Kristian Ferrell
In basketball, a field goal is a basket scored on 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. The term field goal is used in the official terminology of the National Basketball Association (NBA), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and high school basketball. A field goal can be scored from anywhere on the court, except during free throws. It is a vital aspect of the sport, determining the points a team can score during live play.
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What You'll Learn
Field goal vs free throw
A field goal in basketball is any shot made during normal play that successfully goes through the basket, except during free throws. Field goals are one of the primary methods of scoring in basketball, and they can be worth two or three points depending on the player's position on the court when the shot is made. The two main types of field goals are two-point field goals, scored from anywhere inside the three-point line, and three-point field goals, scored from beyond the three-point line. Teams need to rely on both two-point and three-point field goals to maintain a competitive edge, and players with a high field goal percentage are valuable as they contribute to their team's scoring efficiency.
A free throw, on the other hand, is a shot taken from the free-throw line after a foul has been committed. Free throws are worth one point each and are not considered field goals. The number of free throws a player or team is awarded can vary depending on the type of foul committed and the specific rules of the league or tournament. Free-throw percentage is another important statistic in basketball, and it measures a player's or team's ability to score from the free-throw line.
While field goals and free throws are both important aspects of basketball, they differ in their value, location on the court, and the context in which they are attempted. Field goals are typically worth more points and can be attempted from anywhere on the court during normal play, while free throws are worth a single point each and are taken from a specific location after a foul has been called. Additionally, field goals can be made in a variety of ways, including jump shots, layups, and dunks, while free throws are always attempted in the same manner.
The relationship between field goal percentage and free-throw percentage has been studied by basketball analysts and statisticians. Some researchers have explored whether a player's in-game field goal percentage has an impact on their free-throw percentage within the same game. While the findings may vary, some studies suggest that a decrease in field goal percentage could potentially lead to a decrease in free-throw percentage as well. However, it's important to consider other factors such as career free-throw and field-goal percentages, the opposing team, and the specific game context when examining these relationships.
In conclusion, field goals and free throws are distinct aspects of basketball scoring. Field goals refer to shots made during normal play, excluding free throws, and they are worth two or three points. Free throws, on the other hand, are one-point shots taken after a foul and are not considered field goals. Both field goals and free throws play a crucial role in a team's offensive strategy and can influence the outcome of a game. Understanding the differences and mastering both types of shots are essential for players and teams to achieve success in basketball.
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Two-point field goals
In basketball, a field goal is a basket scored on any shot or tap other than a free throw. Field goals are worth two or three points, depending on the location of the attempt on the basket. The term "field goal" is the official terminology used by the National Basketball Association (NBA) in their rule books, box scores, and statistics, as well as in referees' rulings. It is also the official wording used by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and in high school basketball.
A two-point field goal is scored when a player makes a basket from anywhere inside the three-point line. This is the most common type of field goal in basketball and includes layups and jump shots. Layups are close-range shots, while jump shots are mid-range to long-range attempts taken with both feet off the ground. These two types of shots are considered high-percentage field goals because of their proximity to the hoop.
The percentage of points scored by a player or team from two-point field goals is an important statistic in basketball. It is a key factor in evaluating a player's or team's offensive performance and can significantly impact the outcome of a game. Coaches and announcers often refer to high-percentage field goals, which are typically layups and dunks, as they have the highest probability of being successful.
While three-point field goals are more challenging to make, they can be a significant boost to a team's scoring strategy. Teams with strong three-point shooters can consistently outscore their opponents by taking advantage of these longer-range shots. However, two-point field goals remain the most common type of field goal due to their higher success rate.
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Three-point field goals
A three-point field goal, also known as a 3-pointer, triple, or three, is a shot made from beyond the three-point line, a designated arc surrounding the basket. This is in contrast to two-point field goals, which are made within the three-point line, and one point for each made free throw. The three-point line was first introduced in a collegiate game in 1945, with a 21-foot line in a game between Columbia and Fordham, but it was not kept as a permanent rule. The American Basketball League (ABL) became the first league to institute the three-point rule in 1961, with the NCAA adopting it in 1986.
The distance from the basket to the three-point line varies depending on the competition level. In the NBA, the arc is 23 feet 9 inches from the centre of the basket, while in the WNBA, NCAA, FIBA, and NAIA, the distance is 6.75 metres (22 feet 1.75 inches).
The three-point field goal plays a crucial role in basketball strategy. Some teams heavily rely on three-point shooting, especially those with players skilled at long-range shots. Coaches strategize based on their players' abilities, balancing close-range and long-range shots. The field goal percentage (FG%) is a critical statistic, with players and teams aiming for high percentages to increase their scoring efficiency and success in games.
Referees play a role in reviewing situations where there is uncertainty about whether a successful field goal was scored as a two-point or three-point shot. These reviews typically occur during the last two minutes of the fourth period or any overtime period, ensuring the accuracy of scoring and maintaining the integrity of the game.
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Field goal percentage
A FG% of .
The three-point field goal, worth one extra point, is a valuable tool for teams to gain an advantage. While it is a more challenging shot than a two-point field goal, teams with proficient three-point shooters can consistently outscore their opponents. Michael Jordan, for example, led the NBA in field goals made ten times, showcasing his exceptional scoring prowess.
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Field goal violations
In basketball, a field goal is a basket scored on 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.
Now, here are some field goal violations:
Goaltending Violation
Goaltending is a violation in basketball where a player interferes with the ball while it is on its way to the basket. In NCAA basketball, WNBA, and NBA basketball, goaltending is called if the ball meets the following conditions:
- In a downward flight
- Entirely above the rim with the possibility of entering the basket
- Not touching the rim
Throw-in Violations
A thrower-in must not:
- Carry the ball onto the court
- Fail to release the ball within 5 seconds
- Touch the ball on the court before it touches another player
- Leave the designated throw-in spot, which is one step to their left or right
- Throw the ball so that it enters the basket before touching anyone on the court
- Step on the court over the boundary line before releasing the ball
- Throw the ball out-of-bounds without it being touched by a player in the game
- Exit the playing surface to gain an advantage on a throw-in
- Hand the ball to a player on the court
Dribbling Violations
A player must not:
- Run with the ball without dribbling it
- Dribble a second time after voluntarily ending the first dribble
- Put any part of their hand under the ball and carry it from one point to another or bring it to a pause and then continue to dribble
Other Violations
Some other field goal violations include:
- A team having continuous possession of the ball in its backcourt for more than 8 consecutive seconds
- A player attempting a field goal being the first to touch the ball if it fails to touch the backboard, basket ring, or another player
- A player touching the floor consecutively with the same foot after ending their dribble or gaining control of the ball
- An offensive player leaving the playing area in the frontcourt for the purpose of setting a screen
- Interfering with the ball after a successful field goal or free throw
- Failing to immediately pass the ball to the nearest official when a personal foul or violation is assessed
- Touching the ball before a throw-in has been released
- A defender crossing the boundary line within the designated throw-in spot before the ball is released
- A team preventing play from commencing at any time
- Any player, coach, or trainer interfering with a ball that has crossed the boundary line
- A free throw shooter venturing fully beyond the three-point line between attempts
- A player entering the game when beckoned by an official with their shirt untucked
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Frequently asked questions
A field goal is any shot made from the court during regular play, except for free throws.
A field goal is worth two or three points, depending on the distance from the basket. A shot made from within the three-point line is worth two points, while a shot made from beyond the three-point line is worth three points.
A free throw is an unopposed shot taken from the free-throw line after a foul. It is worth one point.
Field goals can take on various forms, including jump shots, layups, slam dunks, and tip-ins.
Field goals are crucial in basketball as they are the primary means of scoring and accumulating points. They can be game-changers, and teams rely heavily on their players' ability to make successful field goals to stay ahead and win the game.
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