The National Basketball Association (NBA) uses the word "field goal" in their rule book, box scores and statistics, and referee decisions. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and high school basketball both use the same terminology. A field goal is defined as a shot taken while standing within the front arc of a basket (the backboard is not necessary).
A free throw is taken by a player after making a field goal attempt. The player receives two shots, one from each end of the court. If he makes both attempts, he will score six points; otherwise, he will get two points for made shots and four points for missed shots.
A three-point shot is worth three points; it can be earned by making either of the two shots from behind the arch. Otherwise, it is treated as a two-pointer.
A technical foul is issued to a player or coach for an offensive or disrespectful act that distracts from good sportsmanship. A technical foul cannot be appealed through the referee's whistle; instead, a player or team member can receive a technical if he goes to the scorer's table to protest a call. A technical foul cannot be served as an ejection penalty under NBA rules.
A jump ball occurs when there is no clear winner of a rebound during play in the paint.
A field goal in basketball is a basket scored on any shot or tap other than a free throw, worth two or three points depending on the distance from the hoop. A field goal is also known as a 2-point shot or 3-point shot.
A free throw is a shot at the basket from the foul line for either team with no defenders behind the shooter. There are two types of free throws: one's that count for nothing (called "freebies") and another set that count as points (called "field goals"). Free throws are taken after every time up during play of the game or during any overtime period. If the fouled player makes all four attempts, then they have successfully converted themselves to the match. Otherwise, they lose two points and their team gains a free throw opportunity during next time down.
In college basketball, a player can earn up to 10 free throw opportunities by making consecutive shots at the foul line or sinking three-pointers. In the NBA, a player can earn up to five free throw opportunities by making consecutive shots at the foul line or sinking three-pointers.
The term "field goal" is used interchangeably with "free throw" in sports such as baseball and football where there is only one type of free throw given out.
Goal on the field A field goal in basketball is a basket scored on any shot or tap other than a free throw, worth two or three points depending on the distance from the hoop. These shots can be made from anywhere on the court; there are no restricted areas where a player cannot shoot. A point score is also awarded for free throws, with 1 point for each successful foul shot and 3 more points if the fouled player makes all four attempts.
Originally, the term "point" only applied to goals scored after January 1, 1973. Previously, scores were recorded by units of six points, which was the standard amount of players on a basketball team until the 1970s when 12-player teams became common. Since then, the term has been extended to include all baskets scored during a game; before this extension, every basket scored during a game counted as a whole number (either 2 or 3), but now most games are won by scores between 100 and 0, so almost every basket counts.
The term "point" comes from the fact that these amounts were once assigned as credit for transactions at banks. Before 1972, the only way to earn money through basketball was to either score or assist on a touchdown pass.
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