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Last updated: Feb 09, 2024
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Players score in basketball by successfully shooting the basketball through the hoop. By making a basket, teams can earn one, two, or three points per shot.Read on to learn all about scoring in basketball!
Table of Contents
- Two and Three-Pointers
- Free Throws
- Bonus
- “And Ones”
- Referees
- Basketball Scoring Summary
- FAQ
Two and Three-Pointers
The most basic ways to score in basketball are two-point and three-point field goals. When a player puts the ball through the hoop during play, it is known as a field goal. Field goals are worth either two or three points.The amount of points a basket is worth depends on where it is shot from on the court. Shots taken from within the three-point arc are worth two points, and shots taken beyond the three-point line are worth three points.
The three-point arc is a curved line that runs from the end line near the basket out to a little over halfway between the end line and midcourt.Based on the level of play, the distance of the arc from the basket varies. The arc is 19 feet, nine inches from the basket on high school basketball courts.The arc is 20 feet, nine inches from the basket on college basketball courts.The dimensions of the arc in the NBA are slightly different, as the sides of the arc are located 22 feet from the center of the basket and extend 16 feet, nine inches from the baseline. The arc then flattens and is 23 feet, nine inches from the rim.
Free Throws
A free throw occurs after a player is fouled by another player in the act of shooting the ball. After the player is fouled, gameplay stops, and the player goes to the free throw line, which is located 15 feet from the front of the backboard.The player is then given one, two, or three separate attempts to shoot the ball into the basket.
The number of free throws a player is given depends on if they were shooting a two or three-pointer and if they made the shot when they were fouled. Each free throw the player successfully makes is worth one point. When shooting a free throw, players must make sure that both of their feet are behind the free throw line to be awarded the points.
Free throws can also be awarded to a team when their opponent commits a technical foul or a foul while they are in the bonus.
Bonus
Players will also shoot free throws if they are fouled in any manner while they are in the bonus.The bonus is a situation when any defensive foul for the remainder of the quarter will result in the opposing team shooting two free throws. The bonus is activated when a team reaches a certain number of fouls, which depends on the level they are playing at. The bonus rule was created to discourage excessive fouling in basketball.
In the NBA, the bonus begins when the opposing team commits their fifth foul in a quarter or two fouls within the last two minutes of a quarter.
In college basketball, there is a bonus and a double bonus.The bonus begins once a team commits their seventh foul in a half. In this case, any defensive foul will result in the opposing team shooting a “one-and-one.” This means that a player needs to make the first free throw in order to get a second shot. Once a team commits their 10th foul of the half, they get two free throws regardless of whether or not they make the first one. This is called the “double bonus” and is usually stylized as “bonus+” on the scoreboard.
“And Ones”
A unique way to score in basketball is through an “and one.” An “and one” is when a player is fouled in the act of shooting and successfully makes the basket. This is referred to as an “and one” because even though the player made the basket, they are given a chance to score an extra point through a free throw attempt. If the player is fouled while shooting a two-point shot and makes the basket, they have the chance to earn three points on that play. If the player is fouled while shooting a three-point shot and makes the basket, they have the potential to earn four points on that play.
Referees
Referees determine if each basket is legal and whether it is a two or three-point basket. They are also responsible for calling fouls that result in free throws and violations during gameplay, such as travels and goaltending. Referees will determine if a shot was taken before or after the clock expired, which can result in last-second baskets counting or being overturned. While players are the ones making shots and scoring points, referees have a major impact on the game.
Basketball Scoring Summary
In basketball, teams score points by successfully shooting the ball through the hoop. There are various ways to score in basketball:
- Field goals are shots made during play from anywhere on the court, except free throws.
- A field goal shot from within the three-point arc is worth two points.
- A field goal shot from outside the three-point arc is worth three points and is called a “three-pointer.”
- Free throws are given to players who are fouled during a scoring attempt. Each free throw made is worth one point.
- Players can receive one, two, or even three free throws depending upon the severity of the foul and whether or not they made the attempted shot.
- The bonus is activated if a team commits a set number of fouls during a quarter.
- During the bonus, players receive a free throw on anyfoul committed by the team who activated the bonus during the remainder of a quarter.
- A free throw made after a foul that was committed during a successful field goal is called an “and one.”
FAQ
Can you score five points in one possession in basketball?
Yes, it is possible to score five points in one basketball possession. One possible scenario to score five points is when a player is fouled in the act of shooting a three-pointer and makes the shot. If a player or coach on the opposing team is called for a technical foul on the play, the player will be given two free throws and will have the chance to score five points in one possession.Also, after making the three and getting fouled, the player can miss the free throw while their teammate gets the rebound and puts it back in for two points. While both of these scenarios are not necessarily in the same play, they are in the same possession.
Can you score four points in one play in basketball?
Yes, you can score four points in one play in basketball. To score four points in one play, a player has to make a three-point basket while being fouled and then make the following free throw.You can also score four points in one possession by making a two-point shot while obtaining a flagrant foul and then making the subsequent two free throws.A player can also make a two-point shot, miss the following free throw, and earn two points if their teammate gets the rebound and makes a two-point shot.
How do you score three points in basketball?
The most simpleway to score three points is by shooting the ball beyond the three-point arc and making the shot. In this scenario, three points are awarded automatically. Another way to score three points is by getting fouled in the act of shooting a two-point shot, making the basket, and then making the subsequent free throw.
What are the most common ways you can score in basketball?
The most common ways to score in basketball are the free throw, two-point, and three-point shots.A free throw is worth one point and occurs after a player is fouled in the act of shooting or when the other team is in the bonus. A two-point shot occurs when a player makes a basket inside of the three-point arc, while a three-point shot occurs when they make a shot from outside of the arc.
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