Basketball is a fast-paced and dynamic sport where scoring points is the key to victory. Among the various ways to score, one of the most fundamental and commonly used methods is the field goal. What is a field goal in basketball? Simply put, it is any successful shot made during live play, excluding free throws. Field goals can be worth either two or three points, depending on the distance from which they are taken. Below, Bet Win Tips will explain in detail how important this definition is.
What is a field goal in basketball?
The definition of a field goal
What is a field goal in basketball? A field goal in basketball refers to any basket scored during regular play that is not a free throw. The value of a field goal depends on the distance from which the shot is taken:
- Two-Point Field Goal: Any shot made inside the three-point line is worth two points.
- Three-Point Field Goal: Any shot made from beyond the three-point line is worth three points.
Field goals can be attempted in many different ways, including jump shots, layups, and dunks. The ability to make field goals efficiently is a key indicator of a player's skill level and effectiveness on the court.
Types of field goals in Basketball
Field goals come in various forms, and each type requires a different set of skills. Below are some of the most common types of field goals:
- Jump shot: The jump shot is one of the most common ways to score in basketball. A player jumps into the air and releases the ball at the peak of their jump. This type of shot is often used in mid-range and long-range shooting.
- Layup: A layup is a close-range shot where a player drives to the basket and gently places the ball into the hoop, usually off the backboard. Layups are high-percentage shots and are often used during fast breaks or when attacking the rim.
- Dunk: A dunk is one of the most exciting field goals in basketball. It involves a player forcefully slamming the ball into the hoop while jumping above the rim. Dunks are high-percentage shots and often energize both the team and the crowd.
- Hook Shot: A hook shot is when a player uses one hand to release the ball in a high, arching motion while keeping their body between the ball and the defender. This type of shot is often used by post players near the basket.
- Three-Point Shot: A three-pointer is a shot taken beyond the three-point line. It is worth three points and requires excellent shooting accuracy. Players like Stephen Curry and Ray Allen have revolutionized the game with their ability to make three-pointers consistently.
Field goal percentage and its importance
What is a field goal in basketball? Field goal percentage (FG%) is a crucial statistic that measures a player’s shooting efficiency. It is calculated using the formula:
Field Goal Percentage=(Field Goals Attempted/ Field Goals Made)×100
For example, if a player makes 9 out of 15 field goal attempts, their FG% would be: (9/15)×100=60%
What is field goal percentage in basketball? A high field goal percentage indicates that a player is making a significant portion of their shot attempts, which contributes to the team's success. Centers and forwards typically have higher field goal percentages because they take more shots close to the basket, while guards often take lower-percentage shots from longer distances.
Players with the best field goal percentages in NBA history
Below are some of the greatest players in NBA history who have excelled in this category.
DeAndre Jordan
DeAndre Jordan holds the highest career field goal percentage in NBA history at 67.3%. A dominant presence in the paint, Jordan built his reputation as one of the league’s most efficient scorers by focusing almost exclusively on high-percentage shots, such as dunks and layups.
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His playing style revolves around pick-and-roll finishes, putbacks, and alley-oops, allowing him to maintain an incredibly high shooting efficiency. His ability to finish at the rim, combined with his athleticism and rebounding prowess, made him a key asset for teams like the Los Angeles Clippers and Brooklyn Nets.
Mitchell Robinson
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson currently holds the NBA record for the highest single-season field goal percentage at 74.2%, a mark he set during the 2019-20 season. Robinson’s record-breaking efficiency was achieved by taking almost all of his shots within a few feet of the basket.
His offensive style is similar to DeAndre Jordan’s, relying on dunks, putbacks, and lob finishes to maximize his shooting accuracy. Though his scoring volume is not as high as some other legendary big men, Robinson's ability to capitalize on every scoring opportunity makes him one of the most efficient players in the league.
Wilt Chamberlain
Before Mitchell Robinson broke the record, Wilt Chamberlain held the single-season field goal percentage record for nearly five decades. Chamberlain’s mark of 72.7%, set during the 1972-73 season, was an astonishing feat for its time. Known for his dominance inside the paint, Chamberlain was a scoring machine who could finish over defenders with ease.
His size, strength, and skill allowed him to score efficiently against any competition. In addition to his efficiency, he is famous for his 100-point game, a record that still stands today. Chamberlain revolutionized scoring for big men, setting the standard for efficiency in the NBA.
Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal was one of the most dominant centers in NBA history, and his field goal percentage reflected his ability to score efficiently. Known for his overwhelming physicality and near-unstoppable post moves, O’Neal consistently shot at a high percentage throughout his career. His career FG% of 58.2% is impressive, considering the number of shot attempts he took.
While he struggled with free throws, his ability to convert field goals at an elite level made him one of the most feared scorers of his era. His dominance in the paint helped lead teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat to multiple championships.
Final thought
What is a field goal in basketball? The field goal percentage statistic helps measure a player’s shooting accuracy, with dominant scorers like DeAndre Jordan, Mitchell Robinson, and Wilt Chamberlain holding some of the highest percentages in NBA history. Over time, the game has evolved, shifting towards a focus on efficient scoring near the rim and beyond the three-point line. Whether you are watching an NBA game or playing on the court yourself, recognizing the importance of field goals can deepen your understanding of the sport.
Read more: Who holds the NBA highest field goal percentage in a season?
