Ever wondered what field goal basketball is all about? You must have heard basketball pros mention it during games or seen someone talk about the best field goals after a basketball match.
There are two ways of scoring in basketball, and a field goal is one of them. On the other hand, the second way of scoring is through a free throw. The team fouled takes this penalty shot from the free throw line.
This guide contains what field goal (FG) is in basketball - in simplest terms. It also states how many points a field goal is worth in basketball.
In addition, you will learn about Field Goals Attempted (FGA), Field Goals Made (FGM), Field Goal Percentage (FG%), and most field goals made in NBA history.
What Does a Field Goal (FG) Mean in Basketball?
A shot made or attempted during normal play in a basketball game is considered a field goal (FG).
Field goals can be Field Goals Made (FGM) if the ball lands in the other team's basket. Otherwise, they become Field Goals Attempted (FGA). On the other hand, the shot clock stops for free throws, and players take specific positions on the court.
A field goal that enters the basket counts for a certain number of points - depending on the distance from the basket. However, the points for each successful field goal basketball varies with the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) systems.
How Many Points Is a Field Goal Worth in Basketball?
The point where a player shoots from during a game determines the number of points for each field goal.
According to the NCAA and NBA ratings, a successful field goal is worth either two or three points. For some other leagues like FIB 3x3 and BIG3 leagues, every field goal made scores one or two and three or four points, respectively.
A field goal gets two points when a player shoots from within the three-point line. For successful shots beyond the three-point line, the field goal gets three points.
How to Make a Field Goal Count
There are some criteria that are necessary for a field goal to count.
For one, you must shoot the ball into your opponent’s basket. In addition, you should keep your feet inbound while taking the shot from any part of the court.
If one of your feet goes out of the court's boundaries or stays on the line while you take the field goal shot, it becomes a turnover. As a result, the other team gets the ball.
Lastly, make sure the ball has left your hand before the shot clock runs out.
What Are Field Goals Attempted (FGA)?
Field Goals Attempted (FGA) include every shot taken at the opponents' basket. For a field goal to be recorded as a field goal attempt, the basketball must leave the player's hand before the basket shot clock runs out. In addition, the player must stay inbound.
The field goal attempts a player makes show their scoring volume. And every FGA counts, whether it gets the basket or not.
What Are Field Goals Made (FGM)?
On the other hand, the opposite of Field Goals Attempted is Field Goals Made (FBM). Field Goals Made are shots that make the opponent's basket.
For a shot to count as Field Goals Made, the player must stay inbound and take it from anywhere in the court during regular play. Also, the shot must make the basket.
However, if the shot does not meet these conditions, the referee cancels the shot, and the opponent gets the ball.
Field Goals Made are vital metrics. They determine a player's Field Goal Percentage (FG%), also known as their scoring volume - along with Field Goal Attempts.
Field Goal is also one of the metrics used for calculating Double-Doubles.
What Is Field Goal Percentage (FG%)?
Field Goal Percentage is the most vital stat for every basketball player. The Field Goal Percentage (FG%) is the percentage of successful field goals a player makes per game.
Every basketball fan looks out for this stat because it shows how successful players are. This metric shows how many successful shots each player has made within and beyond the three-point line.
FG% of 50% and above is considered good in both the NBA and College Basketball league.
Most Field Goals Made in NBA History
The all-time King of Field Goals in NBA history is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He raked a mind-blowing 15837 Field Goals Made, 28307 Field Goals Attempted, and 55.9 Field Goal Percentage.
Next to him are Karl Malone, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan, with field goal percentages of 51.6, 50.4, 44.7, and 49.7, respectively. Also, their field goals made stand at 13528, 13018, 11719, and 12192, respectively.
If you would love to check your favorite NBA players’ Field Goals Made and Field Goals Percentage, click here.
Wrapping Up: Basketball Field Goal
Field Goal Basketball determines how well a player shoots the ball. Basketball fans also use this stat in determining a player's contribution in a match.
Successful field goals get two or three points in the NCAA and NBA guidelines. The field goal percentage also shows every players' scoring efficiency readily.
Read also: What is a Clutch in Basketball?
