3pointers

A 3-pointer, or three-point field goal, is a scoring play in basketball where a player successfully shoots the ball through the hoop from behind the three-point line. This line is a designated arc on the court, and any shot made from beyond this arc, if successful, counts as three points. Shots made from inside or on the line are worth two points, while free throws, awarded for fouls, are worth one point.

The introduction of the three-point line significantly altered basketball strategy. Teams began to space their offensive players further from the basket, creating driving lanes and increasing the importance of perimeter shooting. Players known for their three-point accuracy are often referred to as "sharpshooters" or "snipers." The three-point shot has become a critical element in modern basketball, influencing game tempo, scoring output, and overall team composition. Records for most three-pointers made in a game, season, and career are closely watched statistics. The distance of the three-point line varies slightly between different basketball leagues, such as the NBA, WNBA, and FIBA.