between two teams of five players each. The objective is to score points by shooting a ball through a hoop, or basket, that is 10 feet above the ground. The hoop sits at each end of a rectangular court, which is divided into two halves by a mid-court line.
When a team makes a basket, they usually score two points. However, if the basket is made from outside the three-point line, it is worth three points. This is often referred to as a "three-pointer". The three-point line is an arc that sits at a greater distance from the basket than the free-throw line.
A player can also score points from a free throw. This is worth one point and is usually awarded when a player is fouled by the opposing team. If a player is fouled while taking a shot, and the ball goes in the basket, the player is allowed an additional free throw, known as an "And 1". This means that, theoretically, a player can score four points in one play if they make a three-pointer while being fouled.
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A basket made inside the three-point line scores two points
Basketball is a team sport played between two teams of five players each. The objective of the game is to score points by shooting a ball through a hoop placed 10 feet above the ground. The hoop is mounted on a rectangular court, with one hoop at each end. The court is divided into two halves by the mid-court line.
When a team makes a basket, they typically score two points, and the ball goes to the other team. If a basket, or field goal, is made outside the three-point line, it is worth three points. This is because shots taken from beyond the three-point line are more difficult due to the increased distance from the hoop.
Therefore, a basket made inside the three-point line scores two points. This is the standard number of points awarded for a basket in a basketball game. The two-point shot is the most common scoring play in basketball, as it is relatively easier to make compared to three-point shots.
It is important to note that there are exceptions to the two-point rule. In certain situations, a team can score one point or even four points during a possession. One-point scores are awarded for made free throws, which occur when a player is fouled in the act of shooting. A player can theoretically score four points if they make a three-pointer and are fouled on the shot, as they would be awarded an additional free throw, resulting in a total of four points.
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A free throw scores one point
A free throw, also known as a foul shot, is an attempt to score a point by shooting from behind the free-throw line, with no opposition. The player must position their body with both feet behind this line, either in a square stance or with one foot forward. Players can perform a ritual before shooting, and will then bend their legs to generate power, extend the ball over their head, and shoot.
Free throws are generally awarded after a foul on the shooter by the opposing team, or in the case of technical fouls, and when the fouling team has entered the bonus/penalty situation. In the latter case, after a team has committed a requisite number of fouls, each subsequent foul results in free throws, regardless of the type committed. In addition, if a referee deems a foul to be extremely aggressive, or that it did not show an attempt to play the ball, they can call an "unsportsmanlike foul" or a "flagrant foul", depending on the league, and the opponent will receive two free throws and possession of the ball afterward.
Each successful free throw is worth one point. The free throw was introduced in 1891 by James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, and at first, every basket was worth one point. In 1896, the free throw was moved to 15 feet and was worth one point, while a normal field goal was worth two points. Since then, the only change to the scoring was the introduction of the three-point line in the mid-1900s.
Free throws can be critical in the outcome of a game. While they are not considered to be a part of the normal flow of the game, they can be decisive. For example, Nick Anderson missed four free throws at the end of game one of the 1995 NBA Finals, and Shaquille O'Neal was targeted by opponents with fouls as they knew that sending him to the line was an easy way to get the ball back, as he only shot 52.7% from the free-throw line.
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Fouling a shooter can result in two or three free throws
In basketball, a set shot is a type of shot that requires less energy to perform than a jump shot and can be easily executed even when the player is tired. While the jump shot is released when the player has elevated off the ground, the set shot is not, making it a useful skill to have in a player's repertoire.
When it comes to fouls and penalties, the rules can vary depending on the specific basketball organization and the timing of the foul. For example, the NBA, NCAA, and FIBA all have slightly different rules. Here's an overview of how fouling a shooter can result in two or three free throws:
Two Free Throws
In the NBA, a personal foul and team foul can result in the free throw shooter being awarded two free throw attempts. These attempts can be made by any player on the court at the time of the foul. If the offended player is unable to shoot due to injury, their coach can select a substitute. These two free throws can then be attempted by the substitute or any of the four remaining players in the game.
Three Free Throws
In certain situations, a player may be awarded three free throw attempts. For instance, before the 1954–55 season, the NBA introduced a rule stating that a backcourt foul would result in a "three to make two" situation if the violating team exceeded the team foul limit. This meant that the fouled player could attempt up to three free throws, but they only needed to make two of them. This rule was later expanded to include flagrant fouls, fouls made during a shot attempt, and fouls caused by elbow swinging. However, this "three to make two" rule was eventually abolished before the 1981–82 season.
It's important to note that the number of free throws awarded can vary based on the specific circumstances of the foul and the rules of the basketball organization in question.
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Frequently asked questions
A set shot made inside the three-point line is worth two points.
A set shot made beyond the three-point line is worth three points.
A free throw shot is worth one point.
A free throw shot is taken when a player is fouled in the act of shooting.











































