Ayrton Oneill
Basketball is a game of precision and skill, and one of the most important metrics for evaluating a player's performance is their shooting percentage. Field goal percentage (FG%) is the most commonly used metric, measuring the ratio of successful field goals to attempted field goals. However, it doesn't include free throws or account for three-pointers. To address this, true shooting percentage (TS%) is an advanced statistic that considers two- and three-point field goals and free throws, providing a more comprehensive view of a player's shooting efficiency. In the NBA, a good FG% is typically considered to be 50% or above, while a TS% of 60% and higher is impressive, with players like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant achieving career TS% of 62.6% and 61.9%, respectively.
Characteristics and Values of Basketball Shot Percentages
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Field goal percentage (FG%) | Ratio of field goals made to field goals attempted, including 2- and 3-point shots |
| True shooting percentage | Measures a player's efficiency at shooting the ball, adjusted for 3-pointers and free throws |
| Good FG% | 0.500 (50%) or above, although this varies by position |
| Good 3-point FG% | 0.400 and above |
| Good FT% | 0.900 or above |
| Highest NBA FG% record | 0.742 by New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson |
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What You'll Learn
Field goal percentage (FG%)
A higher field goal percentage denotes higher efficiency. In basketball, a FG% of .500 (50%) or above is generally considered a good percentage, although this criterion does not apply equally to all positions. Guards, for example, typically have lower FG% than forwards and centers. While a high field goal percentage can indicate a skilled offensive player, it does not always tell the full story of a player's ability. For instance, a low FG% could be due to a player taking many difficult shots or a high volume of shots.
The NBA career record for field goal percentage is held by DeAndre Jordan at 0.673. The highest field goal percentage record for a single season is held by New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, who achieved a FG% of 0.742 during the 2019-20 season. Prior to this, the record was held by Wilt Chamberlain for nearly five decades, with a season-high FG% of 0.727.
It is worth noting that field goal percentages in the NBA were substantially lower until the mid-to-late 1960s. As a result, many early NBA stars have lower field goal percentages compared to later players. For instance, Bob Cousy, George Mikan, Bob Pettit, and Bill Russell had career field goal percentages of .375, .404, .436, and .440, respectively.
In addition to standard FG%, there is also a metric called Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) which provides a more complete picture of the game situation by giving extra weight to three-point shots. eFG% is calculated by considering a made three-pointer as one and a half times as valuable as a made two-pointer. This reflects the higher degree of difficulty and resulting value of a successful three-pointer.
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True shooting percentage
The formula for calculating true shooting percentage is as follows: TS% = (Points / (Field Goals + 0.44 * Free Throws)) * 2. In this formula, field goals refer to any basket scored on a shot or tap other than a free throw, worth two or three points depending on the distance from the basket. Free throws, on the other hand, are unopposed attempts to score by shooting from behind the free-throw line.
Several players in the National Basketball Association (NBA) are known for their consistently high TS%, showcasing their exceptional ability to score points efficiently. For example, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors has a career true shooting percentage of 62.6%, while Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns is close behind at 61.9%. These high TS% values indicate their proficiency in scoring and their positive impact on their teams' performance.
In the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), players like Sylvia Fowles and Jonquel Jones have also achieved impressive career true shooting percentages of 63.6% and 61.7%, respectively. These statistics highlight the shooting efficiency and scoring abilities of top players in the WNBA.
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Free throw percentage
The free throw, or foul shot, is a fundamental part of basketball, and a player's ability to consistently score from the free-throw line is a critical skill. Free throw percentage is a measure of a player's or team's accuracy in converting these shots. It is calculated by dividing the number of successful free throws by the total number of free throw attempts. This metric is an important indicator of a player's or team's overall performance and efficiency in scoring.
Over time, free throw shooting has evolved, and players have become increasingly accurate. In the NBA, the average free throw percentage has risen steadily, with the league-wide averages hovering around 75-77% in recent years. This improvement can be attributed to various factors, including specialised coaching, advanced analytics, and the increasing athleticism and skill level of players.
Some players have achieved remarkable free throw shooting accuracy, with several notable names in the NBA consistently achieving percentages above 90% over their careers. These exceptional free throw shooters include names like Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James, who are known for their ability to consistently convert these shots under pressure during crucial moments of a game.
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3-point field goal percentage
The field goal percentage (FG%) is a measure of how well a basketball player or team shoots the ball during a game. It is calculated by dividing the number of successful shots (made) by the total number of shot attempts, including 2-point and 3-point shots. Free throw attempts are not included in the field goal percentage and are measured separately.
The three-point field goal percentage is an important metric in basketball, especially in the modern game, where the 3-pointer has become a more prominent feature of offensive strategies. The 3-point field goal percentage specifically looks at the ratio of successful 3-point shots made to the total number of 3-point shots attempted. This statistic provides insight into a player's or team's ability to shoot effectively from beyond the arc.
A player with a high 3-point field goal percentage is often considered a valuable asset to a team, as their accuracy from long range can create more scoring opportunities and stretch the defence. This can open up driving lanes and create high-percentage scoring chances for themselves and their teammates.
Over time, the 3-point shot has become an increasingly important aspect of the game, with teams recognising its value in terms of point scoring. As a result, players who can consistently make a high percentage of their 3-point shots are highly sought-after. This has led to the development of specialised "sharpshooters" or "snipers", whose primary role is to space the floor and knock down 3-pointers.
While the 3-point field goal percentage is a useful indicator of a player's shooting accuracy, it doesn't tell the whole story. Other factors, such as the difficulty of shots taken, the defensive pressure they face, and the overall impact on the game, also need to be considered when evaluating a player's shooting ability and their contribution to the team's success.
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Calculating a player's skill
There are several ways to calculate a basketball player's skill. One commonly used metric is the field goal percentage (FG%), which measures how well a player or team shoots the ball during a game. FG% is calculated by dividing the number of successful shots (including 2 and 3-pointers) by the total number of shot attempts (including 2 and 3-pointers). It does not include free throw attempts or baskets. While FG% is a useful indicator of shooting performance, it does not account for other factors such as assists, steals, or turnovers.
Another metric used to evaluate a player's skill is the game score, which estimates the performance of individual players in particular games. The game score takes into account both positive and negative factors. Positive factors include scoring field goals, free throws, assists, steals, blocks, and rebounds, while negative factors include losing possession with turnovers and committing fouls. The game score can range from 0 to 40 or higher, with a score of 10 considered average and a score of 40 or higher considered extraordinary.
True shooting percentage (TS%) is another statistic used to measure a player's efficiency at shooting the ball. It is calculated by adjusting for three-pointers and free throws. TS% is half the points scored divided by the sum of field goals attempted plus 0.475 times the free throws attempted. TS% provides a more comprehensive assessment of a player's shooting ability compared to FG% or free throw percentage alone.
In addition to these quantitative measures, it is important to consider the intangible aspects of the game that impact a player's contribution to the team. While statistics can provide valuable insights and comparisons, they do not capture the full complexity of basketball skill. For a more comprehensive evaluation, it is recommended to combine quantitative metrics with qualitative analysis that takes into account factors such as decision-making, leadership, and defensive capabilities.
Online tools and calculators are available that allow players to input their statistics and receive a performance rating along with feedback on strengths and weaknesses. These tools utilize formulas such as the Value Point Score to provide objective suggestions for improvement. However, it is important to note that these ratings are based solely on statistics and may not capture all aspects of a player's skill. A larger sample size of games is also necessary to achieve more statistically significant ratings.
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Frequently asked questions
The percentage of shots made in the NBA varies depending on the distance from the rim. NBA players make about 40% of their shots between 8 and 9 feet from the rim, and this number drops to 35% between 25 and 26 feet from the rim. The average field goal percentage has been decreasing over time, but it increased to 45.5% in the 2018/19 season.
A good field goal percentage varies depending on the level of competition. For the National Basketball Association (NBA), a good field goal percentage is around 45-50%. The NCAA average is about 69%, and for high school players, it is estimated to be between 55-60%.
There are several ways to increase your field goal percentage. First, ensure that you are shooting with the correct arc and depth. This is a common issue, especially among high school players, and correcting it can significantly improve your shooting accuracy. Additionally, take advantage of data analytics to analyze your shooting patterns and identify areas for improvement. Finally, pay attention to rule changes that may impact your shooting style and spot selection, such as those introduced to enhance the pace and flow of the game.
The percentage of field goals made in the NBA has generally decreased over time, with some fluctuations. However, there has been a significant increase in the percentage of three-point field goals made, while the percentage of mid-range shots has decreased. This can be attributed to changes in rules, offensive tactics, and the development of individual shooting skills.
