Helena Frye
In basketball, a field goal is a basket scored on any shot or tap other than a free throw, worth two or three points depending on the location of the attempt on the basket. The term field or the basketball field refers to the court, hence the name field goal. Field goal shots consist of two primary types: close-range field goal shots near the basket and perimeter-based field goal shots that are further away from the basket.
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What You'll Learn
Field goal types: close-range and perimeter-based
Field goals are a primary method of scoring in basketball, and they are a crucial part of a team's strategy. There are two main types of field goals: close-range and perimeter-based.
Close-range field goals are attempted near the basket and include subtypes such as the layup, the hook shot, the floater, the slam dunk, and the alley-oop. These shots typically have a higher success rate due to their proximity to the hoop. Layups and dunks are considered high-percentage shots and are often prioritised in a team's offensive strategy.
Perimeter-based field goals are taken from a distance, further away from the basket. They include subtypes such as the standard mid-range jump shot, the bank shot, the fadeaway jump shot, and the three-point jump shot. While these shots are more challenging, they can be extremely valuable to a team's score if consistently made.
The value of a field goal varies depending on the player's position on the court when the shot is made. Typically, a close-range or perimeter-based field goal within the three-point line is worth two points. In contrast, a field goal made outside the three-point line is worth three points. However, there are exceptions to these rules in different variations of basketball. For example, in 3x3 basketball, close-range and perimeter-based field goals within the standard three-point line may be worth one point, while perimeter-based field goals outside the three-point line may be worth two points.
Field goal percentage is a crucial statistic in basketball, calculated by dividing the number of field goals made by the number attempted, multiplied by 100. It helps evaluate players' and teams' performance and is used to determine drafting and trading decisions. A high field goal percentage indicates a player's or team's ability to capitalise on scoring opportunities effectively.
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Field goal scoring: points vary by distance and league
In basketball, a field goal is defined as any shot or tap other than a free throw that is attempted by a player. The points awarded for a field goal vary depending on the location of the attempt on the basket. Typically, a field goal is worth two or three points. However, in certain leagues, such as FIBA 3x3 basketball competitions, a field goal may be worth one point, while in the BIG3 basketball league, it can be worth four points.
The percentage of successful field goals is a crucial statistic in basketball, helping to evaluate and determine the top players in the sport. It is calculated by dividing the number of field goals made by the total number of attempts and multiplying that figure by 100. For example, a player with a 40% field goal percentage has made four out of ten attempted shots.
Players with higher field goal percentages tend to average double digits in points per game. Coaches often encourage their players to attempt high-percentage field goals, such as layups and dunks, which have a higher likelihood of being successful.
While the term "field goal" is commonly associated with basketball, it is also used in other sports, such as American football, where it refers to a scoring play in which a team advances the ball into the end zone of the opposing team.
In the context of basketball, the term "field" or "basketball field" refers specifically to the court, giving rise to the term "field goal" for shots made during regular gameplay.
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Field goal attempts: offensive rebounds and second chances
In basketball, a field goal is a basket scored from any shot or tap other than a free throw. It is worth two or three points, depending on the location of the attempt on the basket. Field goal attempts (FGAs) happen on the court while the game clock is running.
Offensive rebounds give the offensive team another opportunity to score, whether by resetting the offense or taking a shot. A rebound is credited to a player when they gain clear possession of the ball or deflect it into the basket for a score. When on offense, a player has an offensive rebound chance if they are the closest player to the ball at any point in time between when it has crossed below the rim and when it is fully rebounded.
The offensive rebound percentage is an important statistic in basketball, representing the percentage of available offensive rebounds a player grabbed while on the floor. It is calculated using the formula: 100 * (ORB * (Tm MP / 5)) / (MP * (Tm ORB + Opp DRB)).
Field goal percentage is another crucial statistic in basketball, calculated by taking the number of field goals made by a player, dividing it by the number of attempts, and multiplying by 100. This statistic helps teams evaluate players for drafting or trading purposes.
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Field goal percentages: individual and team performance
In basketball, a field goal is a basket scored on any shot or tap other than a free throw, worth two or three points depending on the location of the attempt on the basket. Field goal percentage is one of the most important individual statistics in basketball. It is calculated by taking the number of field goals made by the number attempted, then multiplying by 100. For example, a player that attempted 10 shots and made 4 of them has a field goal percentage of 40%. This percentage is crucial for teams evaluating players that they would potentially draft or trade for.
Players with a high field goal percentage usually average double digits in points per game. In the NBA, center Shaquille O'Neal had a high career FG% (around .580 or 58%) because he played near the basket, making many high-percentage layups and dunks. A player with good shooting skills usually averages about 40% from the field.
While a high field goal percentage is desirable, it does not completely tell the skill of a player. A low field goal percentage can indicate a poor offensive player or a player who takes many difficult shots. For instance, guard Allen Iverson often had a low FG% (around .420 or 42%) because he took the bulk of his team's shot attempts, even with high-difficulty shots.
Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) provides a more nuanced view of a team or individual player's offensive performance, showcasing the true value of each possession. This metric is more comprehensive than standard field goal percentages because three-point shots are given extra weight. A player who shoots 4 for 10 on all two-point baskets has a standard FG% of 40% and an eFG% of 40%. However, if all those makes were three-pointers, the player's eFG% becomes 60%, reflecting the extra value of a made three.
Effective field goal percentage gives a clearer understanding of a player or team's scoring efficiency compared to traditional field goal percentage. A player might have a lower field goal percentage but a higher eFG% if they consistently make three-pointers. This advanced statistic is helpful for evaluating players, especially in today's basketball landscape, where the three-pointer has become increasingly popular.
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Field goal terminology: the difference between a field goal and a jump shot
Basketball has its own distinct vocabulary, which can be confusing for new fans of the sport. One of the most common terms used in the game is "field goal", which simply refers to any shot or tap, other than a free throw, that is attempted by a player. Field goals are usually worth two or three points, depending on the location of the attempt on the basket. In rare cases, they can be worth one point in FIBA 3x3 basketball competitions or four points in the BIG3 basketball league.
Field goals can be further classified into two primary types: close-range field goals and perimeter-based field goals. Close-range field goals, as the name suggests, are shots taken near the basket and include subtypes such as layups, hook shots, floaters, slam dunks, and alley-oops. Perimeter-based field goals, on the other hand, are taken from further away from the basket and include subtypes like the standard mid-range jump shot, the bank shot, the fadeaway jump shot, and the three-point jump shot.
A jump shot is a specific type of shot where the player jumps into the air to shoot the ball towards the basket. This can be done from either close range or the perimeter, and it is this distinction that can cause confusion. All jump shots are field goals, but not all field goals are jump shots. For example, a layup is a type of close-range field goal that does not involve jumping.
The term "field goal" is used officially by the National Basketball Association (NBA) in their rule book, box scores, and statistics, as well as in referees' rulings. It is also the official terminology used by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and in high school basketball. Field goal percentage is an important statistic in evaluating players, calculated by taking the number of field goals made out of the total number attempted and multiplying by 100.
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Frequently asked questions
A field goal is any shot, other than a free throw, that is attempted by a player. It is a basket scored on any shot or tap other than a free throw, worth two or three points depending on the location of the attempt on the basket.
To calculate a field goal percentage, you divide the number of field goals made by the number of attempts, then multiply by 100. For example, a player that attempted 10 shots and made 4 has a field goal percentage of 40%.
Field goals can be simple, like a jump shot, or more complex, like layups, slam dunks, and tip-ins. A layup is a two-point field goal attempt from inside the paint area without touching the rim. A slam dunk is when a player jumps near the basket with the ball and throws it down through the basket while airborne.
