Basketball Scoring: 1, 2 and 3 Points
Basketball has three scoring values and they depend entirely on where the shooter's feet were — not on how far the ball travelled.
What each shot is worth
| Shot | Points |
|---|---|
| Free throw | 1 |
| Field goal inside the arc | 2 |
| Field goal behind the arc | 3 |
Game format
- FIBA: four quarters of 10 minutes. NBA: four of 12.
- The shot clock gives 24 seconds to attempt a shot that hits the rim.
- Overtime is 5 minutes, repeated until the tie is broken.
The and-one
A basket made while being fouled counts, and the shooter takes one additional free throw — a three-point play, or four points if the shot was from behind the arc. It is the biggest single swing available in a possession.
Frequently asked questions
6.75 m under FIBA rules, 7.24 m at the top of the arc in the NBA. The corner three is shorter in both, which is why it is the most efficient shot in the game.
Once a team commits its fifth foul in a quarter, every subsequent foul gives the opponent free throws even if it was not on a shooter.