The goal in basketball is not just to score points but also includes implementing reasonable tactics, improving shooting performance and maintaining stability throughout the match. Successful teams always make the most of each player’s strengths, from precise baskets to breakthrough three-point shots. Determining clear goals helps the team control the game, exploit the opponent’s weaknesses and increase the chance of winning. Today, with Bestsoccertips.com, learn more about what is a field goal in basketball? and what is the scoring rate in basketball? through the article below!
What is a field goal in basketball?
A Field Goal (FG) in basketball is any shot that is made from the court and successfully places the ball in the basket, excluding free throws. This is one of the main ways to score points in basketball, playing an important role in deciding the outcome of the match. Shots can come from many different locations on the court, with the point value depending on the distance of the shot. Shots inside the three-point line are worth 2 points, while shots from outside the three-point line are worth 3 points.
Field Goal includes many different finishing techniques such as jump shot, layup, hook shot and dunk. Each type of shot requires good technique and ball control to achieve high performance. In professional matches, FG% (Field Goal Percentage) is an important indicator reflecting the player’s finishing ability as well as the team’s offensive efficiency.
To improve the success rate of Field Goal, players need to practice shooting from different positions, develop the skill of choosing the optimal shooting point, and take advantage of the space on the field to facilitate high-accuracy shots.
Using field goals for different scoring strategies
NBA teams build their scoring strategies around the strengths of their lineups, optimizing each shot for maximum efficiency. This approach maximizes scoring potential and takes advantage of each individual on the court. Here are three common scoring styles that teams often use:
- Layup/Dunk Focus: Teams with a powerful offensive player or a solid center inside often focus on exploiting layups and dunks. These situations have a high success rate and often lead to fouls, giving the team more free throw opportunities. This is an effective strategy to put pressure on the opposing defense and maintain a stable game.
- Focus on 3-point shooting: Teams with many players with accurate long-range shooting ability will open up the court, taking advantage of the opportunity to make three-point shots early and often. This strategy allows the team to score quickly and force the opposing defense to stretch out, thereby opening up other offensive opportunities. When 3-point shooting is efficient, this can be an overwhelming strategy for the opponent, especially in the modern era of basketball.
- Balanced offense: Some well-rounded teams apply a strategy that combines inside shooting situations and long-range shooting. They flexibly adjust their play based on what the opposing defense allows, exploiting the opponent’s weaknesses to optimize scoring efficiency. This is a strategy that helps the team maintain stability throughout the season and is especially effective in tense matches.
Good coaches will build a scoring strategy that suits their squad, adjusting shot selection based on the player’s ability and the game situation. The choice of offensive style not only affects the scoring efficiency but also shapes the team’s play, creating a difference between strategies in the modern NBA.
What is field goal percentage in basketball?
Field Goal Percentage (FG%) in basketball is an important indicator of a player or team’s scoring performance. This indicator shows the percentage of successful shots compared to the total number of shots taken in a game or an entire season. This is one of the important statistics that helps determine a player’s effectiveness on the court.
Average field goal percentage varies by level of competition. In the NBA, players typically have a FG% of 45–48%, while in FIBA (international tournaments), this number fluctuates between 40–45%. At the NCAA level, this rate also falls around 40–45%. The level of success also depends on the type of shot, with 2-pointers having a success rate of around 50%, 3-pointers around 35–40%, and free throws around 75–80%.
You can calculate FG% as follows:
Field Percentage = (Field Shots / Attempted Shots) x100%
OR
FG% = FGM/FGA × 100%
For example, if you made 15 shots out of 28 attempts in a game, your success rate would be
FG% = ( 15 / 28 ) x100% = 53.57%
This means that you made just over half of the shots you took in that game. Any FGP above 40% is very respectable, even in the NBA.
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Top 3 NBA players with the highest field goal percentage of all time
1. DeAndre Jordan – Brooklyn Nets (67.4%)
Deandre Jordan has an incredible ability to dominate the low post and has held at least 70% FGP in many games, making him one of the most effective centers in the NBA. His strong finishing ability comes mainly from close-range dunks, taking full advantage of his superior size and strength. When playing with Chris Paul, one of the best point guards in NBA history, Jordan is able to receive many quality passes, allowing him to make powerful aerial dunks. The combination of a top playmaker and a center with effective finishing ability makes Jordan a major threat in the area.
In the last three NBA seasons, Jordan has never attempted fewer than 227 dunks, demonstrating his incredible work rate in the paint. His consistency has helped him maintain his status as one of the league’s most productive centers. With his physicality and ability to play on power, he remains a top pick for teams in need of a solid, effective point guard. While his career is still in its infancy, his impressive statistics have proven Jordan’s importance to the team and his impact in the paint.
2. Rudy Gobert – Utah Jazz (64.4%)
Rudy Gobert has been named Defensive Player of the Year multiple times, and that’s a fair reflection of his abilities. Gobert’s defensive skills are unique, making him one of the best centers in the game when it comes to defending the paint. His ability to block, block shots, and control space makes opponents wary of entering the penalty area. Not only does he have excellent individual defense, Gobert is also a pillar in the team’s defense system, helping the team improve its effectiveness in protecting the basket and limiting the opponent’s score.
In addition to his talent, Gobert also impresses with his humble, quiet, yet bold and powerful attitude on the court. His standing arm span of up to 9’7″, one of the longest in NBA history, gives him a great advantage in competing for the ball and making spectacular blocks. This makes him not only a reliable defensive center but also a real threat in the basket area. Regardless of Gobert’s path forward, he will always be one of the top defensive centers that any team would love to have. Never underestimate Rudy Gobert, as he is always ready to make a difference every time he steps on the court.
3. Clint Capela – Atlanta Hawks (62.9%)
Clint Capela probably doesn’t get the attention he deserves despite being one of the NBA’s most consistent and solid defensive centers. He has proven his worth since joining the Atlanta Hawks, quickly becoming a key part of the team’s defense. Capela is not only great at blocking shots and grabbing rebounds, but he also plays a key role in defending the basket, helping the Hawks improve their overall defense.
While not a very versatile offensive player, Capela maintains an incredible shooting performance. He doesn’t create scoring opportunities often, but when he does, he hardly misses. This is evident in his career FG percentage of 62.9%, an extremely impressive number, reflecting his ability to effectively take advantage of shooting opportunities. With his solid, disciplined play and excellent defensive ability, Capela continues to be a reliable center forward, playing an important role in the team’s success.
Final Thoughts
Overall, what is a field goal in basketball? This is not only about scoring points but also about how the team builds tactics and optimizes performance. Whether choosing a close-range offensive style, focusing on three-point shooting or a flexible combination of both, the team needs to determine the right direction to maintain the advantage. Understanding and implementing the right goal will be the key to achieving stability and success on the field.
See more: 10 players NBA highest field goal percentage in a season
