Kristian Ferrell
In basketball, 3PM refers to the number of three-point field goals a player or team has made. The three-point field goal was first introduced by the American Basketball League (ABL) in 1961, with the goal of adding excitement to the game and giving smaller players a better chance to score. Since then, the three-point shot has become a staple of basketball, with its distance from the basket varying across different competitions and leagues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| 3PM | Three-point field goals made |
| 3PA | Three-point field goals attempted |
| 3P% | Three-point field goals percentage |
| Distance from the basket to the three-point line | Varies by competition level |
| National Basketball Association (NBA) | 23 feet 9 inches (7.24 m) from the center of the basket |
| International Basketball Federation (FIBA), Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) (all divisions), National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) | 6.75 m (22 ft 1.75 in) from the center of the basket |
| National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) | 19 ft 9 in (6.02 m) from the center of the basket |
| First three-point field goal in NBA history | Made by Chris Ford of the Boston Celtics on October 12, 1979 |
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What You'll Learn
Three-point field goals made
In basketball, 3PM stands for three-point field goals made. This is a basketball statistic used to evaluate a player's or team's performance. A three-point field goal is when a player successfully shoots the basketball through the basket from beyond the three-point line. The three-point line was first introduced at the collegiate level in 1945, with a 21-foot line, but it was not kept as a rule. The National Basketball Association (NBA) adopted the three-point line for the 1979-1980 season, and Chris Ford of the Boston Celtics made the first three-point shot in NBA history.
The three-point shot is considered one of the most exciting plays in basketball, as it is worth more than a typical two-point field goal. If a player completes a three-pointer while being fouled, they are awarded one free throw for a possible four-point play. The three-point field goal percentage (3P%) is calculated by dividing the number of three-point field goals made (3PM) by the total number of three-point field goals attempted (3PA). This statistic provides an indication of a player's accuracy and efficiency in shooting from beyond the arc.
Over time, certain players have gained a reputation as three-point specialists, such as Dale Ellis, who became the first NBA player to reach 1,000 career three-pointers in 1994. Reggie Miller surpassed Ellis as the NBA's all-time leader in three-pointers in 1997, retiring with 2,560 three-pointers made. The three-point line has continued to evolve, with the sport's international governing body, FIBA, introducing a 6.25-meter line in 1984, further challenging players' shooting abilities.
Today, the three-point field goal remains a crucial aspect of basketball strategy and player evaluation. It encourages teams to stretch the floor and create more dynamic offensive plays, while also rewarding players with a higher point value for successful long-range shots. The statistic of three-point field goals made is an important indicator of a player's or team's ability to capitalise on these scoring opportunities and can significantly impact the outcome of a game.
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Three-point field goals attempted
In basketball, a three-point field goal (also known as a 3-pointer, three, or triple) is a type of field goal that is worth three points. It is a shot taken from beyond the three-point line, which is a designated arc surrounding the basket. The three-point line was first introduced by the NBA in 1979 on a one-year trial basis, and it has since become a permanent feature of the game. The distance from the basket to the three-point line varies depending on the competition level. For example, in the NBA, the arc is 23 feet 9 inches (7.24 m) from the centre of the basket, while in the WNBA, FIBA, NCAA, and NAIA, the distance is 6.75 m (22 ft 1.75 in).
To make a successful three-point attempt, a player's feet must be completely behind the three-point line at the time of the shot or jump. If the player's feet are on or in front of the line, the attempt is only worth two points. Players are allowed to jump from outside the line and land inside the line, as long as the ball is released while they are still in the air. An official will signal a three-point attempt by raising their arm with three fingers extended, and if the attempt is successful, they will raise their other arm with all fingers extended, similar to a football official signalling a successful field goal.
The number of three-point field goals attempted (3PA) is a common statistic kept in basketball to evaluate a player's or team's performance. This statistic simply refers to the number of three-point field goals that a player or team has tried to make, regardless of whether the attempt was successful or not. In recent years, there has been an increase in the frequency of three-point field goal attempts in the NBA, with players like Stephen Curry revolutionizing the game by inspiring teams to employ the three-point shot as a key part of their winning strategy.
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Three-point field goals percentage
In basketball, a three-point field goal (also known as a 3-pointer, three, or triple) is a field goal made from beyond the three-point line, a designated arc surrounding the basket. A successful attempt is worth three points, as opposed to the two points awarded for field goals made within the three-point line and the one point for each made free throw. The three-point field goal percentage is a basketball statistic that measures the number of three-point field goals made by a player or team as a percentage of their total attempts. This statistic is often used to evaluate the performance and efficiency of a player or team.
The formula for calculating the three-point field goal percentage is:
Three-Point Field Goal Percentage = (Three-Point Field Goals Made / Three-Point Field Goals Attempted) * 100
For example, if a player has made 10 three-point field goals out of 20 attempts, their three-point field goal percentage would be:
10 / 20) * 100 = 50%
This means the player has successfully made 50% of their attempted three-point field goals.
The distance from the basket to the three-point line varies depending on the competition level. In the National Basketball Association (NBA), the arc is 23 feet 9 inches (7.24 metres) from the centre of the basket. In other competitions, such as the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the arc is set at 6.75 metres (22 feet 1.75 inches).
The three-point field goal has evolved over time, with its inception dating back to experimental games in the 1940s and 1950s. The American Basketball League (ABL) became the first league to officially adopt the rule in 1961, with the NBA following suit in 1979. Since then, the strategy and frequency of three-point attempts have increased, with players like Stephen Curry revolutionising the game by incorporating the three-pointer as a key winning strategy.
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History of the three-point rule
The three-point rule in basketball has been through a long journey, with several leagues and tournaments adopting and experimenting with it at various points in history. The concept of the three-point shot was first envisioned by Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, who advocated for it towards the end of his life in the late 1930s. He proposed a rule similar to the offside rule in soccer, where a shooter would earn three points if they were farther from the hoop than all defensive players.
The first experimental use of the three-point rule in a game was in 1945, in a match between Columbia and Fordham, organised by Oregon coach Howard Hobson. He painted an arc 21 feet from each basket, and shots made from behind it were worth three points. The game saw a combined 20 three-pointers, and while the crowd enjoyed the experiment, it was criticised by a writer for the New York Times. There were further one-game experiments in 1958 and 1961, and in 1962, St. Francis (New York) head coach Daniel Lynch suggested the idea to the New York Basketball Writers Association.
The American Basketball League (ABL) became the first league to officially institute the three-point rule in 1961, with commissioner Abe Saperstein hoping to add excitement to the game and distinguish the league from the NBA. After the ABL shut down in 1963, the rule was adopted by the Eastern Professional Basketball League for the 1963-64 season. The American Basketball Association (ABA) also used the rule in its inaugural 1967-68 season, with commissioner George Mikan stating that it "would give the smaller player a chance to score and open up the defense to make the game more enjoyable for fans".
In 1979, the NBA adopted the three-point line for the 1979-80 season, initially on a one-year trial basis. This marked a significant shift in the dynamics of the game, and the three-pointer soon became a fundamental aspect of basketball strategy. The NCAA's Southern Conference was the first collegiate conference to use the three-point rule, adopting it for the 1980-81 season, with the NCAA fully adopting it in April 1986 for the 1986-87 season. FIBA, the international governing body of basketball, introduced the rule in 1984, with the line initially set at 6.25 meters from the basket, later adjusted to 6.75 meters in 2010.
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How three-point field goals affect statistics
In basketball, a three-point field goal, also known as a 3-pointer, three, or triple, is a shot made from beyond the three-point line, an arc surrounding the basket. The three-point line was first introduced in 1945 in a game between Columbia and Fordham, but it was not a permanent rule change. The American Basketball League (ABL) became the first league to officially institute the rule in 1961, with the goal of adding excitement to the game and differentiating it from the NBA. Since then, the three-point rule has been adopted by many basketball leagues, including the NBA, with variations in the distance from the basket to the three-point line.
The introduction of the three-point field goal has significantly impacted the statistics of the game. It is now common to see players and teams adopting strategies that take advantage of the higher point value of three-pointers. As a result, there has been an increase in the number of three-point field goal attempts (3PA) over time, while the number of two-point field goal attempts (2PA) has decreased. This shift in shooting strategy has led to a decrease in overall field goal percentage effectiveness, as three-pointers are generally more challenging to make.
Despite the decrease in field goal percentage, the average number of points scored per game has increased due to the higher value of three-pointers. This is especially evident in recent years, where top-performing teams have demonstrated high three-point shooting efficacy, contributing significantly to their total points scored. The increase in three-point attempts and efficacy has also influenced other aspects of the game, such as rebounds, assists, and steals, as players adjust their strategies to accommodate the focus on three-point shooting.
When evaluating player and team performance, various statistics are considered, including total points per game (PPG), field goals made (FGM), field goal attempts (FGA), field goal percentage (FG%), three-point field goals made (3PM), three-point field goal attempts (3PA), and three-point field goal percentage (3P%). These statistics are used to calculate efficiency ratings, such as the NBA's EFF rating and the Player Efficiency Rating (PER) developed by ESPN's John Hollinger. By analysing these statistics, trends in shooting performance and the impact of rule changes can be identified, providing valuable insights into the evolving nature of basketball strategy and gameplay.
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Frequently asked questions
3PM in basketball is short for 3-point field goals made. It is a statistic used to evaluate a player's or team's performance.
A 3-point field goal is a shot taken from beyond the three-point line. The three-point line is an arc that varies in distance from the basket depending on the competition level. For example, in the NBA, the arc is 23 feet 9 inches (7.24 m) from the center of the basket.
A 3-point field goal is worth one more point than a regular 2-point field goal.
