Andrew Pace
In basketball, players can score 1, 2, or 3 points. The most common ways to score are 2-point and 3-point baskets. A 2-point basket is any shot made inside the 3-point line, while a 3-point basket is any shot made beyond the 3-point line. Free throws, which are awarded when a player is fouled, are worth 1 point. So, while there is technically a one-point shot in basketball, it is not a shot made from the field, but rather a free throw.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of points awarded for a one-point shot | 1 point |
| Type of shot | Free throw |
| Criteria for a free throw | Player is fouled in the act of shooting |
| Number of free throws awarded | 1 for a 2-point shot, 2 for a missed shot, 3 for a technical foul |
| Other criteria for a free throw | When the other team exceeds the foul limit |
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Scoring points in basketball
There are multiple ways to score points in basketball. The most common way to score is by shooting the ball through the basket, with the number of points awarded depending on where the player is when they shoot the ball. If a player shoots the ball through the hoop from anywhere inside the three-point line, they are awarded 2 points. This can be done by shooting a jump shot, laying the ball into the rim, or slamming the ball through the hoop with a dunk. If a player shoots the ball through the hoop from behind the three-point line, they are awarded 3 points.
Another way to score points in basketball is through free throws. If a player is fouled in the act of shooting and misses the shot, they are usually awarded 2 free throws. If the shot is made, then the basket counts and the shooter is awarded 1 free throw. Free throws are also granted when the other team exceeds the foul limit, putting the offensive team in a bonus "1 and 1" situation. In this case, if the first free throw is made, the player can attempt another free throw. However, if the first free throw is missed, it is a live ball, and both teams can attempt to rebound the ball.
The rules and point system in basketball can vary slightly depending on the league and organization. For example, in FIBA, players can score 1, 2, 3, or even 4 points during a possession. A 4-point play can occur when a player attempts a 3-point shot that goes in but is also fouled. By making the subsequent "And 1" free throw, the player scores a total of 4 points.
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3-point shots
The NBA introduced the 3-point shot during the 1979-80 season, rewarding players for making shots from long distances with an extra point. Before this, all shots during live action counted for two points. The 3-point shot has grown in popularity and is now a focal point of many NBA offences. In each of the last three years, the average number of 3-point shots taken has risen to an all-time high in the NBA.
To shoot a 3-pointer, you need to practice dribbling the ball and quickly turning your shoulders to face the basket. You should then raise the ball as if you are about to take a shot. Keep your knees loose and slightly bent to prepare for the jump, as most of the power will come from extending your legs and jumping. It is important to focus on the front of the hoop and aim for the front rim of the basket. You can practice shooting from different places behind the 3-point line, starting at the top of the key so you can use the backboard if you overshoot.
However, a recent study by Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics sport analytics professor Shane Sanders and associate professor Justin Ehrlich shows that while the number of 3-point shots continues to increase, the average expected value of 3-pointers has become less than 2-pointers since the 2017-18 season. This suggests that there may be too much focus on 3-point shooting for a point-maximising offence.
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2-point shots
The distinction between 2-point and 3-point shots adds a layer of strategy to the game. While a 2-point shot is worth less than a 3-point shot, it is generally considered easier to make due to its closer proximity to the basket. As a result, players must decide whether to prioritize a higher-value shot from further away or a higher-percentage shot from within the 3-point line.
One notable strategy that has emerged is the use of analytics to inform shot selection. Some teams and players analyze data to determine the optimal shot selection based on factors such as shot location, player skills, and game situation. This has led to a shift in strategy, with some teams prioritizing high-efficiency 2-point shots over lower-percentage 3-point attempts.
The 2-point shot also plays a crucial role in free throws. When a player is fouled in the act of shooting, they are awarded free throws. The number of free throws depends on whether the initial shot attempt was for 2 or 3 points. For 2-point shots, the player is awarded two free throws if the initial shot attempt misses and one free throw if the shot is made.
Over time, the 2-point shot has remained a fundamental aspect of basketball strategy and scoring. While the introduction of the 3-point shot added a new dimension to the game, the 2-point shot continues to be a critical component of a well-rounded offensive strategy.
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Free throws
In basketball, free throws are attempts to score points by shooting from behind the free-throw line without opposition. They are awarded when a player is fouled in the act of shooting the ball. If the shot is missed, the shooter is awarded two free throws for 2-point shots and three free throws for 3-point shots. If the shot is made, the basket counts and the shooter is awarded one free throw. Each successful free throw is worth one point.
In NCAA men's basketball, beginning with the seventh foul of the half, one free throw is awarded; if the player makes the free throw, another is given. This is called shooting a "one-and-one". Starting with the tenth foul of the half, two free throws are awarded.
It can be advantageous for a trailing team to intentionally foul late in a close game. While this allows the leading team to shoot free throws and increase their lead, it also stops the clock. This strategy is seen as a last resort with little chance of success.
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Foul shots
In basketball, there is no such thing as a one-point shot. The closest shot to the basket is a two-point shot, with shots from farther away being worth three points. However, the concept of a "one-point shot" can be understood when looking at foul shots, or free throws.
In certain situations, such as when a team is intentionally fouled late in a close game, the fouled player will shoot foul shots to increase their lead while also stopping the clock, similar to a timeout in football. This strategy has been dubbed the "Hack-a-Shaq" due to its famous use on Shaquille O'Neal.
The rules regarding foul shots can vary slightly between different basketball leagues and organizations, such as the NBA, WNBA, NCAA, and FIBA. For example, in NCAA men's basketball, starting with the seventh foul of the half, one foul shot is awarded, and if the player makes it, they get another attempt. This is called a "one-and-one." From the tenth foul of the half onwards, two foul shots are awarded.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, one-point shots exist in basketball. Players are awarded one point when they successfully make a free throw after being fouled in the act of shooting.
If a player is fouled in the act of shooting and misses the shot, they are usually awarded two free throws. However, if the shot goes in the basket, the player is allowed an additional free throw, which, if made, results in a four-point play.
There are two other ways to score in basketball: two-point baskets and three-point baskets. Two-point baskets are any shots made from inside the three-point line, while three-point baskets are awarded to players who make shots from behind the three-point line.
The NBA introduced the three-point basket during the 1979-80 season to reward players for making shots from long distances.
