You’re watching a basketball game, and players keep tossing the ball into the net. That’s scoring, right? But how does it all work? What is a field goal in basketball—the foundation of every team’s offense? Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand, whether you’re a new fan or a casual viewer.
What Counts as a Field Goal in Basketball?
A field goal is any shot made during live play, excluding free throws. It’s the primary way teams score, and it comes in two main forms:
- Close-Range Shots:
Powerful dunks are high-percentage field goals near the basket
Layups, dunks, and hook shots near the basket. These high-percentage attempts are easier to make.
- Perimeter-Based Shots: Jump shots and three-pointers from beyond the arc. These require more skill but offer higher rewards.
How Many Points Is a Field Goal Worth in Basketball?
Not all field goals are equal. The points depend on shot location:
- Two-point field goal: Any shot inside the three-point line. These account for most scoring in traditional basketball.
- Three-point field goal: Shots made beyond the arc, worth an extra point. They’ve revolutionized modern strategies.
Field Goal Efficiency: Why Points Per Shot Matter
Basketball analytics emphasize shot efficiency—maximizing points per attempt. Here’s how it works:
- A player shooting 45% on two-point shots averages 0.9 points per attempt.
- The same player shooting 33% on three-point shots averages 1.0 point per attempt—making threes more efficient despite the lower percentage.
Analyzing Field Goal Efficiency: A Deeper Look at Points Per Shot in Sports
The Decline of the Mid-Range Field Goal
While mid-range jumpers are stylish, analytics reveal they’re often the least efficient:
- They’re worth the same as layups (2 points) but harder to make.
- Defenses contest them more, lowering their field goal percentage.
Free Throws vs. Field Goals: The Hidden Efficiency King
Surprisingly, free throws yield the highest points per shot (1.5 on average for a 75% shooter). That’s why drawing fouls is a key strategy.
Advanced Field Goal Metrics: eFG% and TS%
To measure true impact, coaches use:
- Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%): Adjusts for three-pointers being worth more.
- True Shooting Percentage (TS%): Includes free throws, giving a full picture of shot efficiency.
The Modern Game: How Field Goals Shape Basketball Today
Today’s NBA prioritizes high-value shots:
- Three-pointers stretch defenses.
- Dunks and layups exploit close-range field goal opportunities.
- Mid-range shots? They’re fading fast—unless you’re Michael Jordan.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know what is a field goal in basketball—and how two-point vs. three-point field goals shape the game—you can watch with a deeper appreciation. Whether it’s a dunk, a deep three, or a clutch free throw, every shot tells a story of skill, math, and a little luck.
Now you’re not just watching; you’re analyzing the game like a pro.
