Kristian Ferrell
Basketball is a game with many rules and intricacies. One of the most important aspects is scoring, and players can score 1, 2, 3, or even 4 points during a single possession. The value of a shot depends on the location of the player and the type of shot taken. The most common type of scoring is the 2-point basket, which is any shot made inside the 3-point line. Shots made outside this line are worth 3 points, and free throws or foul shots are worth 1 point. The introduction of the 3-point line in the NBA during the 1979-80 season added a new dynamic to the game, rewarding players for long-distance shots. Players can also score 4 points if they are fouled while making a 3-pointer by earning an extra and 1 free throw.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Points per shot | 1, 2, 3 or 4 points per shot |
| 2-point baskets | Any shot made from inside the 3-point line (22 feet) |
| 3-point baskets | Any shot made from beyond the 3-point line |
| Free throws | 1 point; awarded when a player is fouled in the act of shooting |
| Free throw percentage (eFG%) | 0.523 = 1.05 points per shot |
| True shooting percentage (TS%) | Includes free throws; good indicator of scoring efficiency |
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What You'll Learn
Scoring 2-point baskets
In basketball, players can score 2 points by making a basket inside the 3-point line. This can be achieved through various techniques such as a jump shot, layup, or dunk. The 2-point basket is the most common type of scoring in the game.
To understand how to score 2-point baskets, it's important to know the basic rules of basketball scoring. Points in basketball are used to track the score during a game, and the team with the most points at the end is declared the winner. Players can score 1, 2, or 3 points during a possession, with the possibility of a 4-point play if a player is fouled during a 3-point shot.
Now, let's focus on the 2-point basket. As mentioned earlier, a 2-point basket is scored when a player makes a basket from inside the 3-point line. The 3-point line is a boundary set at 22 feet from the basket. Any shot made within this boundary is worth 2 points. Players can use different techniques to score a 2-point basket, including the jump shot, layup, or dunk.
When attempting a 2-point basket, players should be aware of their positioning in relation to the 3-point line. Shots made outside the 3-point line are worth 3 points, so understanding this boundary is crucial for maximizing scoring opportunities. Additionally, players should also consider the possibility of being fouled during a 2-point shot attempt. If a player is fouled while shooting for a 2-point basket and the basket is made, it becomes a 3-point play. This rule adds an extra layer of strategy and emphasizes the importance of accurate shooting and avoiding fouls.
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3-point baskets
A three-point basket, also known as a three-pointer, three, or triple, is a shot made from beyond the three-point line in basketball. This line is a designated arc surrounding the basket, and the distance to it from the basket varies depending on the competition level. The concept of the three-point basket was first introduced by the American Basketball League (ABL) in 1961, with the aim of adding excitement to the game and giving the league a unique feature to distinguish itself from the NBA. The original distance proposed by ABL commissioner Abe Saperstein and coach Ray Meyer was 25 feet, but this was shortened to 22 feet by the other league owners.
In the National Basketball Association (NBA), the three-point line is 23 feet 9 inches (7.24 m) from the center of the basket. This distance is also used in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). On the other hand, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) employ a shorter distance of 6.75 m (22 ft 1.75 in) from the center of the basket. This distance was adopted by the NCAA for all men's play in a phased conversion that began in the 2019-20 season. The FIBA three-point distance was later extended to the women's game starting in the 2021-22 season.
The three-point shot has evolved to become a crucial aspect of many NBA offenses. Its popularity has grown since its introduction, with the average number of three-point shots taken reaching new highs in recent years. The introduction of the three-point line has added a new dimension to the game, rewarding players for making shots from longer distances and encouraging the development of new strategies and play styles.
The three-point basket is an important tool for players and teams to increase their scoring efficiency. It allows players to score three points in a single shot, compared to the two points awarded for field goals made within the three-point line. This higher point value makes it a valuable strategy for teams to gain more points with fewer shots, improving their overall efficiency and competitiveness in the game.
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Free throws
In basketball, free throws are attempts to score points by shooting from behind the free-throw line, with no opposition. They are usually awarded after a foul on the shooter by the opposing team. Free throws can also be awarded in other situations, such as technical fouls, or when the fouling team has reached the bonus/penalty threshold. The number of free throws awarded can vary between one and three, depending on the situation and the league. For example, in the NBA and FIBA, a technical foul results in one free-throw attempt for the non-offending team, whereas in NCAA basketball, technical fouls are divided into "Class A" and "Class B", with the former resulting in two free throws and the latter in one.
In NCAA men's basketball, the number of free throws awarded depends on the number of fouls committed by a team in a half. From the seventh foul of a half onwards, one free throw is awarded, and if the player scores, they are awarded another attempt. This is known as a "one-and-one". From the tenth foul of the half, two free throws are awarded. Overtime is considered an extension of the second half when it comes to accumulating team fouls.
In the NBA, if a player is fouled while shooting, they are awarded two free throws for a 2-point shot and three free throws for a 3-point shot. Free throws are an important part of a team's strategy, especially when trailing late in a game. A team that is trailing can intentionally foul, allowing them to stop the clock and gain possession. However, this strategy is considered a last resort, as the leading team will still extend their lead through free throws.
The rules around free throws are strict. The shooter must be above the free-throw line and must attempt the free throw within 10 seconds of controlling the ball. If a player violates these rules, the opposing team will inbound the ball on either sideline at the free-throw line.
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Points per shot attempt metric
In basketball, the most common type of scoring is the 2-point basket. This is any shot made from inside the 3-point line (22 feet) and can be a jump shot, layup, or dunk. The 3-point basket, introduced in the NBA during the 1979-80 season, rewards players for making shots from longer distances with an extra point. Free throws, on the other hand, are granted when a player is fouled while shooting. If the shot is missed, the shooter is awarded two free throws for 2-point shots or three for 3-point shots.
The Points Per Shot Attempt (PTS/FGA) metric is a player efficiency evaluation tool that considers the total points (2-point and 3-point) made and divides them by the total field goal attempts. This formula, (Total Points off of 2PA and 3PA)/Total FGA), helps assess a player's performance and contribution to the team's scoring. It is important to note that this metric excludes points scored from free throws, which can be considered separately using the true shooting percentage (TS%) or effective field goal percentage (eFG%) metrics.
The PTS/FGA metric provides valuable insights into a player's scoring efficiency. A higher number indicates better performance, with 1 being the minimum acceptable value. For example, a player with a 2-point percentage (2P%) of 0.742 would have a PTS/FGA of approximately 1.484, which is considered impressive. Similarly, a player with a high 3-point percentage will have a higher PTS/FGA, such as 1.521 for a 3-point percentage of 0.523.
When evaluating player efficiency, it is crucial to consider the context of their shot attempts and scoring. While a higher PTS/FGA ratio is desirable, it should not be the sole factor in assessing performance. The number of field goal attempts can impact team efficiency, as a high number of attempts by one player may limit opportunities for teammates to contribute. Therefore, a balance between individual scoring and creating scoring chances for the team is essential for a successful strategy.
In summary, the Points Per Shot Attempt metric is a valuable tool for analyzing player efficiency in basketball. It provides insights into how effectively a player scores, considering the total points and field goal attempts. However, it is just one aspect of evaluating performance, and other factors, such as free throw shooting and the impact on team dynamics, should also be considered. By understanding this metric and its implications, coaches, analysts, and fans can make more informed assessments of a player's contribution to their team's success.
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True shooting percentage (TS%)
In basketball, True Shooting Percentage (TS%) is a metric that measures a player's efficiency at shooting the ball. It is an advanced statistic that considers the efficiency of all types of shots, including two- and three-point field goals and free throws. TS% is calculated using the following formula: TS% = 0.5 * (Total Points)/{(Total Field Goal Attempts) + 0.44 * (Total Free Throw Attempts)}. The "0.44" multiplier in the formula estimates all free throws that take up possessions.
TS% is a valuable tool for comparing players with varying responsibilities and shooting abilities on the floor. A higher TS% generally indicates a more efficient scorer, while a lower TS% suggests a less efficient scorer. However, it is important to consider other aspects, such as shot selection and offensive role, when evaluating a player's overall performance.
Several players in the National Basketball Association (NBA) have consistently high TS%, showcasing their ability to efficiently score points for their teams. For example, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, widely recognised as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, has had high TS% throughout his career. In the 2020-2021 season, Curry achieved a TS% of 65.3%, demonstrating his efficient scoring when considering all his field goals, three-pointers, and free throws.
Another player with a high TS% is Alperen Sengun of the Rockets, who primarily scores on close-range jumpers and dunks. While Sengun attempts three-point shots and is an average free-throw shooter, his strong field goal percentage and above-average free-throw attempts contribute to a high TS%. In the 2024-2025 season, Sengun posted a TS% of 54%, reflecting his well-rounded skills on the court.
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Frequently asked questions
Any shot made from inside the 3-point line (22 feet) is a 2-point basket. This can be done with a jump shot, layup, or dunk.
Shots made beyond the 3-point line are worth 3 points.
Free throws are worth 1 point. These are awarded when a player is fouled in the act of shooting. If the shot is missed, the player gets two free throws for 2-point shots and three free throws for 3-point shots.
Yes. If a player is fouled while making a 3-point basket, they are awarded an "And 1" free throw, which results in a 4-point play.
The average number of points per shot in the NBA is above 1. Teams that have players with a points per shot ratio of above 1.1 tend to win more games.
