Helena Frye
Field goals are an important statistic in basketball, and they refer to any shot or tap other than a free throw, usually worth two or three points depending on the location of the attempt. The term field goal is used in the official rulebooks, box scores, and statistics of the NBA, NCAA, and high school basketball. The field goal percentage is a measure of accuracy, calculated by dividing the number of made shots by the total number of shot attempts. This statistic can be adjusted to account for the fact that three-point field goals are worth more than two-point field goals, and this is known as the effective field goal percentage (eFG%). The eFG% gives a more meaningful output when comparing players or predicting basketball success.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Any shot, other than a free throw, that is attempted by a player. |
| Types | Layups, three-point shots, and slam dunks. |
| Scoring | A field goal is worth two or three points depending on the location of the attempt. Uncommonly, it can be worth one point in FIBA 3x3 basketball competitions or four points in the BIG3 basketball league. |
| Leaders | Michael Jordan led the NBA in field goals made ten times. Shaquille O'Neal has the record for most seasons (10) with the best field goal percentage, and DeAndre Jordan has the record for the highest career field goal percentage (67.4%). Wilt Chamberlain has the top four spots for most field goals made in a season and the second-highest field goal percentage for a season (72.7%). |
| Statistics | Field goal percentage, field goals made, field goals attempted, three-point field goal percentage, three-point field goals made, three-point field goals attempted, two-point field goal percentage, two-point field goals made, two-point field goals attempted, free-throw percentage, free throws made, and free throws attempted. |
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What You'll Learn
Field goal percentage
While field goal percentage is a useful indicator of a player's skill, it does not tell the whole story. A player with a low FG% could be a poor offensive player, or they could be a player who takes a lot of difficult shots. Likewise, a high FG% could indicate a player who takes a lot of high-percentage shots, such as layups and dunks, or a player who is simply very skilled. Shaquille O'Neal, for example, had a high career FG% of around .580 because he played near the basket and made a lot of high-percentage shots.
Some of the highest individual FG% in NBA history include Wilt Chamberlain's .727 in the 1961-62 season, Mitchell Robinson's .742 in the 2019-20 season, and DeAndre Jordan's career FG% of .674.
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Slam dunks
A slam dunk, also known simply as a dunk, is a type of basketball shot that is performed when a player jumps in the air, controls the ball, and shoves it directly through the basket with one or both hands. It is a type of field goal that is worth two points.
The term "slam dunk" was coined by former Los Angeles Lakers announcer Chick Hearn, who described the action as "dunking" the ball into the basket. The top of the rim is 10 feet (3.05 meters) above the court, so a successful dunk is a spectacular shot that earns the player the adoration of the fans and the respect of their opponents. It is a particularly effective way of scoring, as it allows the player to vault over their opponents' block attempts.
The first player to dunk in a game and to regularly use the high-percentage shot was Bob Kurland, who played in the 1940s. He led Oklahoma State to two national championships during that time. In 1936, Joe Fortenberry, playing for the McPherson Globe Refiners, also dunked the ball in Madison Square Garden. This feat was immortalized by Pulitzer Prize-winning sports writer Arthur Daley, who wrote that Fortenberry and his teammate, Willard Schmidt, "leaped up and pitched the ball downward into the hoop, much like a cafeteria customer dunking a roll in coffee."
The first-ever Slam Dunk Contest was held on January 27, 1976, during halftime of the 1976 ABA All-Star Game. During this contest, JaVale McGee set the world record for the most basketball dunks in a single jump, with three. Dwight Howard performed the "Superman" dunk during the 2008 Sprite Rising Stars Slam Dunk Contest, donning a Superman outfit as he jumped from within the free-throw circle and threw the ball through the rim.
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Layups
A layup is a fundamental skill in basketball, and it is considered the most basic shot. It is a two-point field goal attempt made by leaping from below, "laying" the ball up near the basket, and using one hand to bounce it off the backboard and into the net. The motion and one-handed reach distinguish it from a jump shot.
There are two main types of layup: the underarm and the overarm. The underarm layup, or finger roll, involves using the wrist and fingers to 'lay' the ball into the net or off the board. Wilt Chamberlain was known for his showy finger rolls, and Mike Bibby and Allen Iverson are also notable exponents of this style. The finger roll has evolved into more complex forms, such as the "Around the World", which involves a full circle around the player before the layup.
The overhand layup is similar to a jump shot but from a much closer range, and it usually involves using the backboard. This style was effectively used by Scottie Pippen and Karl Malone. The Reverse Layup is a variation of the overhand layup, where the ball is tossed backward with the shooter facing away from the basket. This move is often used to evade a block, particularly from taller defenders. Michael Jordan was known to use this tactic to score against taller defenders.
To create space for a layup, players often use the Euro-Step, a move introduced to the NBA by European players. This involves dribbling, then taking one step in one direction, and quickly taking another step in the opposite direction to evade the defender. This move relies on agility and footwork to create space for the layup attempt.
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Jump shots
To shoot a jump shot successfully, square your feet toward the basket while holding the ball in your hands. Push your feet into the ground and use your legs to push yourself up. It is important to keep your feet shoulder-width apart or narrower for better shooting speed and balance. Flex your knees slightly to give yourself the flexibility you'll need to power your jump.
Hold the ball in your fingertips, flick your wrist, and release the ball when you're in the air. Bring the ball into shooting position by dipping it to your shooting side waist or thigh. Spread your fingers and hold the ball with your fingertips to get as much control of the ball as possible.
Many coaches recommend looking at a certain part of the hoop as you make your shot. Some recommend targeting the back of the hoop, especially for players who tend to under-shoot, while others recommend the front of the hoop for players who tend to over-shoot.
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Free throws
Free throw percentage (FTP) is a critical metric in basketball that measures a player's or team's efficiency in making free throws. It is calculated by dividing the number of successful free throws by the total number of attempts. A higher FTP indicates better performance from the free-throw line.
Comparing free throw percentages between players or teams can provide valuable insights into their accuracy and consistency in converting free throws into points. It is important to consider the number of attempts along with the percentage, as a higher number of attempts may result in a lower percentage but could still indicate strong performance and contribution to the team's overall score.
Some notable players known for their exceptional free-throw shooting abilities include Steve Nash, who achieved four 50-40-90 seasons, indicating remarkable accuracy across two-point field goals, three-point field goals, and free throws. Other players with impressive free throw percentages include Richie Guerin, Rudy Tomjanovich, and Jim O'Brien.
When comparing free throws, it is also worth considering the strategic aspect. Coaches may employ specific strategies to maximize their team's strengths and exploit opponents' weaknesses. For instance, a team with strong free-throw shooters may opt for a deliberate fouling strategy to gain an advantage in close-scoring situations. Understanding these strategic nuances can provide additional context when evaluating free throw statistics.
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Frequently asked questions
A field goal in basketball is any shot or tap made by a player that isn't a free throw, worth two or three points depending on the distance from the basket.
Calculate field goal percentage by dividing the number of shots made by the total number of shot attempts.
High-percentage field goals are those with a higher probability of going in, such as layups and dunks.
To compare players' field goal percentages, you can look at their field goal efficiency, which measures the accuracy of their field goals. This takes into account the number of shots made from any distance and the total number of attempts.
Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) is a statistic that gives more weight to three-point shots, as they are considered 50% more valuable than two-point field goals. This provides a more nuanced view of a player's shooting efficiency.
