Helena Frye
In basketball, a field goal is any shot made during normal play, excluding free throws, that successfully goes through the basket. Field goals are one of the primary methods of scoring and can be categorised into two types: two-point field goals and three-point field goals. Two-point field goals are scored when a player makes a basket from anywhere inside the three-point line, while three-point field goals are scored when a player makes a shot from beyond the three-point line. Close-range field goal shots include layups, hook shots, floaters, slam dunks, and alley-oops, while perimeter-based field goal shots include mid-range jump shots, bank shots, and fadeaway jump shots. Free throws, which are not considered field goals, are shot attempts taken from the baseline or free-throw line.
Which shots in basketball are not field goals?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Free throw shots | Any shot made during a free throw is not a field goal |
| Shot location | Shots made outside the three-point line are not field goals |
| Shot type | Jump shots, layups, and dunks are not field goals |
| Points | A field goal can count as either two or three points |
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What You'll Learn
Free throw shots
There are four types of fouls that result in free throws: personal, technical, team, and flagrant. Personal fouls involve blocking or striking a player while they are in the act of shooting. Team fouls occur when a team exceeds its allotted number of fouls per game. A flagrant foul is an aggressive action that has the potential to harm an opposing player. In the case of a flagrant foul, the fouled player receives two free throw attempts, and their team gains possession of the ball. If the foul results in an injury, the team can choose another player to take the free throws.
The process of taking a free throw is governed by specific rules. Once a free throw is awarded, an official delivers the ball to the shooter, who must stand above the free throw line within the upper half of the free throw lane. The shooter has 10 seconds to attempt the free throw, and if successful, it counts as one point. Up to four players from each team line up on either side of the lane, preparing to capture the rebound and take possession of the ball if the shooter misses. These players must remain in position until the ball is released, or the referee will award an additional shot attempt.
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Close-range field goal shots
There are several subtypes of close-range field goal shots, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages. One common subtype is the layup, which involves an offensive player taking a close-range shot within the lane area, directly over the front of the rim, or off the backboard. The basic layup, for instance, is executed when a player jumps and shoots the ball off the corner of the backboard's inner rectangle. There are also variations like the power layup, reverse layup, and the finger roll layup, where the player rolls the ball over the front of the rim with an underhanded motion.
Another subtype is the hook shot, which can be effective when there is a defender nearby. The floater is employed when a player jumps near the basket and shoots with a high arc over the front of the rim. This move is useful against taller defenders or when the backboard cannot be used. The slam dunk is a powerful close-range shot, and the alley-oop is a subtype that often involves an impressive pass leading to an easy dunk.
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Layups
There are two main types of layups: the underarm and the overarm. The underarm layup, also known as the finger roll, involves using the wrist and fingers to 'lay' the ball into the net or off the board. Wilt Chamberlain was known for his showy finger-roll layups, and the move has been used by other notable NBA players such as Mike Bibby and Allen Iverson. The overhand layup, on the other hand, is similar to a jump shot but from a much closer range. This type of layup often involves the use of the backboard. Players like Scottie Pippen and Karl Malone have mastered this technique.
The Reverse Layup is a variation of the layup where the ball is tossed backward, with the shooter facing away from the basket. This move is useful for evading blocks or when a defender is guarding one side of the rim. Michael Jordan, for example, would use the reverse layup to score against taller defenders.
To execute a layup effectively, players often use the Euro-Step technique, which involves dribbling, taking one step in one direction, and then quickly taking a step in the other direction to create space and avoid defenders. This move requires agility and footwork to manoeuvre around larger defenders.
Practising layups is essential to mastering the skill. With enough repetition, the movement will become second nature, and players will develop a sense of how fast to approach the basket and when to initiate their layup footwork and jump.
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Jump shots
The jump shot is a fundamental skill for players to master, as it is a highly effective way to score points, especially with the game's increased pace and focus on perimeter-based offenses. The jump shot is a dynamic skill, as it can be performed from various distances, with the player's accuracy and technique being the key factors in making a successful shot. The release angle and height of the ball decrease as the distance increases, and the ball release velocity increases. This means that longer shots demand greater accuracy.
To perform a successful jump shot, players are taught to focus on the acronym "BEEF", which stands for Balance, Eyes, Elbows, and Follow Through. A strong base with feet pointed towards the basket is important for balance. The player's eyes should be locked on the rim, with the elbow straight and in line with the rim to keep the ball on target. The shooting hand should be cocked onto the ball, with the arm forming an angle between 45º and 90º.
The history of the jump shot is debated, with John Miller Cooper and Ken Sailors both being credited with its invention in the 1930s. However, it was popularised by Hank Luisetti, with Paul Arizin making the running jump shot famous.
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Three-point field goals
A three-point field goal is a type of field goal shot in basketball. Field goal shots are any shots taken by an offensive player in possession of the basketball within the boundary lines of the court. They can be close-range or perimeter-based.
The three-point field goal was first tested at the collegiate level in 1945, with a 21-foot line, in a game between Columbia and Fordham, but it was not kept as a rule. The American Basketball League (ABL) became the first basketball league to officially institute the rule in 1961, with the NBA following in 1979. Initially, the three-point shot was slow to be adopted by teams in the NBA, but in modern times, it has become increasingly frequent. This increase has been attributed to two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry, who is credited with revolutionizing the game by inspiring teams to regularly employ the three-point shot as part of their winning strategy. Curry is the NBA's all-time leading scorer in three-point field goals made.
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Frequently asked questions
A field goal in basketball refers to any shot made during normal play (not a free throw) that successfully goes through the basket.
Free throws are not considered field goals.
Field goals can be scored through jump shots, layups, or dunks.
There are two main types of field goals: two-point field goals and three-point field goals.
Field goal percentage (FG%) is calculated by dividing the number of successful field goals by the total number of attempts and then multiplying by 100.
