Kristian Ferrell
In basketball, a four-point play is a rare occurrence where an offensive player shoots and scores a three-point field goal while being fouled by a defensive player, resulting in a shooting foul and one free throw attempt. Alternatively, a four-point play can also refer to a two-point field goal where the offensive player is intentionally or flagrantly fouled and is awarded two free throws. If the player makes their free throws, they will have scored four points in a single possession. The four-point play should not be confused with a four-point shot, which is a shot made from a designated area on the court worth four points.
What is a four-point shot in basketball?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A four-point field goal, also called a four-pointer, is a field goal in a basketball game made from a part of the court designated for a four-point shot. |
| History | The concept of a four-point shot is not new, with the short-lived American Basketball League first introducing the idea of a four-point play. The Harlem Globetrotters were the first to introduce the four-point field goal in competition, with a line 30 feet from the basket. |
| Rules | A four-point shot is attempted when a player shoots with any part of their body touching the area of the four-point circle. |
| Four-point shot areas | The Big3 basketball league is the first professional league to use the four-point field goal, with three designated four-point shot areas that are 30 feet away from the rim. The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has a four-point line 27 feet away from the rim. |
| Other leagues | The WNBA All-Star Game, the NBA, the ABA, and FIBA have all experimented with the four-point shot. |
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What You'll Learn
Four-point field goals
A four-point field goal, also known as a four-pointer, is a shot made from a designated area on the basketball court that is typically further from the basket than the line for a three-point field goal. The successful attempt is worth four points. The four-pointer was first introduced in competition by the Harlem Globetrotters, with a line 30 feet from the basket. The Big3 basketball league is the first professional league to officially adopt the four-point field goal, with three distinct circles beyond the three-point line that are designated as four-point shot areas. These circles are also 30 feet from the basket.
The concept of a four-point shot has been experimented with by various basketball leagues, including the PBA, NBA, WNBA, and ABA. The PBA, or Philippine Basketball Association, was the first to officially adopt a four-point line in 2024, with their line stretching 27 feet (8.2 meters) away from the basket. This made the PBA the first major professional 5x5 basketball league in the world to integrate the four-point field goal into its rules.
The WNBA All-Star Game has also featured a four-point field goal since 2022, with two circles located on each side of the court about 28 feet (8.5 meters) from the basket. The semi-pro American Basketball Association (ABA) has a different interpretation of the four-point shot, counting any basket made from beyond half-court as a four-pointer.
While the four-point shot is not yet widely adopted, it showcases the evolution of basketball and the desire to maximize the unique skills of players. Some players, like Steph Curry, oppose the idea, arguing that it would change the geometry of the game and encourage players who don't possess strong shooting abilities to attempt lower-percentage shots. However, the four-point shot continues to generate interest and experimentation within the basketball world.
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Four-point play
In basketball, a four-point play is a rare occurrence. It happens when an offensive player shoots and scores a three-pointer while being fouled by a defensive player. This results in a shooting foul and one free throw attempt for the offended player. If the player makes their free throw, they will have scored four points in a single possession.
The four-point play was first introduced by the short-lived American Basketball League and was later adopted by the American Basketball Association during its inaugural season. The National Basketball Association (NBA) introduced the rule in 1979, with Sam Smith of the Chicago Bulls completing the first four-point play in NBA history on October 21, 1979, against the Milwaukee Bucks. Other organizations that have since adopted the rule include FIBA in 1984, the NCAA in 1986 for men and 1987 for women, the NHFS in 1987, and the WNBA in 1997.
While the four-point play is a rare and exciting event in a basketball game, there is also a concept of a four-point shot or four-point field goal. This is when a player scores a basket from a designated area on the court that is further from the basket than the three-point line, typically around 27 to 30 feet away. The first official four-point shot was registered in the Philippines' basketball league, and it has since been experimented with by various leagues such as the PBA, NBA, WNBA, and ABA. The Big3 basketball league is the first professional league to fully incorporate the four-point field goal, with three distinct circles beyond the three-point line for four-point shots.
The introduction of the four-point shot or four-point line is a trend that is gaining traction in the basketball world. Some players, like Steph Curry, oppose the idea, arguing that it would change the geometry of the game and encourage players who don't possess strong shooting skills to attempt low-percentage shots. However, others recognize the unique skills of certain players that could be maximized with the addition of the four-point line. The game is evolving, and the four-point play and four-point shot are both examples of how basketball continues to innovate and adapt over time.
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Four-point line
A four-point field goal, also known as a four-pointer, is a shot made from a designated area on the basketball court that is usually further from the basket than the line for a three-point field goal. The four-pointer was first introduced by the Harlem Globetrotters and was located 30 feet (9.1 meters) away from the basket.
Several basketball leagues have experimented with the concept of a four-point line, which is a designated area on the court where a successful field goal is worth four points instead of the traditional two or three points. The first league to adopt a four-point line was the semi-pro American Basketball Association (ABA), which was relaunched in 2000. The ABA's rule is straightforward: any shot made from beyond the half-court line is counted as four points, effectively making the half-court line the four-point line.
The Big3 basketball league, owned by Ice Cube, is another disruptor that has adopted a four-point line. In Big3 games, there are three distinct circles beyond the three-point line that are designated as four-point shot areas. These circles are located 30 feet from the basket, and a four-point shot is attempted when a player shoots with any part of their body touching the area of the four-point circle.
In 2022, the WNBA All-Star Game introduced a four-point field goal, with two circles located on each side of the court about 28 feet (8.5 meters) from the basket. The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) followed suit in 2024, becoming the first major professional 5x5 basketball league to integrate a four-point field goal into its rules. The PBA's four-point line stretches 27 feet (8.2 meters) away from the basket.
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Four-point shot areas
The four-point shot areas in basketball are designated parts of the court from where a player can attempt a four-pointer. These areas are typically located further from the basket than the three-point line. The four-point shot was first introduced by the Harlem Globetrotters, with the line located 30 feet (9.1 m) from the basket.
The Big3 basketball league is the first professional league to officially adopt the four-point field goal. In Big3, there are three distinct circles beyond the three-point line that serve as four-point shot areas. These circles are located 30 feet from the basket, and a player can attempt a four-pointer by shooting with any part of their body touching the circle.
The semi-pro American Basketball Association (ABA) has a different approach to four-point shots. In ABA, any basket made from beyond the half-court is counted as a four-point field goal, making the half-court line the de-facto four-point line.
Other leagues, such as the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), have also experimented with the four-point shot. Starting from the 2024 PBA Governors' Cup, the PBA introduced a four-point line stretching 27 feet (8.2 m) away from the basket, becoming the first major professional 5x5 basketball league to integrate the four-point field goal into its rules.
Additionally, the WNBA All-Star Game, beginning in 2022, featured a four-point field goal with two circles located on each side of the court, approximately 28 feet (8.5 m) from the basket.
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Four-point circles
A four-point shot in basketball, often referred to as a "four-pointer" or a "quadruple", is an extremely rare occurrence in the game. It is worth noting that the four-point play is not a official stat that is tracked by the NBA or other major leagues, but it is a term used by fans, analysts, and commentators to describe an impressive and uncommon event. The mechanics of this play are straightforward: a player must be fouled by an opponent while shooting from beyond the three-point arc and then make the resulting shot, earning three points for the basket and one point for the successful free throw. This play requires a combination of skill and a bit of luck, as the player must not only make a long-range shot but also draw a foul in the process. The four-point play showcases a player's ability to not only shoot accurately from long range but also to draw contact and get to the free-throw line, showcasing their all-around offensive prowess.
While the traditional four-point play is impressive, an even rarer variation exists: the "double four-point play". This occurs when a player makes a three-pointer while being fouled and the foul is deemed "clear path" or "flagrant," resulting in two free throws instead of one. Making both free throws would result in a total of six points scored on a single play: three for the initial shot and three more for the made free throws. This variation is incredibly rare and has only occurred a handful of times, making it an exciting and memorable event for fans and players alike.
Some notable players who have frequently executed four-point plays throughout their careers include James Harden, Damian Lillard, and Stephen Curry. These players are known for their exceptional long-range shooting abilities as well as their ability to draw fouls, making them masters of the four-point play. Their skill in this aspect of the game adds excitement and keeps defenders on their toes, knowing that any foul committed during these players' shooting attempts could result in a costly four-point play.
To add more excitement and encourage offensive diversity, some basketball leagues and tournaments have experimented with official four-point lines, creating designated spots on the court where a four-pointer can be attempted. This was first introduced by the BIG3 league, a 3-on-3 basketball league founded by Ice Cube, which implemented a four-point circle 30 feet from the basket. The Premier Basketball League (PBL) followed suit, adopting a four-point line 32 feet from the hoop. These implementations encourage players to showcase their long-range shooting skills and add a unique twist to the traditional game, providing fans with even more thrilling and high-scoring action.
The introduction of four-point circles or lines permanently in basketball is a topic that has sparked debates among fans, players, and analysts. While some argue that it could add excitement and encourage the development of new offensive strategies, others believe that it might disrupt the flow and balance of the game. Currently, the four-point play and the potential for a four-point shot exist as intriguing possibilities within the context of the traditional three-point line, adding an extra layer of complexity and skill demonstration to the game.
To conclude, the four-point play in basketball is an exciting and impressive feat that combines shooting skill with the ability to draw fouls. While it is not an officially tracked statistic, it holds a special place in the hearts of fans and analysts, showcasing a player's offensive prowess. The concept of a four-point shot has been experimented with by various leagues, introducing designated four-point lines or circles to encourage long-range shooting and add new dimensions to the game. Whether or not the four-point shot becomes a permanent fixture, it certainly adds an intriguing layer to the strategic depth and skill showcase that is inherent to the sport of basketball.
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Frequently asked questions
A four-point shot, or four-pointer, is a shot made from a designated area on the basketball court that is usually further from the basket than the line for a three-point field goal. The four-point shot is worth four points.
A four-point play is when an offensive player shoots and makes a three-point field goal while being fouled by a defensive player. This results in a shooting foul and one free throw attempt, or a two-point field goal, and the player is awarded two free throws. If the player makes their free throws, they will have scored four points in a single possession.
The four-point shot was first introduced by the Harlem Globetrotters and was located 30 feet (9.1 m) away from the basket. The Big3 basketball league is the first professional league to officially adopt the four-point shot, with three distinct circles beyond the three-point line. The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) also introduced a four-point line in 2024, making it the first major professional 5x5 basketball league to do so. The WNBA All-Star Game has featured a four-point field goal since 2022, with two circles located on each side of the court about 28 feet (8.5 m) from the basket.
