Helena Frye
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. A field goal can be worth other values, such as one point in FIBA 3x3 basketball competitions or four points in the BIG3 basketball league. The three-point field goal was introduced in 1984, and it made its Olympic debut in 1988. The three-point line is a designated arc surrounding the basket, and a successful basket is worth three points, in contrast to the two points awarded for field goals made within the three-point line.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A basket scored on any shot or tap other than a free throw. |
| Point value | Usually 2 or 3 points depending on the location of the attempt on the basket. Uncommonly, it can be worth 1 or 4 points. |
| Sub-categories | Field goals made, field goals attempted, and field goal percentage. |
| Abbreviation | FGM |
| Three-point field goal sub-category | 3FGM |
| Two-point field goal sub-category | 2FGM |
| Three-point line distance | Varies by competition level: 23 feet 9 inches (7.24 m) in the NBA; 6.75 m (22 ft 1.75 in) in FIBA, WNBA, NCAA, and NAIA; 6.25 m (20 ft 6 in) in the Olympics. |
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What You'll Learn
Field goal scoring leaders
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. Uncommonly, a field goal can be worth one point in FIBA 3x3 basketball competitions or four points in the BIG3 basketball league. The official terminology for a made shot is used by the National Basketball Association (NBA) in their rule book, box scores, statistics, and in referees' rulings.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar holds the NBA record for most field goals made in a career, with 15,837. Wilt Chamberlain, one of the most prolific scorers of all time, holds the top four spots for most field goals made in a season and has the second-highest field goal percentage for a season (72.7%). The highest field goal percentage for a single season was set by New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (74.2%) in the abbreviated 2019-20 season. Michael Jordan is also considered one of the greatest field-goal shooters of all time, having 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%).
Steve Nash holds the record for the highest number of 50-40-90 seasons, a mark of all-around shooting for two-point field goals, three-point field goals, and free throws. Nash recorded four of the eleven 50-40-90 seasons in NBA history. The three-point field goal, often referred to as a three-pointer, is a field goal made from beyond the three-point line, a designated arc surrounding the basket. It was first introduced by the American Basketball League in 1961 to add excitement to the game. The three-pointer is now worth three points, in contrast to the two points awarded for field goals made within the three-point line.
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Field goal percentages
In basketball, a field goal is a basket scored from any shot or tap, excluding free throws. Field goals are typically worth two or three points, depending on the location of the shot. Field goal percentages (FG%) are calculated as the ratio of field goals made to field goals attempted, and they provide insight into a player's or team's efficiency. A FG% of .500 (50%) or higher is generally considered favourable, although this benchmark varies depending on playing positions. For instance, centres and forwards usually attain higher FG% compared to guards.
While FG% offers valuable insights, it does not encompass all aspects of a player's skill set. For instance, a low FG% may indicate a player who frequently attempts challenging shots or an ineffective offensive player. The three-point field goal percentage (3FG%) and free throw percentage (FT%) are additional metrics that provide a more comprehensive understanding of a player's performance. A 3FG% of .400 and above is impressive, while a FT% of .900 or higher is commendable.
The Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) is another metric that provides a more nuanced evaluation of performance. It assigns greater weight to three-point shots, reflecting their higher degree of difficulty. eFG% is calculated by multiplying the player's FG% by 0.5 and then adding the product of their 3PT% and 1.5. This adjusted calculation accounts for the higher value of three-point shots.
Some of the greatest players with notable field goal percentages include Wilt Chamberlain, who holds the top four spots for most field goals in a season, and Michael Jordan, who led the NBA in field goals made ten times. Shaquille O'Neal distinguished himself with a high career FG% of approximately .580, attributable to his proximity to the basket and his proficiency in making high-percentage layups and dunks. DeAndre Jordan holds the record for the highest career field goal percentage at 67.4%.
The evolution of basketball has influenced field goal percentages. For instance, the introduction of the three-point line in 1984 by the sport's international governing body, FIBA, added a new layer of strategy and excitement to the game. As a result, field goal percentages may be influenced by the rules and scoring systems in place during different eras of the sport.
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Two-point field goals
In basketball, a field goal is defined as a basket scored on any shot or tap other than a free throw. The number of points awarded for a field goal depends on the location of the attempt on the basket. Field goals are typically worth two or three points. However, they can sometimes be worth one point, as in FIBA 3x3 basketball competitions, or four points in the BIG3 basketball league.
Some notable players have achieved exceptional records related to two-point field goals. Wilt Chamberlain, a prolific scorer, holds the top four spots for most field goals made in a season and has the second-highest field goal percentage for a season at 72.7%. Michael Jordan, another legendary player, led the NBA in field goals made ten times throughout his career. Additionally, Steve Nash stands out for his all-around shooting ability, achieving four 50-40-90 seasons, which recognizes excellence in shooting percentages for two-point field goals, three-point field goals, and free throws.
In summary, two-point field goals are an essential aspect of basketball strategy and player evaluation. They represent the majority of field goals scored in a game and require precision and skill to consistently convert attempts into points. The ability to excel at two-point field goals is often a hallmark of great players and teams in the sport of basketball.
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Three-point field goals
A three-point field goal, also known as a 3-pointer, three, or triple, is a shot made from beyond the three-point line, a designated arc surrounding the basket. It is worth three points, in contrast to the two points awarded for field goals made within the three-point line and one point for each made free throw. The three-point line was first tested at the collegiate level in 1945 with a 21-foot line in a game between Columbia and Fordham, but it was not made a permanent rule. The American Basketball League (ABL) became the first league to officially adopt the three-point rule in 1961, with the hope that it would add excitement to the game and distinguish the league from the NBA.
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 (7.24 m) from the center of the basket. In the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), the arc is 6.75 m (22 ft 1.75 in) from the center of the basket.
In 3x3 basketball, shots from behind the arc are worth two points, and the shooter is awarded free throws depending on the number of fouls committed by the opposing team. If the fouling team has committed more than six fouls, the shooter receives two free throws regardless of the result of the basket attempt.
Since the 2008-09 season, referees have reviewed all situations where it is unclear whether a successful field goal was scored as a two-point or three-point field goal. During the last two minutes of the fourth period or any overtime period, the review occurs at the next clock stoppage, including immediately upon a successful basket.
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Free throws
In basketball, free throws or foul shots are attempts to score points by shooting from behind the free-throw line, a line situated at the end of the restricted area. Each successful free throw is worth one point. Free throws are generally awarded after a foul on the shooter by the opposing team, analogous to penalty shots in other team sports. They are also awarded in other situations, including technical fouls, and when the fouling team has entered the bonus/penalty situation. The number of free throws awarded depends on the situation, and a player may be awarded between one and three free throws.
In the NBA, most players make 70-80% of their attempts. The league's best shooters include Mark Price, Steve Nash, Steve Kerr, Rick Barry, Larry Bird, Ray Allen, José Calderón, Stephen Curry, Reggie Miller, and Kevin Durant. 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.
In the NBA and FIBA, a technical foul results in one free-throw attempt for the other team. Under NCAA rules, technical fouls are divided into "Class A" and "Class B", with Class A resulting in two free throws, and Class B resulting in one. At all levels, the opposing team may choose any player who is currently on the court to shoot the free throws and is then awarded possession of the ball after the free throws.
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, and allows the trailing team the chance to take possession if the second free throw is missed. Therefore, many teams substitute players with high free-throw percentages when they are leading late in games to combat this strategy.
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Frequently asked questions
A field goal is any shot or tap other than a free throw that results in a basket. This includes shots near the basket or near the perimeter taken by an offensive player in possession of the basketball within the boundary lines of the court.
A field goal is worth two or three points, depending on the location of the attempt. A field goal is worth two points if it is a close-range or perimeter-based shot within the three-point line. A field goal is worth three points if it is made outside of the three-point line. In certain instances, there are exceptions to these common rules. For example, in the variation of 3x3 basketball, close-range and perimeter-based field goals are worth one point.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar holds the NBA record for field goals made in a career with 15,837. Wilt Chamberlain holds the top four spots for most field goals made in a season and has the second-highest field goal percentage for a season (72.7%).
