Andrew Pace
Three-point shooting in basketball is a shot taken from beyond the three-point line, which varies in distance depending on the competition level. The three-point field goal was first introduced by the American Basketball League (ABL) in 1961 to add excitement to the game and encourage long-distance shots. Since then, three-point shooting has become an integral part of basketball strategy, with teams increasingly prioritizing three-point attempts over traditional post-play and mid-range shots. The effectiveness of three-point shooting has sparked debates about altering or abolishing the rule, as some argue that it has made the game one-dimensional and less exciting. Despite this, three-point shooting remains a valuable weapon in modern basketball, with players and teams dedicating significant time to mastering this skill.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Introduction of the three-point rule | 1961 |
| First tested at the collegiate level | 1945 |
| Distance from the basket to the three-point line in the NBA | 23 feet 9 inches (7.24 m) from the center of the basket; 22 feet in the corners |
| Distance from the basket to the three-point line in FIBA, WNBA, NCAA, NAIA, and the International Basketball Federation | 6.75 m (22 ft 1.75 in) from the center of the basket; 22 feet, 1.75 inches max |
| Distance from the basket to the three-point line in the National Federation of State High School Associations | 19 ft 9 in (6.02 m) from the center of the basket |
| Distance from the basket to the three-point line in 3x3 | 2 points with all other shots worth 1 point |
| Distance from the basket to the three-point line in Major League Lacrosse | 15-yard (14 m) arc |
| Distance from the basket to the three-point line in Gridiron Football | 3 points |
| Distance from the basket to the three-point line in NFL Europe and the Stars Football League | 50 yards (46 m) or more was worth four points |
| Three-point shooting in modern basketball | Most valuable weapon |
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What You'll Learn
The history of the 3-point shot
The three-point shot has had a significant impact on basketball, with some even calling it a revolution. The idea of the three-point shot was first conceived in 1945 by then-Columbia doctoral student Howard Hobson, who believed that long-distance shots were more exciting and wanted to make them more viable while reducing the advantage of taller players. The three-point shot was first tested at the collegiate level in the same year, in a game between Columbia and Fordham, with a 21-foot line. However, it was not kept as a rule.
In 1958, there was another one-game experiment with a 23-foot line in a game between St. Francis (NY) and Siena. The three-point shot was tested again in 1961 in a game between Boston University and Dartmouth, with an experimental rule that counted all field goals as three points. In 1962, the head coach of St. Francis (New York), Daniel Lynch, suggested the idea of a three-point line to the New York Basketball Writers Association once more.
Finally, in 1961, the American Basketball League (ABL), led by commissioner Abe Saperstein, became the first basketball league to officially adopt the three-point rule. Saperstein wanted to add excitement to the game and set his league apart from the NBA. He stated, "We must have a weapon, and this is ours." Saperstein and DePaul University coach Ray Meyer determined that 25 feet was the appropriate distance for the shot, although this was later shortened to 22 feet by the ABL owners.
After the ABL ceased operations in 1963, the three-point shot was adopted by the Eastern Professional Basketball League (now the Continental Basketball Association) for the 1963–64 season. The American Basketball Association (ABA) also played a significant role in popularising the three-point shot, introducing it in its inaugural 1967–68 season. The ABA used the three-point shot, along with the slam dunk, as a marketing tool to compete with the NBA. Despite initial resistance and concerns about the impact on the team aspect of the game, the NBA eventually adopted the three-point line for the 1979–80 season, initially on a one-year trial basis. The distance of the line has varied over the years, with the NBA settling on 23 feet 9 inches (7.24 m) from the centre of the basket, while other organisations, such as FIBA and WNBA, use a 6.75 m (22 ft 1.75 in) arc.
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The impact of the 3-point shot
The three-point shot has had a significant impact on the game of basketball, influencing playing styles, scoring rates, and even the shape of the court itself.
The introduction of the three-point shot provided a new weapon for teams, adding excitement and offering a way to reduce the advantage of taller players near the basket. The three-pointer was first introduced at the collegiate level in 1945, with the idea being to make long-distance shots more viable. The American Basketball League became the first league to implement the three-point shot league-wide in 1961, with a 25-foot arc. The distance from the basket to the three-point line varies, with the NBA arc being 23 feet 9 inches, while the WNBA, NCAA, and FIBA use a 22-foot arc.
Over time, the three-point shot has become an increasingly important part of basketball strategy. The percentage of field goal attempts from beyond the three-point arc has been rising, with 28 out of 30 NBA teams taking at least a third of their shots from this range in the 2021-22 season. This shift towards three-point shooting has been driven by both philosophical choices and the personnel available to teams. For example, the 2007-08 Orlando Magic emphasised floor spacing and three-point shooting under coach Stan Van Gundy, and they saw the biggest year-to-year jump in three-point rate at the time.
The three-point shot has also had an impact on the tempo of the game. In the 1970s and early 1980s, NBA teams played a fast-paced, high-tempo style of offense, often averaging over 100 possessions per game. However, from the 1990s onwards, teams began to prioritise efficiency over tempo, playing a slower, more deliberate style of offense. This change in style led to a decrease in scoring, prompting the NBA to experiment with the length of the three-point line to encourage more three-point attempts and increase scoring. Despite these efforts, it took 20 years for scoring to return to the levels of the 1970s and 1980s.
While the three-point shot has been embraced by fans, with some dubbing it a "revolution", there are also concerns about its potential negative impact on the game. Some critics argue that the emphasis on three-point shooting has led to a decrease in the variety of offensive strategies, with teams copying each other's playing styles. Additionally, there are concerns that the three-point shot may be becoming too valuable, with Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey suggesting that it could be "turning toward making the game worse".
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The rules of 3-point shooting
Three-point shooting in basketball is governed by a set of rules that vary across different leagues and competitions. The three-point field goal was introduced to add excitement to the game and encourage long-range shooting. Here are the key rules regarding three-point shooting:
Distance and Arc Requirements:
The distance from the basket to the three-point line varies depending on the competition level. For instance, in the National Basketball Association (NBA), the arc is 23 feet 9 inches (7.24m) from the centre of the basket, while in other organisations such as FIBA, WNBA, NCAA, and NAIA, the arc is set at 6.75m (22 feet 1.75 inches). The distance is adjusted to accommodate the varying widths of the courts.
Free Throws:
If a player is fouled while attempting a three-point shot and the fouling team has committed more than six fouls in the game, the shooter is awarded two free throws regardless of the outcome of the basket attempt. If the foul is the team's tenth or greater, the shooter's team also gains possession of the ball.
Variations in Different Leagues:
The three-point rule has evolved differently in various leagues. For example, in the 3x3 FIBA-sanctioned variant, shots taken from behind the three-point line are worth 2 points, while all other shots are worth 1 point. In lacrosse and gridiron football, there are similar concepts of two-point and three-point field goals that alter the scoring system.
Historical Changes:
The three-point line has undergone adjustments over time. Initially tested at the collegiate level in 1945 with a 21-foot line, the distance was later changed to 23 feet in 1958. The NBA experimented with a shortened three-point line of 22 feet around the basket in the 1994-95 season to encourage scoring but reverted to the original distance in 1997-98.
Strategic Considerations:
The three-point shot has become an integral part of basketball strategy. Teams have increasingly recognised the value of three-point attempts, with some teams focusing on converting catch-and-shoot 2-pointers into more rewarding 3-point shots. This shift has influenced the style of play and player skills, with players like Anthony Davis embracing long-range shooting as a key aspect of their game.
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3-point scoring leaders
Three-point shooting in basketball is when a player shoots the ball from beyond the three-point line, which is an arc that extends from one sideline to the other. The distance from the basket to the three-point line varies depending on the competition level. For example, in the National Basketball Association (NBA), the arc is 23 feet 9 inches (7.24 m) from the centre of the basket. On the other hand, in the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), and other associations, the arc is 6.75 m (22 ft 1.75 in) from the centre of the basket.
The three-point shot was first introduced in 1961 by the American Basketball League (ABL) commissioner Abe Saperstein, who wanted to add excitement to the game and differentiate it from the NBA. Since then, the three-point shot has become an integral part of basketball strategy and analytics, with some teams focusing on shooting more 3-pointers to gain a competitive advantage.
When it comes to 3-point scoring leaders, there have been many players who have excelled in this aspect of the game. Here is a list of some notable 3-point scoring leaders in the NBA:
- Stephen Curry: Curry is often regarded as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. He holds the record for most three-pointers made in the regular season and has won multiple three-point contests during NBA All-Star weekends. Curry is known for his exceptional long-range shooting ability and quick release.
- Ray Allen: Allen is a Hall of Fame player who held the record for most three-pointers made in the regular season before Curry. He was known for his smooth shooting form and clutch shooting abilities, often hitting crucial three-pointers in important games.
- James Harden: Harden is another player known for his exceptional scoring abilities, including his three-point shooting. He has led the NBA in three-pointers made multiple times and is known for his ability to create space and generate open looks beyond the arc.
- Damian Lillard: Lillard is a highly skilled point guard who is known for his long-range shooting prowess. He has consistently been among the league leaders in three-pointers made and has a reputation for making big shots in clutch moments.
- Klay Thompson: Thompson is often referred to as one of the best "pure shooters" in NBA history. He holds the record for most three-pointers made in a game (14) and is known for his efficient shooting, often scoring high points without taking a large volume of shots.
These players have not only accumulated impressive statistics but have also had a significant impact on the court with their three-point shooting abilities, helping their teams succeed and influencing the strategic direction of the game.
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The future of 3-point shooting
The three-point shot in basketball was introduced by the NBA in the 1979-1980 season. At the time, it was treated as more of a novelty than a strategic asset, with fewer than 5% of all shots taken that season being 3-point attempts. However, over the years, the three-point shot has become an increasingly important part of the game, with more 3-pointers being shot in NBA games than ever before. The 2024-25 NBA season witnessed a historic number of 3-point attempts.
However, there are also concerns about the impact of the heavy reliance on 3-point shooting. Some argue that it is making the game worse, with teams appearing to copy each other and offences starting to look "cookie-cutter". There is also the concern that coaches may be reluctant to adopt new strategies that involve 3-point shooting due to the risk of losing their jobs if the strategy is not immediately successful.
Despite these concerns, the 3-point shot is here to stay. It has added excitement to the game and provided a competitive advantage for teams that utilize it effectively. As such, we can expect to see continued innovation and development in 3-point shooting, with teams finding new ways to incorporate it into their gameplay.
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Frequently asked questions
3-point shooting in basketball refers to when a player shoots the ball from outside a designated arc (the three-point line) and scores 3 points if the shot is successful.
The distance varies depending on the competition level. In the NBA, it is 23 feet 9 inches (7.24m) from the centre of the basket and 22 feet (6.7m) at the corners. In the WNBA, NCAA, NAIA and FIBA, the distance is 22 feet 1.75 inches (6.75m) from the centre and 22 feet (6.7m) at the corners.
The three-point line was first tested at the collegiate level in 1945, but it was not kept as a rule. The American Basketball League (ABL) became the first league to officially institute the rule in 1961.
Yes, for the 1994-95 season, the NBA shortened the three-point line to an equal distance of 22 feet (6.7m) around the basket. However, this change only lasted for 2 seasons as it did not solve the problem of low scoring.
The 50-40-90 club is an exclusive group of players who have made at least 50% of field goals, 40% of three-pointers, and 90% of free throws in a season.
