Three-point field goal

In basketball, a three-point field goal, three-pointer, three-point shot, or simply three is a field goal made from beyond the three point line, a designated semi-ellipsoid arc radiating from the basket. A successful attempt is worth three points, in contrast to the two points given for shots made inside the three point line.

Related Topics:
Basketball - Field goal - Ellipsoid

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In order to attempt a three-pointer, a player must have no feet in front of or touching the line before jumping in the air for his shot. To signal a three-point shot, a referee must raise his arm to signal the shot attempt. If the attempt is successful, he raises his other arm to make a Y shape and holds up three fingers in both hands to indicate the points scored. Even if the shot is attempted beyond the line, a referee has to recognize it for it to count. This has been an issue of much contention, as many times games are decided by a last-second three-pointer. In these extreme circumstances, referees will often confer before deciding on how to rule the shot.

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