Three-point field goal

{{short description|Basketball field goal made from beyond the designated three-point line (arc)}}

{{about|the scoring method in basketball|the three-point field goal in American and Canadian football|Field goal}}

File:Joel Embiid and Steph Curry (51916472728).jpg shoots a three-point shot over Stephen Curry during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game.]]

A three-point field goal (also 3-pointer, three, or triple) is a field goal in a basketball game made from beyond the three-point line, a designated arc surrounding the basket. A successful attempt is worth three points, in contrast to the two points awarded for field goals made within the three-point line and the one point for each made free throw.

The distance from the basket to the three-point line varies by competition level: in the National Basketball Association (NBA) the arc is {{convert|23|ft|9|in|m|2}} from the center of the basket; in the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) (all divisions), and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), the arc is {{convert|6.75|m|ftin|2|abbr=on}} from the center of the basket; and in the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) the arc is {{convert|19|ft|9|in|m|2|abbr=on}} from the center of the basket. Every three-point line becomes parallel to each sideline at the points where each arc is a specified distance from the sideline. In both the NBA and WNBA, this distance is {{convert|3|ft|m}} from the sideline; as a result, the distance from the center of the basket gradually decreases to a minimum of {{convert|22|ft|m}}. FIBA specifies the arc's minimum distance from the sideline as {{convert|0.9|m|ftin|sp=us}}, resulting in a minimum distance from the center of the basket of {{convert|6.6|m|ftin|sp=us}}. The NCAA and NAIA arc is the same distance from the center of the basket as the FIBA arc, but is {{convert|3|ft|4|in|m}} from each sideline because the North American court is slightly wider than the FIBA court.

In 3x3, a FIBA-sanctioned variant of the half-court 3-on-3 game, the same line exists, but shots from behind it are only worth 2 points with all other shots worth 1 point.{{cite web |url=http://www.fiba.basketball/documents/2016/01/29/3x3%20Rules%20of%20the%20game%202016%20text.pdf |title=Article 5: Scoring |work=3x3 Official Rules of the Game |publisher=FIBA |date=January 2016 |access-date=September 3, 2017 |archive-date=September 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903122636/http://www.fiba.basketball/documents/2016/01/29/3x3%20Rules%20of%20the%20game%202016%20text.pdf |url-status=live }}

History

The three-point line 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. There was another one-game experiment in 1958, this time with a 23-foot line, in a game between St. Francis (NY){{efn|Later known athletically as St. Francis Brooklyn, before the school shut down its athletic program in 2023.}} and Siena. In 1961, Boston University and Dartmouth played one game with an experimental rule that counted all field goals as three points.Monagan, Charles, "Three-For-All," Dartmouth Alumni Magazine, Nov-Dec. 2018. Retrieved November 4, 2018. In 1962, the St. Francis (New York) head coach, Daniel Lynch, once again made the suggestion of a three-point line to the New York Basketball Writers Association.{{cite news|title=Three-Point Field Goals Urged By Lynch, Coach at St. Francis|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1962/01/09/91663310.html?pageNumber=27|work=The New York Times|access-date=23 December 2019|archive-date=February 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225074846/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1962/01/09/91663310.html?pageNumber=27|url-status=live}}

At the direction of Abe Saperstein, the American Basketball League (ABL) became the first basketball league to institute the rule in 1961.{{cite book|author1=Frazier, Walt|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KcIF8rb7g9MC&q=american+basketball+league+1961+25+feet&pg=PA23|title=The Complete Idiot's Guide to Basketball|author2=Sachare, Alex|date=1998|publisher=Penguin Group|location=New York City|isbn=9780786549894|access-date=October 15, 2020|archive-date=July 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731074257/https://books.google.com/books?id=KcIF8rb7g9MC&q=american+basketball+league+1961+25+feet&pg=PA23|url-status=live}} As commissioner of the new league, Saperstein wanted to add excitement to the game and distinguish the league from the bigger NBA. He hoped the three-pointer would become basketball's equivalent of the home run. “We must have a weapon,” Saperstein said, “and this is ours.”{{Cite news |last=Cohen |first=Ben |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/3-point-line-nba-abe-saperstein-steinbrenner-harlem-globetrotters-11581535595 |url-access=subscription |title=How George Steinbrenner and the Harlem Globetrotters Changed the NBA Forever |date=Feb 13, 2020 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=February 26, 2020 |archive-date=February 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225001146/https://www.wsj.com/articles/3-point-line-nba-abe-saperstein-steinbrenner-harlem-globetrotters-11581535595 |url-status=live }}

To determine the distance the new shot line should be from the basket, Saperstein and longtime DePaul University coach Ray Meyer went onto a court one day with tape and selected 25 feet as the right length. “They just arbitrarily drew lines,” his son Jerry Saperstein said. “There’s really no scientific basis. Just two Hall of Fame coaches getting together and saying: ‘Where would we like to see the line?’” Not long after, in June 1961, Saperstein was traveling when the other seven ABL owners voted 4-3 to officially shorten the line, to 22 feet. Saperstein, who had significant power in the league as owner of the popular Globetrotters, disagreed with this and simply ignored the ruling. Games continued with the {{convert|25|ft|m|2|sp=us}} shot. Saperstein eventually acknowledged there was one problem with the 25-foot arc and solved it by adding a 22-foot line in the corners. “It made for interesting possibilities,” he wrote.

After the ABL shut down in 1963, the three-point shot was adopted by the Eastern Professional Basketball League in its 1963–64 season. It was also popularized by the American Basketball Association (ABA), which introduced it in its inaugural 1967–68 {{nowrap|season.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=gthVAAAAIBAJ&pg=7132%2C2256655 |work=Eugene Register-Guard |location=(Oregon) |agency=Associated Press |title=ABA playoff plans set |date=July 12, 1967 |page=4D |access-date=October 15, 2020 |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308130326/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=gthVAAAAIBAJ&pg=7132,2256655 |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/vault/1967/11/27/609758/shooting-for-three |magazine=Sports Illustrated |last=Deford |first=Frank |author-link=Frank Deford |title=Shooting for three |date=November 27, 1967 |page=22 |access-date=August 13, 2018 |archive-date=August 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813210319/https://www.si.com/vault/1967/11/27/609758/shooting-for-three |url-status=live }}}} ABA commissioner George Mikan stated that the three-pointer "would give the smaller player a chance to score and open up the defense to make the game more enjoyable for the fans".{{cite news|title=4-Point Play Gets Approval By ABA|agency=Associated Press|date= July 11, 1967|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=d5IzAAAAIBAJ&pg=2148,1797595&dq|access-date=June 17, 2013}} During the 1970s, the ABA used the three-point shot, along with the slam dunk, as a marketing tool to compete with the NBA. Its ninth and final season concluded in the spring {{nowrap|of

1976.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=C6xVAAAAIBAJ&pg=6205%2C4390045 |work=Eugene Register-Guard |location=(Oregon) |agency=Associated Press |title=Four ABA clubs gain NBA okay |date=June 18, 1976 |page=1C |access-date=October 15, 2020 |archive-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011153920/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=C6xVAAAAIBAJ&pg=6205%2C4390045 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=DKxVAAAAIBAJ&pg=6687%2C4798397 |work=Eugene Register-Guard |location=(Oregon) |agency=Associated Press |title=Burial of the ABA a fact; next step a dispersal draft |date=June 19, 1976 |page=1C |access-date=October 15, 2020 |archive-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011173941/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=DKxVAAAAIBAJ&pg=6687%2C4798397 |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/vault/1976/06/28/618606/one-last-hurrah-in-hyannis |magazine=Sports Illustrated |last=Deford |first=Frank |author-link=Frank Deford |title=One last hurrah in Hyannis |date=June 28, 1976 |page=64 |access-date=August 14, 2018 |archive-date=August 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814040209/https://www.si.com/vault/1976/06/28/618606/one-last-hurrah-in-hyannis |url-status=live }}}}

Image:Houston Rockets at Boston Celtics 1979-10-12 (Official Scorer's Report) (Chris Ford crop).jpg

Three years later in June 1979, the NBA adopted the three-point line (initially on a one-year trial) for the {{nowrap|1979–80}} {{nowrap|season,{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ed4hAAAAIBAJ&pg=4080%2C890763 |work=Reading Eagle |location=(Pennsylvania) |agency=Associated Press |title=NBA votes 3-pointer in, 3rd ref out |date=June 22, 1979 |page=24 |access-date=October 15, 2020 |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308130316/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ed4hAAAAIBAJ&pg=4080,890763 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=B9szAAAAIBAJ&pg=6627%2C6853286 |work=Eugene Register-Guard |location=(Oregon) |agency=Associated Press |title=NBA approves 3-point goal, goes back to two referees |date=June 22, 1979 |page=5D |access-date=October 15, 2020 |archive-date=December 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211025630/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=B9szAAAAIBAJ&pg=6627%2C6853286 |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/vault/1980/01/07/824274/now-its-bombs-away-in-the-nba-traditionalists-may-blanch-but-pro-basketball-is-going-downtown-with-the-three-point-shot-the-celtics-especially-have-fired-shots-heard-round-the-nba-world-but-most-teams-have-yet-to-exploit-the-thr |magazine=Sports Illustrated |last=Newman |first=Bruce |title=Now it's bombs away in the NBA |date=January 7, 1980 |page=22 |access-date=August 13, 2018 |archive-date=August 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813210437/https://www.si.com/vault/1980/01/07/824274/now-its-bombs-away-in-the-nba-traditionalists-may-blanch-but-pro-basketball-is-going-downtown-with-the-three-point-shot-the-celtics-especially-have-fired-shots-heard-round-the-nba-world-but-most-teams-have-yet-to-exploit-the-thr |url-status=live }}}} despite the view of many that it was a gimmick.{{cite web|url=http://www.ihoops.com/classroom/history-of-basketball/The-History-of-the-3-Pointer.htm|title=The History of the 3-Pointer - iHoops|date=December 16, 2010|access-date=November 15, 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216065651/http://www.ihoops.com/classroom/history-of-basketball/The-History-of-the-3-Pointer.htm|archive-date=December 16, 2010}} Chris Ford of the Boston Celtics is credited with making the first three-point shot in NBA history on October 12, 1979. The season opener at Boston Garden was more remarkable for the debut of Larry Bird (and two new {{nowrap|head coaches).{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=D7dSAAAAIBAJ&pg=5295%2C4712180 |work=Deseret News |location=(Salt Lake City, Utah) |agency=UPI |title=Bird only 'so-so,' but Celts win over Houston |date=October 13, 1979 |page=4A |access-date=October 15, 2020 |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308130328/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=D7dSAAAAIBAJ&pg=5295,4712180 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zABWAAAAIBAJ&pg=4610%2C6023421 |work=Eugene Register-Guard |location=(Oregon) |title=Celtics, 114-106 |date=October 13, 1979 |page=5C |access-date=October 15, 2020 |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308130330/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zABWAAAAIBAJ&pg=4610,6023421 |url-status=live }}}} Rick Barry of the Houston Rockets, in his final season, also made one in the same game, and Kevin Grevey of the Washington Bullets made one that Friday night {{nowrap|as well.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=D7dSAAAAIBAJ&pg=6817%2C4716518 |work=Deseret News |location=Salt Lake City |title=NBA standings (and boxscores) |date=October 13, 1979 |page=5A |access-date=October 15, 2020 |archive-date=August 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816065938/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=D7dSAAAAIBAJ&pg=6817%2C4716518 |url-status=live }}}} Barry would later set the original 3-point record at 8 in a single game on February 9, 1980 against the Utah Jazz.{{cite web | url=https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/rick-barry-career-high-in-three-pointers-made | title=Rick Barry Career High in Three Pointers Made | access-date=May 20, 2023 | archive-date=May 20, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520003122/https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/rick-barry-career-high-in-three-pointers-made | url-status=live }} The three-point field goal was slow to be adopted by teams in the NBA. In the 1980 NBA Finals, Julius Erving made the only three of the series (and first in Finals history) in Game 3, and in Game 4, neither team attempted a single shot beyond the arc.{{cite web | url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1980-nba-finals-76ers-vs-lakers.html | title=1980 NBA Finals - 76ers vs. Lakers | access-date=May 20, 2023 | archive-date=February 13, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213080504/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1980-nba-finals-76ers-vs-lakers.html | url-status=live }}

In its early years, the three-point shot was considered to be nothing more than a gimmick or desperation tactic, but in the late 1980s the three-pointer began to emerge as an important offensive weapon. Danny Ainge was the first player to make over 100 three-pointers in a season in 1988, draining 148 that season.{{cite web | url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/fg3_yearly.html | title=NBA & ABA Year-by-Year Leaders and Records for 3-Pt Field Goals | access-date=May 20, 2023 | archive-date=May 20, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520003124/https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/fg3_yearly.html | url-status=live }} In the following years, players like Ainge, Dale Ellis, Michael Adams, Vernon Maxwell and Reggie Miller gained a reputation as three-point specialists. In 1994, Dale Ellis became the first NBA player to reach 1,000 career three-pointers. In 1997, Reggie Miller surpassed Ellis as the NBA's all-time leader in three-pointers, eventually retiring with a record 2,560 three-pointers made. Miller remained the all-time leader in three-pointers made until 2011.{{cite web | url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/fg3_progress.html | title=NBA & ABA Progressive Leaders and Records for 3-Pt Field Goals | access-date=August 18, 2024}}

The sport's international governing body, FIBA, introduced the three-point line in 1984, {{nowrap|at {{convert|6.25|m|ftin|abbr=on}},}} and it made its Olympic debut in 1988 in Seoul, South Korea.

The NCAA's Southern Conference became the first collegiate conference to use the three-point rule, adopting a {{convert|22|ft|m|2|adj=on}} line for the 1980–81 season.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3W4sAAAAIBAJ&pg=4978%2C1862132 |newspaper=Spartanburg Herald |location=South Carolina |last=Sanders |first=Steve |title=22 will get you 3 |date=February 9, 1981 |page=B1 |access-date=October 15, 2020 |archive-date=December 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222181836/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3W4sAAAAIBAJ&pg=4978%2C1862132 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.soconsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=177772 |publisher=Southern Conference |title=Basketball |access-date=July 30, 2015 |archive-date=July 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729212807/http://www.soconsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=177772 |url-status=live }} Ronnie Carr of Western Carolina was the first to score a three-point field goal in college basketball history on November 29, 1980.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZawfAAAAIBAJ&pg=4894%2C5149552 |newspaper=Gadsden Times |location=Alabama |agency=Associated Press |title=Carr's shot makes cage Hall of Fame |date=May 31, 1981 |page=36 |access-date=October 15, 2020 |archive-date=October 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010060217/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZawfAAAAIBAJ&pg=4894%2C5149552 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wl1WAAAAIBAJ&pg=1626%2C729330 |newspaper=Eugene Register-Guard |location=(Oregon) |agency=Associated Press |title=Three-pointer turns 25 |date=December 3, 2005 |page=B3 |access-date=October 15, 2020 |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308130346/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wl1WAAAAIBAJ&pg=1626,729330 |url-status=live }} Over the following five years, NCAA conferences differed in their use of the rule and distance required for a three-pointer. The line was as close as {{convert|17|ft|9|in|m|2|abbr=on}} in the Atlantic Coast Conference,{{Cite news|date=April 1, 1983|title=NCAA Unlikely to Order Clock and 3-Point Shot|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1983/04/01/ncaa-unlikely-to-order-clock-and-3-point-shot/1123af9f-3c9c-4cc3-a211-b90990ebdf88/|access-date=May 16, 2020|archive-date=August 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828080328/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1983/04/01/ncaa-unlikely-to-order-clock-and-3-point-shot/1123af9f-3c9c-4cc3-a211-b90990ebdf88/|url-status=live}} and as far away as {{convert|22|ft|2|abbr=on}} in the {{nowrap|Big Sky.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/vault/1982/11/29/638068/it-will-be-one-testy-season |magazine=Sports Illustrated |last=McCallum |first=Jack |title=It will be one testy season |date=November 29, 1982 |page=42 |access-date=August 13, 2018 |archive-date=August 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813210536/https://www.si.com/vault/1982/11/29/638068/it-will-be-one-testy-season |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1KpfAAAAIBAJ&pg=6080%2C3141228 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |agency=wire services |title=Monson not so high on the 3-point shot |date=November 11, 1982 |page=6B |access-date=October 15, 2020 |archive-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011163452/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1KpfAAAAIBAJ&pg=6080%2C3141228 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0AQwAAAAIBAJ&pg=6837%2C5185477 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |agency=Associated Press |last=Kenyon |first=Quane |title=Big Sky has new 22-foot look ready for conference contests |date=November 26, 1982 |page=E3 |access-date=October 15, 2020 |archive-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011162925/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0AQwAAAAIBAJ&pg=6837%2C5185477 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.uamont.edu/Organizations/TheVoice/4_20/comm2.htm|title=Debate over 3-pointer Continues|date=July 26, 2010|access-date=November 15, 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121205002648/http://www.uamont.edu/Organizations/TheVoice/4_20/comm2.htm|archive-date=December 5, 2012}}}}

Used only in conference play for several years, it was adopted by the NCAA in April 1986 for the 1986–87 season at {{nowrap|{{convert|19|ft|9|in|m|2|abbr=on}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KoNIAAAAIBAJ&pg=5884%2C811375 |work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |agency=Associated Press |title=NCAA approves 3-point goal |date=April 3, 1986 |page=27 |access-date=October 15, 2020 |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308130359/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KoNIAAAAIBAJ&pg=5884,811375 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=MYsxAAAAIBAJ&pg=4429%2C1694166 |work=Reading Eagle |location=(Pennsylvania) |title=3-point goal draws mixed reviews |date=April 3, 1986 |page=42 |access-date=October 15, 2020 |archive-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011180025/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=MYsxAAAAIBAJ&pg=4429%2C1694166 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=tvBVAAAAIBAJ&pg=2620%2C425221 |work=Eugene Register Guard |location=(Oregon) |title=Three-point basket adopted |date=April 3, 1986 |page=1B |access-date=October 15, 2020 |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308130414/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=tvBVAAAAIBAJ&pg=2620,425221 |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/vault/1987/01/05/114613/the-three-point-uproar-nineteen-nine-is-out-of-line-say-most-coaches-of-the-new-rule |magazine=Sports Illustrated |last=McCallum |first=Jack |title=The three-point uproar |date=January 5, 1987 |page=40 |access-date=August 13, 2018 |archive-date=August 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813210512/https://www.si.com/vault/1987/01/05/114613/the-three-point-uproar-nineteen-nine-is-out-of-line-say-most-coaches-of-the-new-rule |url-status=live }}}} and was first used in the NCAA tournament in March 1987.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=cjkLAAAAIBAJ&pg=6682%2C259252 |newspaper=Bryan Times Agency=UPI |last=Butts |first=David |title=NCAA adds three-point basket |date=April 3, 1986 |page=12 |access-date=October 15, 2020 |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308130412/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=cjkLAAAAIBAJ&pg=6682,259252 |url-status=live }} The NCAA adopted the three-pointer in women's basketball on an experimental basis for that season at the same distance, and made its use mandatory beginning {{nowrap|in 1987–88.{{cite web |url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/w_basketball_RB/2017/Rules.pdf |title=NCAA Women's Basketball Playing Rules History |publisher=NCAA |access-date=August 23, 2017 |archive-date=August 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824014643/http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/w_basketball_RB/2017/Rules.pdf |url-status=live }}}} In 2007, the NCAA lengthened the men's distance by a foot to {{convert|20|ft|9|in|m|2|abbr=on}}, effective with the {{nowrap|2008–09}} season,{{cite web |url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/m_basketball_RB/2017/Rules.pdf |title=Important Rules Changes by Year |work=NCAA Men's Basketball Record Book |publisher=NCAA |access-date=August 23, 2017 |archive-date=August 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824022437/http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/m_basketball_RB/2017/Rules.pdf |url-status=live }} and the women's line was moved to match the men's in 2011–12. The NFHS, along with elementary and middle schools, adopted a {{convert|19|ft|9|in|m|2|abbr=on}} line nationally in 1987, a year after the NCAA.{{cite news | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-03-27-sp-279-story.html | work=Los Angeles Times | first=John | last=Lynch | title=High School Basketball Draws Line, Adopts 3-Point Rule | date=March 27, 1987 | access-date=April 28, 2016 | archive-date=November 5, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105023907/http://articles.latimes.com/1987-03-27/sports/sp-279_1_high-school-basketball | url-status=live }} The NCAA experimented with the {{convert|6.75|m|ftin|frac=4|abbr=on}} FIBA three-point line distance in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) {{nowrap|in 2018 and 2019,{{cite news |url=http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/22597009/longer-3-point-line-experimental-rules-used-nit |title=NIT to experiment with new rules this season |first=Kyle |last=Bonagura |website=ESPN.com |date=February 27, 2018 |access-date=February 28, 2018 |archive-date=February 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228162953/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/22597009/longer-3-point-line-experimental-rules-used-nit |url-status=live }}}} then adopted that distance for all men's play with a phased conversion that began with Division I in the 2019–20 season.{{cite news |last1=Boone |first1=Kyle |title=NCAA approves rule changes including moving back 3-point line to international distance |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/ncaa-approves-rule-changes-including-moving-back-3-point-line-to-international-distance/ |access-date=June 5, 2019 |work=CBSSports.com |issue=5 June 2019 |publisher=CBS Sports |language=en |archive-date=June 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605230212/https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/ncaa-approves-rule-changes-including-moving-back-3-point-line-to-international-distance/ |url-status=live }}{{cite press release |title=Men's basketball 3-point line extended to international distance |url=http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/men-s-basketball-3-point-line-extended-international-distance |publisher=NCAA |access-date=June 7, 2019 |date=June 5, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606061213/http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/men-s-basketball-3-point-line-extended-international-distance |url-status=live }} The NAIA and other American associations also adopted the new NCAA distance for their respective men's play.{{cite news |title=NAIA Approves Rule Changes for Men [sic] and Women's Basketball |url=http://www.playnorthstar.com/article/5291 |access-date=March 10, 2020 |publisher=North Star Athletic Association |date=June 21, 2019 |archive-date=February 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224160920/http://www.playnorthstar.com/article/5291 |url-status=live }} In that same 2019–20 season, the NCAA planned to experiment with the FIBA arc in women's postseason events other than the NCAA championships in each division, most notably the Women's National Invitation Tournament and Women's Basketball Invitational;{{cite press release |url=http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/shot-clock-rule-altered-women-s-basketball |title=Shot clock rule altered in women's basketball |publisher=NCAA |date=June 5, 2019 |access-date=June 20, 2019 |archive-date=June 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190623210955/https://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/shot-clock-rule-altered-women-s-basketball |url-status=live }} these events were ultimately scrapped due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The NCAA announced on June 3, 2021 that the FIBA three-point distance would be extended to the women's game starting in 2021–22.{{cite press release |url=https://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/international-3-point-line-distance-approved-women-s-basketball |title=International 3-point line distance approved in women's basketball |publisher=NCAA |date=June 3, 2021 |access-date=August 24, 2021 |archive-date=November 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128014740/https://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/international-3-point-line-distance-approved-women-s-basketball |url-status=live }}

For three seasons beginning in 1994–95, the NBA attempted to address decreased scoring by shortening the distance of the line from {{convert|23|ft|9|in|m|2|abbr=on}} ({{convert|22|ft|m|2|abbr=on}} at the corners) to a uniform {{convert|22|ft|m|2|abbr=on}} around the basket. From the 1997–98 season on, the NBA reverted the line to its original distance of {{nowrap|23 ft 9 in}} ({{nowrap|22 ft}} at the corners, with a 3-inch differential).

In 2008, FIBA announced that the distance would be increased by {{convert|50|cm|in|1|abbr=on}} to {{convert|6.75|m|ftin|frac=4|abbr=on}}, with the change being phased in beginning in October 2010. In December 2012, the WNBA announced that it would use the FIBA distance, starting in 2013; by 2017, the distance at the corners was lengthened to match the NBA. The NBA has discussed adding a four-point line, according to president Rod Thorn.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/10517078/nba-discussed-bigger-court-4-point-shot |title=NBA has discussed bigger court, 4-point shot |website=Espn.go.com |date=February 25, 2014 |access-date=March 5, 2017 |archive-date=July 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160714085029/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/10517078/nba-discussed-bigger-court-4-point-shot |url-status=live }}

Three-point revolution

In the NBA, attempting three-point field goals has become increasingly frequent in the modern day, particularly from mid-2015 onwards. The increase in latter years 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.{{cite web|last=Abbott|first=Henry|title=Stephen Curry isn't just the MVP -- he is revolutionizing the game|work=ESPN|date=March 18, 2016|access-date=December 11, 2018|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/15001418/how-stephen-curry-revolutionizing-basketball|archive-date=December 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215181202/http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/15001418/how-stephen-curry-revolutionizing-basketball|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=Nadkarni|first=Rohan|title=The NBA Has Never Seen a Shooter Like Stephen Curry|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=May 31, 2018|access-date=December 11, 2018|url=https://www.si.com/nba/2018/05/31/stephen-curry-nba-finals-warriors-shooting-statistics|archive-date=December 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215175148/https://www.si.com/nba/2018/05/31/stephen-curry-nba-finals-warriors-shooting-statistics|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Dougherty|first=Jesse|title=The Steph Effect: How NBA star is inspiring — and complicating — high school basketball|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=March 5, 2018|access-date=December 11, 2018|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/the-steph-effect-how-nba-star-is-inspiring--and-complicating--high-school-basketball/2018/03/05/602fbafc-1fc8-11e8-a589-763893265565_story.html|archive-date=December 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216000218/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/the-steph-effect-how-nba-star-is-inspiring--and-complicating--high-school-basketball/2018/03/05/602fbafc-1fc8-11e8-a589-763893265565_story.html|url-status=live}} Curry is the NBA's all-time leading scorer in three-point field goals made and is ranked highest in "Off Ball" average attention drawn. Calculated by the average attention each player receives as the total amount of time guarded by each defensive player divided by the total time playing, Curry's was ranked at 1.064, with Kevin Durant coming in second at 1.063, in a 2015 study.Alexander Franks. Andrew Miller. Luke Bornn. Kirk Goldsberry. "Characterizing the spatial structure of defensive skill in professional basketball." Ann. Appl. Stat. 9 (1) 94 - 121, March 2015. https://doi.org/10.1214/14-AOAS799 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411174704/https://projecteuclid.org/journals/annals-of-applied-statistics/volume-9/issue-1/Characterizing-the-spatial-structure-of-defensive-skill-in-professional-basketball/10.1214/14-AOAS799.full |date=April 11, 2024 }}

class="wikitable"
Season ! Average three-point goals per game ! Average three-point attempts per game ! Effectiveness[https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_stats.html NBA League Averages] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507043555/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_stats.html \|date=May 7, 2013 }} - Basketball Reference
1979–1980 \| 0.8 \| 2.8 \| 29%
1989–1990 \| 2.2 \| 6.6 \| 33%
1999–2000 \| 4.8 \| 13.7 \| 35%
2009–2010 \| 6.4 \| 18.1 \| 36%
2019–2020 \| 12.2 \| 34.1 \| 36%
2021–2022 \| 12.4 \| 35.2 \| 35%

class="wikitable"

Season

! Average three-point goals per game

! Average three-point attempts per game

! Effectiveness[https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_stats.html NBA League Averages] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507043555/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_stats.html |date=May 7, 2013 }} - Basketball Reference

1979–1980

| 0.8

| 2.8

| 29%

1989–1990

| 2.2

| 6.6

| 33%

1999–2000

| 4.8

| 13.7

| 35%

2009–2010

| 6.4

| 18.1

| 36%

2019–2020

| 12.2

| 34.1

| 36%

2021–2022

| 12.4

| 35.2

| 35%

Rule specifications

File:Samuel Bennerson Playground td (2019-06-18) 019 - Basketball Courts.jpg. From left to right: high school distance, NCAA women's distance (before 2021–22), and NBA distance.]]

A three-point line consists of an arc at a set radius measured from the point on the floor directly below the center of the basket, and two parallel lines equidistant from each sideline extending from the nearest end line to the point at which they intersect the arc. In the NBA, WNBA, NCAA or NAIA, and FIBA standards, the arc spans the width of the court until it is a specified minimum distance from each sideline. The three-point line then becomes parallel to the sidelines from those points to the baseline. The unusual formation of the three-point line at these levels allows players some space from which to attempt a three-point shot at the corners of the court; the arc would be less than {{convert|2|ft|m}} from each sideline at the corners if it were a continuous arc. In American high school standards, the arc spans 180° around the basket, then becomes parallel to the sidelines from the plane of the basket center to the baseline ({{convert|5|ft|3|in|disp=or|sp=us|1}}). During the period in which the NCAA/NAIA arc was at {{convert|20|ft|9|in|abbr=on|sp=us}} from the center of the basket, the arc was {{convert|4|ft|3|in|disp=or|sp=us|1}} from the sideline in that area.

The distance of the three-point line to the center of the hoop varies by level:

class="wikitable" style="width:50%; "
Competition ! Arc radius ! Minimum distance from sidelines ! Reference
NBA \| {{convert\|7.24\|m\|ftin\|frac=4}} \| {{convert\|3\|ft\|0\|in\|m\|2\|abbr=on}} \| {{cite web\|title=Rule No. 1---Court Dimensions--Equipment\|url=http://www.nba.com/analysis/rules_1.html?nav=ArticleList\|work=NBA Official Rules\|access-date=October 19, 2010\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210220307/http://www.nba.com/analysis/rules_1.html?nav=ArticleList\|archive-date=February 10, 2012\|url-status=dead}}
FIBA NAIA NCAA{{efn\|In the 2019–20 season, the NCAA used the FIBA arc only in Division I men's play. Divisions II and III adopted the FIBA arc for men's play in 2020–21, and all women's play adopted the FIBA arc in 2021–22.}} WNBA \| {{convert\|6.75\|m\|ftin\|frac=4}} \| FIBA: {{convert\|0.9\|m\|ftin\|abbr=on}} NAIA, NCAA: {{convert\|3\|ft\|4\|in\|m\|2\|abbr=on}} WNBA: {{convert\|3\|ft\|0\|in\|m\|2\|abbr=on}} \| {{cite web\|title=Official Basketball Rules 2018\|url=http://www.fiba.basketball/documents/official-basketball-rules.pdf\|publisher=FIBA\|access-date=December 21, 2018\|archive-date=October 25, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025043113/http://www.fiba.basketball/documents/official-basketball-rules.pdf\|url-status=live}}{{cite web \|url=https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/basketball/rules/common/PRXBB_CourtDiagram.pdf \|title=NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball Court \|publisher=NCAA \|date=June 17, 2019 \|access-date=October 9, 2019 \|archive-date=April 6, 2023 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406194017/https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/basketball/rules/common/PRXBB_CourtDiagram.pdf \|url-status=live }}{{cite web \|url=https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2019/05/2019-WNBA-Rule-Book-Final.pdf \|title=Rule No. 1, Section I — Court and Dimensions \|work=Official Rules of the Women's National Basketball Association 2019 \|page=1 \|publisher=WNBA \|access-date=December 19, 2019 \|archive-date=May 31, 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531051944/https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2019/05/2019-WNBA-Rule-Book-Final.pdf \|url-status=live }}
NFHS \| {{convert\|6.02\|m\|ftin\|frac=4}} \| {{convert\|5\|ft\|3\|in\|m\|1\|abbr=on}} \| {{cite web\|title=Basketball Court Diagram\|url=http://nsaahome.org/textfile/bask/floormark.pdf\|publisher=Nebraska School Activities Association\|access-date=December 10, 2011\|archive-date=December 6, 2011\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111206191749/http://nsaahome.org/textfile/bask/floormark.pdf\|url-status=live}}

class="wikitable" style="width:50%; "

Competition

! Arc radius

! Minimum distance
from sidelines

! Reference

NBA

| {{convert|7.24|m|ftin|frac=4}}

| {{convert|3|ft|0|in|m|2|abbr=on}}

| {{cite web|title=Rule No. 1---Court Dimensions--Equipment|url=http://www.nba.com/analysis/rules_1.html?nav=ArticleList|work=NBA Official Rules|access-date=October 19, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210220307/http://www.nba.com/analysis/rules_1.html?nav=ArticleList|archive-date=February 10, 2012|url-status=dead}}

FIBA
NAIA
NCAA{{efn|In the 2019–20 season, the NCAA used the FIBA arc only in Division I men's play. Divisions II and III adopted the FIBA arc for men's play in 2020–21, and all women's play adopted the FIBA arc in 2021–22.}}
WNBA

| {{convert|6.75|m|ftin|frac=4}}

| FIBA: {{convert|0.9|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
NAIA, NCAA: {{convert|3|ft|4|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
WNBA: {{convert|3|ft|0|in|m|2|abbr=on}}

| {{cite web|title=Official Basketball Rules 2018|url=http://www.fiba.basketball/documents/official-basketball-rules.pdf|publisher=FIBA|access-date=December 21, 2018|archive-date=October 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025043113/http://www.fiba.basketball/documents/official-basketball-rules.pdf|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/basketball/rules/common/PRXBB_CourtDiagram.pdf |title=NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball Court |publisher=NCAA |date=June 17, 2019 |access-date=October 9, 2019 |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406194017/https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/basketball/rules/common/PRXBB_CourtDiagram.pdf |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2019/05/2019-WNBA-Rule-Book-Final.pdf |title=Rule No. 1, Section I — Court and Dimensions |work=Official Rules of the Women's National Basketball Association 2019 |page=1 |publisher=WNBA |access-date=December 19, 2019 |archive-date=May 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531051944/https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2019/05/2019-WNBA-Rule-Book-Final.pdf |url-status=live }}

NFHS

| {{convert|6.02|m|ftin|frac=4}}

| {{convert|5|ft|3|in|m|1|abbr=on}}

| {{cite web|title=Basketball Court Diagram|url=http://nsaahome.org/textfile/bask/floormark.pdf|publisher=Nebraska School Activities Association|access-date=December 10, 2011|archive-date=December 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111206191749/http://nsaahome.org/textfile/bask/floormark.pdf|url-status=live}}

The high school corner minimum is taken as a requirement for newer high school gymnasiums and fieldhouses built in the three-point era. Courts built in older eras before state high school sanctioning bodies issued rules regarding court sizes have narrower markings, requiring home court ground rules where there is less space behind the three-point arc, the space on the sides of the arc can barely accommodate the shooter's feet due to lack of room, or it may be marked closer than the suggested minimum.

A player's feet must be completely behind the three-point line at the time of the shot or jump in order to make a three-point attempt; if the player's feet are on or in front of the line, it is a two-point attempt. A player is allowed to jump from outside the line and land inside the line to make a three-point attempt, as long as the ball is released in mid-air.

An official raises his/her arm with three fingers extended to signal the shot attempt. If the attempt is successful, he/she raises his/her other arm with all fingers fully extended in manner similar to a football official signifying successful field goal to indicate the three-point goal. The official must recognize it for it to count as three points. Instant replay has sometimes been used, depending on league rules. The NBA, WNBA{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/2008/news/10/23/102108videoreplayrules/index.html?rss=true |title=Description of the NBA's new instant replay rules |access-date=November 16, 2008 |work=NBA.com |date=October 23, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081025015938/http://www.nba.com/2008/news/10/23/102108videoreplayrules/index.html?rss=true |archive-date=October 25, 2008 |url-status=dead }} FIBA and the NCAA specifically allow replay for this purpose. In NBA, WNBA & FIBA games, video replay does not have to occur immediately following a shot; play can continue and the officials can adjust the scoring later in the game, after reviewing the video. However, in late game situations, play may be paused pending a review.

If a shooter is fouled while attempting a three-pointer and subsequently misses the shot, the shooter is awarded three free-throw attempts. If a player completes a three-pointer while being fouled, the player is awarded one free-throw for a possible 4-point play. Conceivably, if a player completed a three-pointer while being fouled, and that foul was ruled as either a Flagrant 1 or a Flagrant 2 foul, the player would be awarded two free throws for a possible 5-point play.

In 3x3, where shots from behind the arc are worth 2 points, the shooter is normally awarded two free throws if the shot is missed and one if the shot is made. However, if the fouling team has committed more than 6 fouls in the game, the shooter receives two free throws regardless of the result of the basket attempt. If the foul is the team's 10th (or greater), the shooter's team also gets possession of the ball.

Related concepts

Major League Lacrosse (MLL) featured a two-point line which forms a {{convert|15|yd|m|adj=on}} arc around the front of the goal. Shots taken from behind this line count for two points, as opposed to the standard one point. The Premier Lacrosse League, which absorbed MLL in a December 2020 merger, plays under MLL rules, including the two-point arc.

In gridiron football, a standard field goal is worth three points; various professional and semi-pro leagues have experimented with four-point field goals. NFL Europe and the Stars Football League adopted a rule similar to basketball's three-point line in which an additional point was awarded for longer field goals; in both leagues any field goal of {{convert|50|yd|m}} or more was worth four points. The Arena Football League awarded four points for any successful drop kicked field goal (like the three-point shot, the drop kick is more challenging than a standard place kick, as the bounce of the ball makes a kick less predictable, and arena football also uses narrower goal posts for all kicks than the outdoor game does).

During the existence of the World Hockey Association (WHA) in the 1970s, there were proposals for two-point hockey goals for shots taken beyond an established distance (one proposal was a 44-foot (13.4m) arc, which would have intersected the faceoff circles), but this proposal gained little support and faded after the WHA merged with the National Hockey League. It was widely believed that long-distance shots in hockey had little direct relation to skill (usually resulting more from goalies' vision being screened or obscured), plus with the lower scoring intrinsic to the sport a two-point goal was seen as disruptive of the structure of the game.

The super goal is a similar concept in Australian rules football, in which a {{convert|50|m|yd|sp=us|adj=on}} arc determines the value of a goal; within the arc, it is the usual 6 points, but 9 points are scored for a "super goal" scored from outside the arc. To date the super goal is only used in pre-season games and not in the season proper.{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/nab-cups-ruck-and-holding-rules-may-run-season/story-e6frg7mf-1226270159057 |title=NAB Cup's ruck and holding rules may run season|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417074237/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/nab-cups-ruck-and-holding-rules-may-run-season/story-e6frg7mf-1226270159057|archive-date=April 17, 2014|url-status=dead |last=Denham|first=Greg|date=February 14, 2012|work=The Australian}}

The National Professional Soccer League II, which awarded two points for all goals except those on the power play, also used a three-point line, drawn {{convert|45|ft|m}} from the goal. It has since been adopted by some other indoor soccer leagues.

The 2020 Suncorp Super Netball league season saw the addition of the two-goal Super Shot. The Super Shot provides goal attacks and goal shooters the opportunity to score two goals by shooting from a 1.9m designated zone within the goal circle and will be active in the final five minutes of each quarter.{{Cite web|url=https://supernetball.com.au/news/introducing-two-goal-super-shot|title=Introducing the two-goal Super Shot|website=Suncorp Super Netball|access-date=March 8, 2021|archive-date=March 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314214911/https://supernetball.com.au/news/introducing-two-goal-super-shot|url-status=live}}

Footnotes

References

External links

[https://web.archive.org/web/20071010113838/http://www.nba.com/germany/sharpshooters/three_debut_040908.html NBA.com's Top 10 three-pointers from past 25 years]
[https://web.archive.org/web/20121202043744/http://archives.ivyleaguesports.com/article.asp?intID=3801 Article on Columbia's experimentation with the three-point field goal decades before its official introduction]
[https://web.archive.org/web/20070218134833/http://www.wisbca.org/wbca.asp?pageID=48&pid=5&spid=5 "Long Live the Three"] by Steve Shutt, Basketball Hall of Fame

Category:Scoring (basketball)

Category:Basketball terminology

Category:American Basketball Association

Category:American Basketball League (1961–62)

Category:1961 introductions