A field goal in basketball is any shot made during live play—excluding free throws—that goes through the hoop, worth either 2 points (inside the three-point line) or 3 points (beyond it). Think layups, dunks, jumpers, or bombs from deep; they’re the backbone of scoring, not those charity tosses from the stripe.
Types of Field Goals
Field goals cover every bucket except freebies, splitting into close-range 2-pointers or long-range 3s based on where your feet plant when you release. A quick layup off the glass? That’s a 2-point field goal since you’re inside the arc. Step back behind the line for a splash? Boom, 3 points—same “field goal” label, bigger payoff. Rare tweaks exist like FIBA 3×3 (1-pointers) or BIG3 (4s), but standard NBA/NCAA play sticks to this 2/3 split.
2-Point vs 3-Point Shots
2-pointers rule the paint and mid-range—dunks, hooks, floaters all count here, easier to hit but lower value in today’s game. Anything beyond the three-point line flips to 3 points, rewarding bombers like Curry who pull up from anywhere. Why the difference? Math: one 3 equals 1.5 twos, so teams jack threes now (over 40 attempts per game league-wide). Misses hurt more, though—bricks are just field goal attempts (FGAs) that don’t drop.
Quick 3-Point Line Primer
The NBA arc sits 23 feet, 9 inches from the basket at the top, dipping to 22 feet in corners—check our deep dive on exact distances. Cross it legally (feet fully behind), and it’s a 3-point field goal; step on or over, and refs call it a 2. FIBA/WNBA use a flat 22 feet 1.75 inches everywhere for simplicity. Youth hoops shorten it to build confidence.
Decoding Common Field Goal Stats
Box scores throw around abbreviations—here’s the cheat sheet:
FG: Field goals made (total buckets).
FGA: Field goals attempted (shots taken).
FG%: Shooting efficiency (FG ÷ FGA x 100). League average hovers 45-47%; elites like Jokic hit 58%+.
3PM: Three-pointers made (your deep balls that swished).
Related gems: 3PA (threes attempted), 3P% (like Curry’s 40%+ clip), eFG% (adjusts for 3s being worth more).
Example stat line: Curry 10/20 FG, 7/12 3PM means 10 field goals (7 threes, 3 twos) on 20 tries—fire.
Why Field Goals Rule the Game
They’re 90% of points—free throws fill gaps from fouls. Teams live/die by efficiency; low FG% means turnovers or bad shots. Coaches preach “contested 2s beat open 3s? Nah, hunt the 3.” Analytics back it: more threes, better wins. Kids in AAU or streetball worldwide drill these to mimic NBA stars.
Field Goal Rules and Edge Cases
Live ball only—no tip-ins after dead play count fully. Goaltending blocks a field goal attempt? No bucket, free throw maybe. Own bucket? Still counts unless tipped wrong. Field goal attempts charge on any legit shot; stats crews judge intent. Free throws? Never field goals—separate 1-point FT stat.
Pro Tips for Shooters
Practice form: balance, follow-through, arc. Inside: use backboard angles. Deep: quick release, feet set. Track your FG% at home—apps log it easy. From Meerut courts to Madison Square, mastering field goals turns scrubs into scorers.
Field goals aren’t just shots—they’re basketball’s heartbeat, blending skill, range, and hustle into every bucket. Nail the basics here, and you’re set to dominate pickup or follow pro stats like a boss.
Sam, a dedicated blogger, has immersed himself in the world of content creation for the past five years. His journey reflects a profound passion for storytelling and insightful commentary. Beyond the digital realm, Sam is a devoted NBA enthusiast, seamlessly blending his love for sports with his writing pursuits.