There are many NBA legends about sharp-shooters that shot the light out across the league, in their wake a trail of daggers and championships. The shooters deadliest weapon, a three-pointer.
Also referred to as the “arc” or as some broadcasters call it, “down town” or the āperimeter.ā The 3-point line is a key feature on the basketball court. Dynasties and careers have been built upon this line.
With such a great impact on the game of basketball, whether you are a player or fan, you can know a lot about the game by taking a look at the 3 point line.
What is the Purpose of the 3-point Line?
Like the name implies the 3-point line is the basis of how much a field goal is worth. Field goals are worth either 2-points or 3-points, if the shooter is beyond the 3-point line, their shot is worth 3-points. Fairly simple if you ask me.
In the official NBA rule book, Rule No.5 SCORING AND TIMING, section I SCORING, article 3 states:
c. A successful field goal attempt from the area outside the three-point field goal line shall count three points.
- The shooter must have at least one foot on the floor outside the three-point field goal line prior to the attempt.
- The shooter may not be touching the floor on or inside the three-point field goal line.
- The shooter may contact the three-point field goal line, or land in the two-point field goal area, after the ball is released
During free throws, the three-point line serves the purpose of dividing players. The team taking the free throw will have 3 players within the 3-point line, one being the shooter, the other 2 are lined up along the block and will attempt to rebound the free-throw if it is missed. The opposing team, not taking the free throw, will have 4 players along the block attempting to rebound a missed free-throw. The other players must stand outside of the 3-point line.
When Was the 3-point Line Added to the NBA?
The 3-point line was first added to the NBA during the 1979-1980 season. The first season of the NBA was in 1946, meaning that there were 33 years of NBA basketball without the three-point line. You will sometimes hear broadcasters say, āpost 3-point era,ā when referring to stats. Since certain scoring stats changed with the introduction of the 3-point line, broadcasters make a point to differentiate the scoring eras.
It is also important to note that the NBA was not the first professional basketball league to implement the 3-point line. The first league to use the 3-point line was the American Basketball Association (ABA), the rival league to the NBA. At its inception in 1967, the ABA had started using a 3-point line.
By 1976 the NBA and ABA would merge, as stated above, the 3-point line would be re-introduced three years later during the 1979-1980 season.
For more history on the 3-point check out
this article by USA Basketball
on the history of the 3-pointer by Ryan Wood.
How Far is the NBA 3-point Line?
At a maximum distance, the NBA 3-point line is 23 feet 9 inches from the basket. Its minimum distance from the basket to the nearest sideline, on each side, is 22 feet. This 22-foot shot is referred to by most as the ācorner three,ā and is also the closest point a shooter can take for a three-pointer.
While other leagues around the world have varying distances of their three-point line, the NBA line is at least a foot further than the next closest line. The NBA development is also known as the G-League has a line similar to the NBA, while FIBA and the WNBA have a similar line that is 22 feet and 2 inches at its maximum distance.
| Maximum Distance of 3-point Line |
| LeagueĀ |
Distance in feet/inches |
meters |
| NBA and G LeagueĀ |
23 feet 9 inchesĀ |
7.24m |
| NCAA (College) |
20 feet 9 inchesĀ |
6.32m |
| High School/Middle School |
19 feet 9 inchesĀ |
6.02m |
| WNBA |
22 feet 2 inchesĀ |
6.75m |
| FIBA (Europe) |
22 feet 2 inchesĀ |
6.75m |
What is the Shape of the NBA 3-point Line?
The literal shape of the NBA 3-point line is an arch with two straight lines, parallel to the sidelines, emerging from each end. The parallel lines are 3 feet away from the sidelines and stretch a length of 14 feet. An arc is formed to be a uniform distance of 23 feet and 9 inches away from the basket. The distance between each parallel line is 44 feet.
Understanding the Importance of the 3-Point Line
Basketball would not be the same without the 3-point line. The amazing feats of clutch shooters and buzzer-beaters have rocked stadiums and living room couches. Every play-book at all levels of ball is influenced by the arch and its legacy.
To quote 8-time NBA champion (by way of player and coach) Stever Kerr,
The 3-point line and the range players are showing with their 3-point shooting, itās changing the way defenses have to think.
The future of the 3-point line looks just as epic as its past. As a player, coach, or fan you should be knowledgeable in its ways to fully grasp the beauty of the game of basketball.
