The Basics of the Three-Point Line in Basketball

The three-point shot is a vital part of the game of basketball. This allows teams to spread the floor, allowing a wide range of shots in different areas. The three-point line is a curved line that is located around twenty feet away from the basket. This distance will depend on what level and league you are playing in. Any shot that is made from behind this line is counted and awarded three points. If a shot is made from inside this line, two points are given. A player must be behind this line in order for the shot to be counted as a three-pointer. If their foot in on the line, it is a two-pointer. If the shot from behind the 'arc' is made and a foul occurs, one free throw is given. However, if the shot is not made, the shooter gets three free throws.

As mentioned above, the distance away from the basket will depend on the league. In NCAA women's games, the length is 19.75 feet. This is also the standard used in high school games. The NCAA men's games use a distance of 20.75 feet. Men use to use 19.75 feet but in May of 2007, the change was agreed upon to increase the distance an extra foot. Therefore, during the 2008-2009 season, this was the first time this distance was being used. In international basketball games and in the WNBA, the distance is 20.5 feet. The NBA currently has the longest, as the three-point line is 22 feet away from the hoop. The three-point line was made in the 1979-1980 season. The distances were variable, as the top of the arc was 22 feet away but the corners were 23.75. In 1994, the distance was made uniform to 22 feet.

In order for it to be an official three point shot, the official must raise one hand to rule that it is a legitimate three point attempt. If the shot it made, then the other hand is raised to show the shot was good. The three-point line was tested first to be sure it would work effectively. The first idea came in 1933, where there were two curved lines. The closest area would count as one point, the middle area was two points, and the farthest area was three points. The ABL introduced the three-point line in 1961 and the EPBL introduced it in 1963. After the ABA introduced it in 1968, the NBA was soon to install this new part of basketball.

Wikipedia, Three-Point Field Goal