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Field goal percentage is a crucial statistic in basketball that measures a player's or team's shooting performance during a game. It is calculated by dividing the number of successful field goals (baskets made) by the total number of field goal attempts, expressed as a percentage. Field goals refer to any shot or tap other than a free throw and are typically worth two or three points, depending on the location of the attempt. This statistic is important for evaluating players' skills and efficiency, with a higher field goal percentage indicating better performance. It is also used to compare teams' shooting effectiveness and is considered a key indicator of success in basketball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | The ratio of field goals made to field goals attempted |
| Calculation | Number of baskets made divided by the total number of baskets attempted |
| Abbreviation | FG% |
| Scale | ..000 to 1.000 |
| Good FG% | 50% or above |
| Three-point FG% | Calculated separately but included in the general FG% |
| Free throw percentage | Measured separately |
| Effective FG% (eFG%) | A measurement of how successful a team is from the field, including weighting for three-point shots |
| Slam dunk | A type of field goal where a player jumps near the basket and throws the ball through the basket while airborne |
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What You'll Learn
How to calculate field goal percentage
Field goal percentage is a crucial statistic in basketball, used to evaluate the performance of players and teams. It is a measure of how well a player or team shoots the ball during a game. This statistic is especially important for coaches and teams when evaluating players for recruitment or trades.
A field goal refers to any shot or tap, other than a free throw, that is attempted by a player. It is typically worth two or three points, depending on the location of the attempt on the court.
The field goal percentage is calculated by dividing the number of field goals made by the total number of field goals attempted. This ratio is often expressed as a scale from 0.000 to 1.000, with a higher value indicating greater efficiency. For example, a player who makes 4 out of 10 field goal attempts has a field goal percentage of 0.400 or 40%.
It is worth noting that three-point field goal percentages are often calculated separately, but they are included in the general field goal percentage. While a field goal percentage of 50% or above is generally considered good, this criterion may vary depending on the player's position.
Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) is another metric that provides a more comprehensive view of the game. It gives extra weight to three-point shots, with a made three-pointer considered one and a half times more valuable than a made two-pointer. This statistic can be a key indicator of a team's success and the effectiveness of their offense and defense.
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The importance of field goal percentage
Field goal percentage is a crucial statistic in basketball, providing insight into the performance and efficiency of players and teams. It is calculated by dividing the number of successful field goals (baskets made) by the total number of field goal attempts. This percentage is a strong indicator of a player's skill level, particularly their offensive capabilities, as it reflects their ability to consistently score points. While it doesn't capture the full range of a player's abilities, a high field goal percentage is generally indicative of a talented offensive player.
In basketball, a field goal refers to any shot or tap that results in a basket, excluding free throws. These goals are typically worth two or three points, depending on the location of the attempt. Field goals can also have other values, such as one point in FIBA 3x3 basketball or four points in the BIG3 basketball league. The term "field" refers to the court, hence the name "field goal."
The calculation of field goal percentage is straightforward, requiring only two numbers: the number of made baskets and the total number of attempts. This simplicity makes it a widely used metric in basketball analytics. A player who makes 4 out of 10 field goal attempts has a field goal percentage of 40%. While the specific criteria vary depending on playing position, a field goal percentage of 50% or higher is generally considered a good indicator of performance.
Field goal percentage is essential for evaluating players, whether for drafting, trading, or assessing in-game performance. Coaches often aim for their teams to take high-percentage shots, such as layups and dunks, which have a higher likelihood of success. By monitoring field goal percentages, coaches can make strategic adjustments to their offensive and defensive tactics. Additionally, field goal percentage can be used to compare the performance of two opposing teams, with the team boasting a higher percentage likely demonstrating greater offensive success.
While field goal percentage is a valuable metric, it is essential to acknowledge that it is not the sole determinant of a player's or team's quality. Other factors, such as rebounds, free throw attempts, and turnovers, also contribute significantly to the outcome of a game. Nevertheless, field goal percentage remains one of the most critical individual statistics in organised basketball, offering a straightforward yet insightful glimpse into a player's or team's performance on the court.
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Field goal percentage by position
Field goal percentage is a simple statistic used to measure a player's shooting proficiency in basketball. It is the ratio of field goals made to field goals attempted, and its abbreviation is FG%. A higher field goal percentage denotes higher efficiency. In basketball, a FG% of .500 (50%) or above is considered a good percentage, although this criterion does not apply equally to all positions. Guards usually have lower FG% than forwards and centers. For example, in the NBA, center Shaquille O'Neal had a high career FG% (around .580) because he played near the basket, making many high-percentage layups and dunks.
The traditional field goal percentage doesn't consider the strategic importance of three-pointers. This is where effective field goal percentage (eFG%) comes in. Effective field goal percentage gives a clearer understanding of a player or team's scoring efficiency compared to traditional field goal percentage. A player might have a lower field goal percentage but a higher eFG% if they consistently make three-pointers. This advanced stat is helpful for evaluating players, especially in today's basketball landscape.
While there's no magic number for a good eFG%, anything above 50% is generally considered above average. Anything below that might indicate a need for improvement in shot selection or shooting efficiency. You calculate effective field goal percentage by dividing the sum of field goals made and half of the three-pointers made by the total number of field goal attempts. The final result is then multiplied by 100 to represent a percentage.
It's important to remember that field goal percentage does not completely tell the skill of a player. A low field goal percentage can indicate a poor offensive player or a player who takes many difficult shots. Similarly, a high field goal percentage doesn't always mean a player is skilled. Historically, field goal percentages were substantially lower in the NBA until the mid-to-late 1960s. As a result, many early NBA stars have low field goal percentages, such as Bob Cousy at .375, and George Mikan, Bob Pettit, and Bill Russell, whose career field goal percentages of .404, .436, and .440, respectively, are much lower than later post players.
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Effective field goal percentage
The formula for eFG% is as follows:
EFG% = (Sum of Field Goals x 0.5) + (Sum of 3-Point Field Goals) / Total Field Goal Attempts
For example, a player who shoots 4 for 10 on all two-point baskets has a standard FG% of 40% and an eFG% of 40%. However, if all those makes were three-pointers, the player's eFG% becomes 60%, reflecting the higher value of a three-pointer.
While rebounds, free throw attempts, and field goal attempts are crucial factors in winning a basketball game, eFG% is considered a critical indicator of success. It helps coaches and analysts evaluate the effectiveness of their team's shooting and identify areas for improvement or strategic adjustments.
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Highest field goal percentages in history
In basketball, field goal percentage (FG%) is a simple statistic that measures how well a player or team shoots the ball during a game. It is the ratio of field goals made to field goals attempted, commonly expressed on a scale of .000 to 1.000. A higher field goal percentage indicates greater efficiency. Typically, a FG% of .500 (50%) or above is considered favourable, although this standard does not apply uniformly across all positions. For instance, guards generally exhibit lower FG% compared to forwards and centres.
It is important to note that field goal percentage is not a definitive indicator of a player's skill. However, a low field goal percentage may suggest that a player is either offensively weak or takes on many challenging shots. Conversely, a high field goal percentage often reflects a player's ability to consistently make high-percentage shots. For example, Shaquille O'Neal, a centre in the NBA, maintained a high career FG% of approximately .580 because he played near the basket, allowing him to make numerous high-percentage layups and dunks.
Some of the highest field goal percentages in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA) include DeAndre Jordan's career record of 0.673 and New York Knicks centre Mitchell Robinson's single-season record of 0.742 during the 2019-2020 season.
Prior to the mid-1960s, field goal percentages in the NBA were notably lower, resulting in lower career percentages for early NBA stars such as Bob Cousy (.375), George Mikan (.404), Bob Pettit (.436), and Bill Russell (.440).
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Frequently asked questions
A field goal in basketball is any shot, other than a free throw, that is attempted by a player. It is the official terminology for a made shot used by the NBA, NCAA, and high school basketball. A field goal is usually worth two or three points but can vary in some competitions.
Field goal percentage is calculated by taking the number of field goals made and dividing it by the number of field goals attempted. It is usually expressed on a scale of .000 to 1.000, with a higher number indicating greater efficiency. For example, a player who makes 4 out of 10 shots has a field goal percentage of .400 or 40%.
A good field goal percentage varies depending on the player's position. Generally, a FG% of .500 (50%) or above is considered good. However, guards typically have lower FG% than forwards and centers.
