What Does Field Goal Mean in Basketball? Definition & Types

By Sarah Miller · January 30, 2044

A field goal in basketball refers to any basket scored during regular play that is not a free throw, counting for either two or three points depending on the shot’s distance from the basket. It is a fundamental method of scoring and reflects a player’s offensive efficiency.

What Is a Field Goal in Basketball?

In basketball, a field goal is any shot made from the court during live game action that results in a successful basket, excluding free throws. Field goals are the primary way players score points during gameplay. They are categorized based on their location: shots made inside the three-point line are worth two points, while those taken from beyond the arc are worth three points.

Key Characteristics of a Field Goal

Scored during active gameplay (not during free throws)
Can be worth 2 or 3 points
Includes dunks, layups, jump shots, and three-pointers
Must be released before the shot clock expires
Counts only if the ball goes through the hoop legally

Types of Field Goals

Basketball features various types of field goals, each serving different strategic purposes based on the situation, player position, and defensive pressure.

Two-Point Field Goals

These are shots taken from within the three-point line. Common forms include:

Layups: High-percentage shots near the rim, often after driving to the basket.
Dunks: Powerful shots where the player jumps and forcefully puts the ball through the hoop.
Mid-range jumpers: Shots taken between the paint and the three-point line, typically used by skilled scorers.
Hook shots: One-handed arcing shots, often used by post players to avoid defenders.

Three-Point Field Goals

Any shot made from beyond the three-point line is worth three points. These are crucial in modern NBA and college basketball due to their high point yield. Types include:

Spot-up threes: Taken immediately after receiving a pass, common in motion offenses.
Off-the-dribble threes: Players create their own shot using handles and quick release.
Step-back threes: Popularized by players like James Harden, creating space from defenders.
Catch-and-shoot threes: A staple for sharpshooters like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

Field Goal Percentage (FG%) Explained

Field goal percentage (FG%) measures a player’s shooting efficiency. It is calculated as:

FG% = (Field Goals Made ÷ Field Goals Attempted) × 100

A higher FG% indicates better shooting accuracy. For example, a player who makes 8 out of 10 shots has an 80% FG%, which is excellent.

Player	Team (2024)	FG%	3P%	PPG
Joel Embiid	Philadelphia 76ers	54.8%	36.0%	34.7
Stephen Curry	Golden State Warriors	48.5%	43.7%	26.4
Giannis Antetokounmpo	Milwaukee Bucks	56.3%	31.2%	30.4
Kevin Durant	Phoenix Suns	52.5%	38.5%	26.9
Devin Booker	Phoenix Suns	47.7%	36.8%	27.2

Table data source:NBA.com Stats, Basketball Reference

The table shows elite NBA players and their field goal efficiencies in the 2024 season. Centers and power forwards like Joel Embiid and Giannis tend to have higher FG% due to proximity to the basket. Guards like Stephen Curry maintain strong percentages despite high three-point volume, showcasing elite shooting skill. FG% alone doesn’t capture all value—shot difficulty and spacing matter significantly.

Why Field Goals Matter in Modern Basketball

Field goals are central to team offense and strategy. Coaches emphasize efficient shot selection, prioritizing high-percentage shots near the rim and open three-pointers. The “Moreyball” philosophy (named after Daryl Morey) suggests that three-pointers and layups/dunks are the most efficient shots, minimizing mid-range attempts.

Teams track true shooting percentage (TS%) to account for three-pointers and free throws.
Analytics show that three-point field goals increase scoring efficiency when made at a decent clip (>35%).
High-volume, high-efficiency shooters shape team success—e.g., Golden State Warriors’ dynasty.

Common Questions About Field Goals in Basketball

What does field goal mean in basketball?

A field goal in basketball is any basket scored during regular gameplay that is not a free throw. It can be worth two or three points depending on whether the shot was taken inside or outside the three-point line.

Is a dunk considered a field goal?

Yes, a dunk is classified as a two-point field goal. It is one of the most efficient and high-percentage shots in basketball, typically taken close to the basket.

What is the difference between a field goal and a three-pointer?

A three-pointer is a type of field goal taken from beyond the three-point line and worth three points. All three-pointers are field goals, but not all field goals are three-pointers.

Does a field goal include free throws?

No, free throws are not counted as field goals. Field goals only include baskets scored during live play. Free throws are recorded separately in player and team statistics.

Who holds the best field goal percentage in NBA history?

DeAndre Jordan holds one of the highest career field goal percentages in NBA history at approximately 67.4%, largely due to his role as a rim-runner who primarily scores on dunks and layups.