Amanda Knapp
In basketball, a field goal is a basket scored from anywhere on the court other than a free throw. This includes shots made from within or beyond the three-point line. Field goals can be scored in a variety of ways, such as shooting, dunking, or layups, and are worth two or three points. The term field goal originated in the early days of basketball when the game was played outdoors on fields, and a goal referred to any basket or receptacle used to catch the ball and score points.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A field goal is a basket scored from anywhere on the court other than a free throw. |
| Examples | Jump shots, layups, slam dunks, and tip-ins. |
| Point System | A field goal is worth two or three points. Uncommonly, it can be worth one point in FIBA 3x3 basketball competitions or four points in the BIG3 basketball league. |
| Free Throw Attempts | On a successful field goal, players are guaranteed one free throw attempt. On a missed field goal attempt, the number of free throws corresponds to the points the player would have received for a successful basket. |
| Etymology | The term "field goal" originated when basketball was played outdoors on fields, and a "goal" referred to any basket or receptacle used to score points. The term "field" distinguished these goals from the free-throw line, which is not guarded by defenders. |
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What You'll Learn
Field goal vs free throw
In basketball, a field goal is any basket scored during normal play, whether that's with a shot or a tap. It does not include free throws, which are taken when play is stopped. Field goals are usually worth two or three points, depending on the location of the attempt, but can sometimes be worth one or four points. The National Basketball Association (NBA) uses the term "field goal" in their rule book, box scores, and statistics, as well as in referees' rulings. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and high school basketball also use this terminology.
A slam dunk is one type of field goal. This occurs when a player jumps up near the basket while in possession of the ball and throws it down through the basket while still airborne.
Some of the greatest NBA scorers have made thousands of field goals over their careers. For example, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar holds the record for the most field goals made in NBA history, with 15,837. Wilt Chamberlain holds the top four spots for most field goals made in a single season, while New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson had the highest field goal percentage for a single season (74.2% in the 2019-20 season).
A free throw, on the other hand, is an unopposed shot taken from behind a line 15 feet from the basket. They are usually worth one point. Free throws are awarded to a team when a player is fouled by an opponent. The number of free throws awarded depends on the type of foul committed and the circumstances in which it occurred.
Some players are particularly adept at drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line. For example, James Harden is the only big-time scorer who has made more free throws than field goals in his career.
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History of the term
The term "field goal" in basketball is believed to have originated in the sport's early days, when the game was played outdoors on fields, rather than the indoor courts of today. During this time, a "goal" referred to any basket or receptacle that was used to catch the ball and score points. The term "field" distinguished these goals from the other type of goal in basketball, the free-throw line, where players take uncontested shots from a fixed distance.
Over time, as basketball moved indoors and evolved, the term "field goal" persisted, referring to any shot made during live play, excluding free throws. The term is now an official part of basketball terminology, used by the NBA, NCAA, and in high school basketball. It is used in rule books, box scores, statistics, and referees' rulings.
The "field goal" is a fundamental concept in basketball, referring to any basket scored from anywhere on the court, except from the free-throw line. Field goals can be scored in a variety of ways, such as shooting, dunking, or layups, and are worth two or three points, depending on the distance from the basket. They are a key component of the game and one of the most important statistics tracked in basketball.
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How points are scored
The objective of basketball is to outscore your opponent by putting the ball through the basket, an act known as shooting. This can be done with a variety of shots, such as layups, slam dunks, jump shots, free throws, and 3-pointers. The number of points awarded depends on the type of shot and the distance from the basket.
Field goals, the official terminology used by the NBA, NCAA, and high school basketball, are any shots or taps other than free throws. They are usually worth two or three points, depending on the location of the attempt. A slam dunk, for example, is a type of field goal where a player jumps near the basket, throws the ball down through the basket while airborne, and is worth two points. Field goals can also be worth other values, such as one point in FIBA 3x3 basketball competitions or four points in the BIG3 basketball league.
The most common type of scoring in basketball is the 2-point basket. This includes jump shots, layups, and dunks, and is awarded to players who successfully shoot the ball through the hoop from anywhere inside the three-point line.
Players are awarded three points for making shots from behind the three-point line. Introduced by the NBA during the 1979-80 season, the three-point line rewards players for making shots from long distances.
Free throws are another way to score points in basketball. They are granted when a player is fouled in the act of shooting the ball or when the opposing team commits a foul. If the shot is missed, the shooter is awarded two free throws for 2-point shots and three free throws for 3-point shots. If the shot is made, the shooter is awarded one additional free throw, commonly referred to as an "and one." During free throws, the remaining players on the court must stand in designated locations.
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Slam dunks
The term "field goal" in basketball is used to refer to any basket scored during normal play, excluding free throws. It is worth two or three points, depending on the distance from the basket, and can be achieved through shooting, dunking, or lay-ups. One type of field goal is the slam dunk, a spectacular and high-percentage scoring move.
A slam dunk occurs when a player jumps near the basket with possession of the ball and forcefully throws it down through the basket while still in the air. This is a high-percentage shot as it is difficult to block and has a low chance of missing. It is a powerful move that often gets the crowd excited and can be a momentum-changer in a game. Due to the nature of the move, it is usually performed by taller players or those with exceptional jumping ability.
The slam dunk is a relatively modern innovation in basketball. While the game originated in the late 1800s, the slam dunk only became popular in the 1970s, with players like Julius Erving of the Philadelphia 76ers and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar of the Los Angeles Lakers showcasing this move. Over time, the slam dunk has become an iconic part of basketball culture, with dunk contests and in-game dunks being a major source of excitement for fans.
The strategy and rules surrounding slam dunks have evolved over time. In the early days, there were no restrictions on dunking, but the NBA introduced rules to curb its dominance, such as the "no-dunking" rule during warm-ups and pre-game routines. Despite these efforts, the slam dunk remained a popular and effective scoring move.
Today, the slam dunk is an integral part of basketball strategy and entertainment. It is a high-percentage shot that can be a momentum-shifter in games, and its popularity has led to the development of specific rules and strategies to maximize its impact. The slam dunk is a testament to the creativity and athleticism of basketball players, and it continues to be a crowd favourite, with fans eagerly anticipating the next breathtaking dunk.
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Other types of field goals
In basketball, a field goal is any shot or tap other than a free throw, typically worth two or three points depending on the location of the shot. The term "field" refers to the court, or "basketball field". While the term is most commonly associated with American football, it is also used in basketball.
There are several types of field goals in basketball, and the specific terminology of the sport can be overwhelming to new fans. Here are some of the most common types of field goals:
- Layups and dunks: These are considered high-percentage field goals as they have the highest probability of being scored.
- Jump shots: Many people assume that a field goal is the same as a jump shot, but the former is a broader term that includes several types of shots.
- Two-pointers and three-pointers: Field goals can be worth two or three points, depending on the location of the shot attempt.
- Slam dunks: This type of field goal occurs when a player jumps near the basket with possession of the ball and throws it down through the basket while airborne.
- Free throws: While free throws are not considered field goals, they are an important part of the game and can influence a player's scoring strategy.
It is worth noting that in rare cases, field goals can be worth other values, such as one point in FIBA 3x3 basketball competitions or four points in the BIG3 basketball league.
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Frequently asked questions
A field goal is a basket scored from anywhere on the court other than a free throw. This includes shots made from within or beyond the three-point line. Field goals can be scored in a variety of ways, such as shooting, dunking, or layups.
A field goal is typically worth two or three points, depending on the location of the attempt. However, in certain competitions, such as FIBA 3x3 basketball, it can be worth one point, and in the BIG3 basketball league, it can be worth four points.
A free throw is a shot taken during a break in play, whereas a field goal is scored during normal play. A free throw is typically worth one point.
A slam dunk is a type of field goal where a player jumps near the basket with the ball and throws it down into the basket while still in the air.
The term "field goal" originated in the early days of basketball when the game was played outdoors on fields. A "goal" referred to any basket or receptacle used to catch the ball and score points, and the term "field" distinguished these goals from the free-throw line, which is not considered a "field goal".
