Helena Frye
The term field goal refers to a method of scoring in basketball and football. In football, a field goal is achieved when a team kicks the ball between the uprights without having scored a touchdown immediately beforehand. In basketball, the term field goal is more general and refers to most shot attempts during normal play, including 2-pointers and 3-pointers. The only type of scoring in basketball that does not count as a field goal is the free throw, which is awarded to a team that has been fouled and does not occur during normal play. While the term field goal is commonly associated with football, it is also a scoring term in basketball.
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What You'll Learn
Field goal in basketball vs football
In basketball, a field goal is any basket scored on a shot or tap that is not a free throw. Field goals are typically worth two or three points, depending on the location of the shot, but can also be worth one or four points in certain competitions. The term "field goal" is used officially by the NBA, NCAA, and in high school basketball.
One type of field goal is a slam dunk, where a player jumps near the basket, throwing the ball down through the basket while airborne. Some of the greatest field-goal shooters of all time include Michael Jordan, who led the NBA in field goals ten times, and Wilt Chamberlain, who has the top four spots for most field goals made in a season. Other notable players include Shaquille O'Neal, DeAndre Jordan, and Steve Nash. Kobe Bryant has the most missed field goals in NBA history, with 14,481.
In football, a field goal typically refers to a scoring play where a placekicker drills the ball through the uprights to score three points. While the term "field goal" may be more commonly associated with football, it is also a significant term in basketball, with some nuances in definition and application.
The use of the term "field goal" in both sports may be due to the predating of American football to basketball by roughly three decades. However, the exact reason for the shared terminology is unclear. Despite the shared terminology, the concepts of field goals in basketball and football are distinct from each other.
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Betting on the first field goal
With the legalization of sports betting across North America, prop betting—including NBA prop betting—is becoming increasingly popular. One type of prop bet that is gaining traction is betting on the first field goal in basketball. This wager is similar to betting on the 100m sprint, ending as soon as the game's first field goal is scored.
When betting on the first field goal, bettors must select the player who they think will make the first field goal of the game. Sportsbooks typically provide odds on a total of ten players (five from each team), with odds ranging from +300 to +2000, depending on the player's ability to score points. It's important to note that foul shots and free throws do not count toward this bet.
To devise a strategy for this wager, bettors often research the opening tip, including the players involved in the opening jump ball and their success rate in winning it. Statistics show that the team that wins the opening tip will score the first field goal about 65% of the time. Therefore, predicting the winner of the opening jump ball can give bettors an advantage in forecasting who will score the first field goal.
Some sportsbooks offer variations of this bet, allowing bettors to select not only the player but also the method of the first basket, such as a two-point field goal, a three-pointer, or a free throw. Odds and payouts for this bet can vary based on factors like the player's scoring ability, the opposing team's defense, and the player's popularity among bettors. Star players often have lower odds due to their higher likelihood of scoring first.
When placing a bet on the first field goal, it's crucial to understand the rules and regulations of the specific sportsbook, as these may differ between platforms. Factors such as odds, bet limits, and promotional terms can significantly impact potential returns, so bettors should be well-informed before placing their wagers.
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Free throws don't count as field goals
In basketball, a field goal is defined as a basket scored on any shot or free throw other than a free throw, worth two or three points depending on the distance of the attempt from the basket. Free throws, on the other hand, are unopposed shots taken from behind the free-throw line, worth one point each.
While free throws do not count as field goals, there is some debate as to whether a missed shot due to a foul should count as a missed field goal attempt (FGA). Some argue that the illegal interruption of a field goal attempt by a foul means it should not count as a FGA, as it does not reflect the shooter's skill. Instead, they suggest that a foul should have its own separate statistic, with free throws counted separately.
However, others argue that if a player makes a shot despite being fouled, it should count as both a field goal made (FGM) and a FGA. This view considers the impact of the foul on the shooter's ability to make the shot, acknowledging that being fouled while attempting a shot can significantly affect the outcome.
Research has been conducted to explore the relationship between a player's in-game field goal percentage and their free-throw percentage. While some studies suggest a slight positive relationship between the two variables, others indicate that they are independent skills. For example, a player can excel at free throws even if they are not shooting well from the field, and vice versa.
In summary, while free throws do not count as field goals in basketball, the impact of fouls on field goal attempts and the relationship between field goal percentage and free-throw percentage remain subjects of discussion and analysis in the sport.
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Field goal percentage
The scale commonly used for FG% is .000 to 1.000, and a higher percentage indicates higher efficiency. In basketball, a FG% of .500 (50%) or above is generally considered a good percentage, although this may vary depending on the player's position. For example, guards typically have lower FG% than forwards and centers.
Three-point field goal percentage (3FG%) is often calculated separately, but three-point field goals are included in the overall FG%. A 3FG% of .400 and above is considered a very good percentage.
While FG% can provide insights into a player's ability and efficiency, it does not tell the whole story of a player's skill. For instance, a low FG% could indicate a poor offensive player or someone who takes many difficult shots. Additionally, FG% does not distinguish between two- and three-point shots, which is addressed by an alternate metric called "Effective Field Goal Percentage" (eFG%). Another limitation of FG% is that it does not consider free throws, which can be important for a player's overall contribution to the team's success. To address this, another metric called "True Shooting Percentage" (TS%) is used, which takes into account both field goals and free throws.
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Players with the most made field goals
A field goal in basketball is scored when a player successfully shoots the ball through the basket during regular play. This includes jump shots, lay-ups, and slam dunks. The number of field goals made by a player is an important statistic in evaluating their performance and contribution to the team.
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Abdul-Jabbar is the NBA's all-time leader in field goals made, with an incredible 15,837 career field goals. He played 20 seasons in the NBA, primarily with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers, and had an unparalleled ability to score, especially with his signature skyhook shot.
- Karl Malone: Malone, also known as the "Mailman," delivered consistently with 13,528 field goals over his illustrious career. Known for his relentless work ethic and post-up game, Malone played for the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers, forming a formidable duo with guard John Stockton.
- Wilt Chamberlain: Chamberlain, one of the most dominant centers in NBA history, ranks third with 12,681 field goals. He holds numerous records and achieved extraordinary feats, including scoring 100 points in a single game.
- LeBron James: King James, as he is often referred to, is still adding to his impressive tally. As of the 2024-25 season, James had accumulated 12,466 field goals and counting. Known for his all-around brilliance, James excels in scoring, passing, and leadership, impacting the game in numerous ways.
- Dirk Nowitzki: Nowitzki revolutionized the game with his versatile skill set, becoming one of the most prolific scorers of all time. He made 11,770 field goals during his career, which was spent entirely with the Dallas Mavericks.
- Shaquille O'Neal: The dominant force known as "Shaq" makes the list with 11,330 field goals. O'Neal's physical presence and power were unmatched, and he won four NBA championships throughout his career.
- Elvin Hayes: Hayes was a consistent scorer throughout his 16-year career, amassing 10,976 field goals. He played for multiple teams but is mostly remembered for his time with the San Diego Rockets and Baltimore Bullets.
- Hakeem Olajuwon: Olajuwon, known for his graceful post moves and defensive prowess, scored 10,749 field goals over his career. He led the Houston Rockets to back-to-back championships in the early 1990s.
- Oscar Robertson: Robertson, often referred to as the "Big O," was a pioneer of the point guard position, accumulating 9,508 field goals. He was a master of the triple-double, achieving the feat an incredible 181 times during his career.
- Dominique Wilkins: Rounding out the list is Wilkins, also known as the "Human Highlight Film," thrilling fans with his high-flying dunks and scoring 9,476 field goals during his career. He played for multiple teams but is mostly associated with the Atlanta Hawks.
These players have left an indelible mark on the game of basketball, showcasing exceptional skill, longevity, and a knack for putting the ball in the basket. Their field goal totals are a testament to their impact on the court and their place in the annals of NBA history.
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Frequently asked questions
A field goal is a term used for any made basket during normal play. It can be a 2-pointer or a 3-pointer.
A free throw is an undefended shot awarded to a team that has been fouled. It is not counted as a field goal as it is taken when play is stopped.
Yes, you can wager on which player will score the first field goal. However, wagers are refunded if the chosen player does not take part in the match or comes on after the first field goal has been scored.
FGM stands for Field Goals Made, FGA for Field Goals Attempted, and FG% for Field Goal Percentage, which is the percentage of field goals made out of all field goals attempted.
