Amanda Knapp
Basketball is a captivating sport with a simple objective: putting the ball through the hoop. However, the strategies and nuances behind scoring points in the game are far from simple. The scoring system in basketball rewards different shots with varying point values, with field goals and free throws being the primary methods of accumulating points. Field goals, which are shots taken during the course of the game, can be worth two or three points depending on the distance from the hoop. Free throws, on the other hand, are awarded after a foul and are worth one point. While these are the basic rules of basketball scoring, the game's intricacies and strategies go far beyond this, with analysts, players, and coaches using metrics like \Game Score\ to evaluate individual player performance and overall team productivity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How points are accumulated | Making field goals (2 or 3 points) or free throws (1 point) |
| Field goal within the three-point line | 2 points |
| Field goal within the three-point line, with the player fouled | 3 points |
| Field goal beyond the three-point line | 3 points |
| Field goal beyond the three-point line, with the player fouled | 4 points |
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What You'll Learn
Field goals and free throws
In basketball, a field goal is the act of shooting the ball in an attempt to score a basket. It occurs when a player gets between the baseline and the three-point line and makes a free throw. Field goals can be classified as any shot taken on the court, including layups and three-point shots. When coaches and announcers talk about high-percentage field goals, they are referring to layups and dunks, which have the highest probability of being scored.
The term "field" or "the basketball field" refers to the court, hence the name "field goal". Any shot taken from the court, whether it be a layup or a three-pointer, is considered a field goal. Field goal percentage measures the accuracy of field goals made. It is calculated by dividing the number of successful shots by the total number of shot attempts, including three-point attempts. A player with good shooting skills usually averages about 40% from the field.
Free throws, on the other hand, are separate from field goals. Free throws are taken from the baseline by the team on the right. However, there have been suggestions that certain players may be able to shoot from the free-throw line even when their team is on the right side of the court. Free throws are typically taken by one player, but when two or more players shoot in the same direction, they are called coordinated free throws.
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Fouls and free throws
In the National Basketball Association (NBA), it is typically 4 fouls per half, and in most NCAA Division I games, it is usually 7 fouls per half. When a team reaches a certain number of fouls, the opposing team enters a bonus situation, and the fouled player is awarded one or two free throws for each subsequent foul committed by the opposing team. This is called a "one-and-one" or "1 and 1" situation. If the player makes the first free throw, they get to attempt another one. If they miss, it is a live ball, and both teams can try to rebound it.
In addition, if a player is fouled in the act of shooting and the ball goes into the basket, they are awarded an "And 1" free throw, which can result in a 4-point play. If the player misses the shot but still gets fouled, they are usually awarded 2 or 3 free throws, depending on where the shot was attempted.
The rules for free throws are standardised. Free throws are taken from the free-throw line, 15 feet from the basket. The player has ten seconds to release the ball and score a point. Only the player taking the free throw is allowed to touch the ball, and the rest of the players must stay behind the three-point line. Teammates and opponents occupy specific spaces near the end line during the attempt.
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Layups, jump shots, and dunk shots
A layup is a close-range shot that players take near the basket while moving towards the hoop. It is considered the most basic shot in basketball. Players often use one hand to bounce the ball off the backboard and into the basket. The motion involves jumping and extending the arm, ensuring the ball goes over defenders. Layups are common in fast breaks, where a player or team rushes down the court to score before the defense is ready. They are also used in half-court settings when a player drives past a defender to the basket. Players can use various techniques to create space and avoid blocks by taller defenders, such as the Euro-Step, which involves quick directional changes to evade defenders.
The overhand layup is similar to a jump shot but from a much closer range. It usually involves using the backboard. The reverse layup is another variation, where the ball is tossed backward with the shooter facing away from the basket. This move is often used to evade blocks by taller defenders.
A jump shot is when a player releases the ball toward the basket while jumping, usually at the highest point of the jump. One hand guides the ball while the other pushes it. Jump shots can be taken from anywhere on the court and are versatile in their application. They are harder for defenders to block, especially when released at the jump's peak. Players often use jump shots after receiving a pass in a good shooting spot or after dribbling past a defender.
A dunk, or slam dunk, is when a player jumps and scores by putting the ball directly into the hoop. The player can use one or both hands, and their hands often touch the rim during the dunk. Dunks can be simple one-handed jams or more acrobatic aerial moves. A slam dunk is a high-percentage shot, as it is performed from above the rim, making it easier to score.
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Moving without the ball
Understanding Spacing and Movement:
Good spacing and movement are crucial for a successful offense in basketball. Perimeter players should maintain a distance of about 12 to 15 feet from each other, filling open spots on the court. Poor spacing can lead to bad passes, turnovers, and reduced scoring opportunities. Remember to be mindful of your position and that of your teammates to avoid crowding or hindering their movements.
Constant Movement and Variety:
Avoid standing still for more than two seconds. Constant movement can tire your defender and create opportunities for yourself and your teammates. Try different cuts and screens, such as backdoor cuts, curl cuts, buttonhook cuts, and V-cuts, to keep the defense guessing and increase the chances of finding an opening.
Creating Passing Opportunities:
Understand that passing is a two-way process. While moving without the ball, look for open spots with a safe lane, making it easier for your teammates to pass to you. Use off-ball screens to free yourself from defenders and create passing lanes. Set screens for ball handlers and practice pick-and-rolls to improve your off-ball movement.
Drawing Defenders and Creating Lanes:
Your movement off the ball should aim to catch defenders off guard. By constantly moving, you can force defenders to adjust and follow you, creating open lanes for your teammates to exploit. For example, cutting to the basket can draw a defender with you, leaving a lane open for your teammate to drive and score.
Timing and Reading the Defense:
When moving without the ball, it's crucial to time your cuts effectively and read the defense. Understand when to use different types of cuts and screens based on the defender's position. For instance, if a defender chases around a screen, perform a curl cut; if they go under the screen, fade or flare out to the perimeter for a jump shot.
By following these instructions and continuously practicing your off-ball movement, you'll become a more well-rounded offensive player and a valuable asset to your team.
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Picks and screens
Screens and picks are an important part of basketball tactics, and are used to create space and open up scoring opportunities. A screen or "pick" occurs when an offensive player attempts to block, or "screen", a defensive player away from the player they are guarding, thereby freeing up the offensive player for an open shot or pass.
There are two main types of screen: on-ball screens and off-ball screens. An on-ball screen, also known as a pick or ball screen, is a screen set on a defender that is directly guarding the ball. Some common types of on-ball screens include the flat ball screen, the side screen, the step-up screen, and the drag screen. A flat screen involves a player setting a screen for the player with the basketball while their back is facing the basket. This can be very difficult for the on-ball defender to avoid, especially if the ball-handler is moving quickly and looking to attack the rim.
An off-ball screen is a screen set by a screener on a defender that is not directly guarding the ball. For example, if a player with the ball is on the right side wing, an off-ball screen would occur anywhere else on the court, such as the top, the low post, or the corner. Some common types of off-ball screens include the back screen, cross screen, down screen, and the stagger screen. A cross screen occurs when a player cuts to the opposite side of the floor to set a screen for a teammate, usually in the paint, and can be a great way to get a quick shot or layup.
There are many different types of screens, and they can be used in various ways to create offensive scoring opportunities. For example, the pick and roll is a common tactic where the screener sets a screen and then rolls to the basket, while the pick and pop is when the screener pops to a specified spot on the perimeter for a jump shot. The hammer screen is another example of a screen, where a player drives past their defender and towards the baseline, and their teammate sets a back screen on the defender, allowing the first player to cut to the corner and receive a pass for a three-point shot.
Setting good screens and reading the defenders' reactions are important offensive fundamentals in basketball. It is important for the offensive player to set up the screen correctly, by waiting until the screener is completely set and faking in the opposite direction to throw off the defender. Once the screen is set, the offensive player should blast off of it, leaving the defender behind and giving them time to set up for a shot.
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Frequently asked questions
Points are accumulated by making field goals (two or three points) or free throws (one point). If a player makes a field goal from within the three-point line, they score two points. If they make a field goal from beyond the three-point line, they score three points. A free throw is worth one point and is taken when a player is fouled in the act of shooting or when the opposing team exceeds the foul limit.
The highest-scoring NBA games include a match between the Pistons and the Nuggets, where the total points by both teams were record-breaking. Four players scored more than 40 points, with Kiki VanDeWeghe leading at 51 points, and Alex English adding 47 for the Nuggets. Another high-scoring game was between the Kings and the Clippers, where De'Aaron Fox and Malik Monk scored 42 and 45 points respectively, and Kawhi Leonard scored 44 points.
Basketball is a fast-paced game with dynamic scoring and lineup changes. Scoreboards help keep track of the score and provide vital information to teams, coaches, and fans. They can be wall-mounted or hung above centre court, and display information such as the score, period, time remaining, players on the court, and number of fouls.
