Okay, so you’re watching a basketball game, and you see players tossing the ball into the net. That’s scoring, right? But how does it all break down? What is a field goal in basketball, the presumable bread and butter of basketball scoring. I’m going to break it down in a way that’s easy to digest, even if you’re just starting to learn about the game.
A man considering the aim of shooting the ball
The Basics: Getting the Ball in the Hoop
A field goal, in its simplest form, is any shot that goes into the basket, excluding free throws. Think of it as anything you shoot from the court itself. You’ve got your close-range shots and your longer-range attempts.
- Close-Range Shots: These are your layups, dunks, hook shots, and those fancy alley-oops. These shots are generally considered high-percentage, meaning they’re more likely to go in. I mean, who wouldn’t want to dunk if they could? (Me, because I can’t jump that high).
- Perimeter-Based Shots: Now we’re talking about jump shots, fadeaways, and those thrilling three-pointers. These shots require more skill and precision, but they can really rack up the points.
How Many Points Are We Talking About?
This is where things get interesting. The number of points you get for a field goal depends on where you shoot it from.
- Two-Point Shots: Anything inside the three-point line is worth two points. These are your standard shots, and they make up a big chunk of the scoring in most games.
- Three-Point Shots: Step outside the three-point line, and you’re in three-point territory. These shots are worth, you guessed it, three points. They’re a game-changer, and they’ve revolutionized how basketball is played.
The Rise of Analytics and Shot Efficiency
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Basketball has become a game of analytics, and shot efficiency is a key concept. It’s all about maximizing points per shot.
Points Per Shot: The Key to Efficiency
Essentially, points per shot tell you how many points a player scores, on average, for each shot they take.
- To calculate it you can look at:
- Points per two-point shot.
- Points per three-point shot.
- Points per free throw.
- Points per shot by location.
Why Three-Pointers Are King (Most of the Time)
Here’s a fun fact: even if a player shoots a lower percentage from three-point range than from two-point range, they might still be better off taking three-pointers. Why? Because of the extra point.
- For example, if a player shoots 45% from two-point range (0.9 points per shot) and 33.3% from three-point range (1 point per shot), they’re actually more efficient from behind the arc.
The Mid-Range Dilemma
So, what about those mid-range jump shots? Well, analytics say they’re not the most efficient. Here’s why:
- They’re worth the same as a layup or dunk, but they’re harder to make.
- They don’t draw as many fouls.
- They’re often heavily contested.
However, open shots are always good shots. And if a player is an elite mid-range shooter, like a certain Michael Jordan, they can force defenses to guard them all over the court.
Free Throws: The Most Efficient Shot
Believe it or not, free throws are the most efficient shot in basketball. The average NBA field goal points per shot is around 0.92, while the average free throw points per shot is about 1.5.
- If a player shoots 75% from the free-throw line, they’re averaging 1.5 points per trip to the line.
Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) & True Shooting Percentage (TS%)
To better measure shot efficiency, we use two key statistics:
- eFG%: This takes into account that three-pointers are worth more than two-pointers.
- TS%: This includes free throws in the calculation, giving a more complete picture of a player’s shooting efficiency.
The Impact of Analytics on the Game
Basketball analytics have changed the game. Coaches and general managers are now using data to make smarter decisions about shot selection. The rise of “Moreyball,” a strategy that focuses on three-pointers, free throws, layups, and dunks, is a prime example.
The Modern Game: Threes and Layups
Today’s game is all about threes and layups. Teams are constantly looking for ways to generate open three-pointers and easy baskets at the rim. This has led to a decline in mid-range jump shots.
Conclusion
Field goals are the foundation of scoring in basketball. Understanding the different types of field goals, their point values, and the importance of shot efficiency can enhance your appreciation of the game. Whether you’re a player or a fan, knowing the ins and outs of field goals is essential for understanding the dynamics of basketball.
So, there you have it! I hope this breakdown of field goals in basketball has been informative and entertaining. Remember, basketball is a game of skill, strategy, and a little bit of luck. And now, you’re a little bit wiser about how it all works.
