A 3 pointer is a three-point field goal also known as a three or trey is a field goal that is performed beyond the three-point line or a designated arc surrounding the basket. The three-pointer rule has gone through several stages of evolution to make the game more excited. The first three-pointer was performed between Columbia and Fordham in 1945. The 3-pointer was then tested with a 21-foot line but at that time and at that time it was not carried out as a rule.
The American Basketball League (ABL) was the first league to implement a 3-pointer as a rule in 1961. The NBA adopted the three-point line for the first time as a trial in June 1979 and on October 12, 1979, Chris Ford became the first player for performing a three-pointer shot later on the three-pointer became popular due to its effectiveness in the game. Stephen Curry revolutionized the three-point field goal and inspired teams to implement this rule as part of their winning strategy.
Don’t get confused and mixed up the different rules such as field goal or a three-point play that are totally different from the 3 pointer. A field goal worth 2 or 3 points depends on the distance of the attempt from the basket while three-point play is achieved by scoring a two-point field goal. Field goals are the most common way to earn points in basketball.
The 3-pointer is immensely popular among basketball lovers because the players can successfully make shots from a long distance and can win the game by scoring more points. You can earn three points for your team if you make the shot anywhere outside the three-point line.
In this article, you can explore the type of three-pointer, the rules of three-point field goal, and many more things about the three-pointer that will ultimately enhance your knowledge.
Type of Field Goals
First, you have to understand the field goal and then you can easily learn everything about the three-pointer shot. Field goals are one of the main sources to score points in basketball. There are two types of variations in the field goals. One is a two-pointer and the second is a three-pointer. Let’s have a look at the below details to explore field goals.
Two Pointer:
A 2-point shot worth two points is made from inside the three-point arc. You can make this shot from paint, midrange, and at the rim. The different type of two-pointer shots includes Layup, Dunk, Jump shot, Hook shot, and Bank shot. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the undisputed legend in 2 pointer shots.
Three Pointer:
Three pointer field goal can give you a big reward of three points. It is compulsory to make this shot from outside the three-point line. Three-point shots are considered one of the most productive shots in basketball and a three-pointer creates more impact in the game. If a jump shooter is fouled during the act of shooting a three-pointer then the shooter will be awarded one free throw attempt. If you are a great shooter like Stephen Curry and Kyle Korver then you can easily gain some good points for your team.
Rules of Three-Point Field Goal
If you want to earn big reward for your team then you have to follow the rules of the three-pointer shot. Let’s discuss these rules so you can able to understand the game.
- The shot must be made from beyond the three-point line
- Shooter must place their one foot outside the three-point field goal line prior to making the short
- Shooters are not allowed to touch the floor on or inside the three-point field goal line
- Once the ball is released by the shooter he can jump from outside and land inside the line
- You have to leave the ball within the shot clock
- It is considered a violation to a three-point field goal on the wrong basket
- The field goal is only considered legal when a ball enters the basket from above and remains in or passes through the net
- If the player places their feet on or in front of the line then the attempt will be considered a two-point
- An official will instruct you to attempt a three-pointer by raising his/her arm with three fingers extended
- In a successful attempt of a three-point shot the official will raise his/her other arm with all fully extended fingers to indicate the three-point goal
- If the shooter is fouled while making a three-pointer and missed the shot then three free throw shots are awarded to the shooter
- If a player concluded a three-pointer while being fouled, then one free throw for a possible 4-point play is awarded to the player
- In case of three-pointer completion while being fouled and that foul is marked as Flagrant 1 or a Flagrant 2 foul, then two free throws for a possible 5-point play will be awarded to the player
Three Point Line
The three-point line is a key component of a three-pointer shot because if you want to make a valid shot then you have to perform a three-pointer behind the three-point line. The shooters cannot touch the floor on or inside the three-point field goal line otherwise it will consider a violation. The distance of the three-point line from the basket varies in different leagues and competitions.
| Competition Level | Distance From the Center of the Basket or Arc Radius | Distance From the Sidelines |
|---|---|---|
| National Basketball Association (NBA) | 23 feet 9 inches | 3 feet |
| International Basketball Federation (FIBA) | 22 ft 1.75 in | 2 ft 11 in |
| Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) | 22 ft 1.75 in | 3 feet |
| National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) | 22 ft 1.75 in | 3 feet 4 inches |
| National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) | 22 ft 1.75 in | 3 feet 4 inches |
As you can see in the above table the distance from the center of the basket and distance from the sideline are not similar in different leagues.
Conclusion:
The three-point field goal gives you a major breakthrough in defeating the opponent because this 3 point goal gives you a chance to increase the score of your team. I have explained the types of field goals, the rule of three-point field goals, and three-point line distance that will help you to learn more about the three-point importance in the game. I hope you have learned something new today in this article.
Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
How far is a 3-pointer in basketball?
The 3-point line distance is different at all competitive levels. In NBA the arc radius is 23 feet 9 inches and in FIBA, WNBA, NCAA, and NAIA the arc radius is the same 22 ft 1.75 in. The sidelines difference in NBA, WNBA is 3 feet, FIBA shows the distance of 2 ft 11 in, NCAA and NAIA contain the same distance of 3 feet 4 inches.
Which players has the highest three pointer in basketball?
There are many players who achieved a great milestone in making three-point field goals but if we talk about the legend of three-point field goals then the award goes to Stephen Curry for making 3,117 three-point field goals.
Is a 3-point shot a field goal in basketball?
The field goal is the main source of making points in the game however there are two variations in the field goal. One is 3 point a three-point field goal or 3 pointer and the second is 2 pointer. The three-point field goal is worth 3 points whiles the 2 pointer is worth 2 points.