How Far Is The Three-Point Line in Basketball?

Since the three-point line was first introduced in the NBA, players have, albeit slowly, evolved their games to take advantage of the additional point opportunity. And with basketball statisticians utilizing data to show the overall effectiveness of tossing up more threes in a game, we now see more and more players and teams attempting more three point shots per game then ever before.

But, just how far is the three-point line in basketball?

And while the answer ranges from league-to-league, the value of a successfully made three pointer does not.

Below, we are not only going to review just how far the three-point line is in basketball but also why more-and-more NBA and basketball players and teams are beginning to utilize the three-point line as their main offensive weapon against an opponent.

Three-Point Line Distance in Basketball

Depending on league play and league professional level, the three-point line can widely vary. Below, we are going to review the distance of the three-point line depending on league level. These numbers represent the total minimum distance of the three-point line from the basketball hoop and the distance varies based on league level. Also, the values listed below are the values of the three-point line from the top of the arc, which is the furthest distance from the basketball hoop. The two corners of the basket are where the three-point line is shorter.

• High School Basketball – the three-point line is 19 feet and 9 inches away from the basket in the high school game.

• College Basketball – for both the men’s and women’s game, the NCAA has recently moved the three-point line further back. Originally, the three-point line was placed 20 feet and 9 inches from the basket. However, the new distance is 22 feet and 1.75 inches.

• WNBA and FIBA – FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, has set a three-point distance of 22 feet and 2 inches. Similarly, the WNBA has adopted the same three-point line measurements and distance in their games.

• NBA – the NBA, currently, has the furthest three-point line from any league. From the top of the arc, the three-point line in the NBA 23 feet and 9 inches.

History of the Three-Point Line

Contrary to popular belief, the three-point line did not always exist in the sport of basketball. Rather, when Dr. James Naismith first envisioned the game of basketball, his original 13 rules did not contain any language regarding a three-point line.

Rather, the first recorded use of the three-point line was tested at the collegiate level in 1945, with a 21-foot line. However, the test was not kept and the three-point line would not be fully adopted or accepted.

Similarly, in 1958, the three-point line was once again tested, but again, was not accepted or adopted.

Rather, in 1961, Abe Saperstein, the commissioner of the American Basketball League, recommended adopting the three-point line for use in the ABL. Hoping to add excitement and distinguish the ABL from the bigger NBA, Saperstein would note, “we must have a weapon and this is ours.”

And to determine the distance of the new shot, Saperstein and DePaul University coach Ray Meyer simply went out onto the court and placed tape markings at the 25 foot line. As Saperstein’s son would note, “They just arbitrarily drew lines. There’s really no scientific basis. Just two Hall of Fame coaches getting together and saying: ‘Where would we like to see the line?'”

However, after the ABL shutdown in 1963, the three-point line would be adopted by two different leagues, including the Eastern Professional Basketball League and the American Basketball Association. As the ABA commissioner George Mikan would note regarding the three-point line, “[it] would give the smaller player a chance to score and open up the defense to make the game more enjoyable for the fans.”

And, finally, in 1979, the NBA would officially adopt the use of the three-point line, even in the face of criticism from many that the shot was a gimmick. In the inaugural season of the three-point line, Chris Ford of the Boston Celtics is credited with scoring the first official three pointer in the NBA.

How Has the Three-Point Line Impacted the NBA?

Few would argue that the three-point line has had the greatest impact on the game then any other rule change or rule introduction. The three-point shot now accounts for just under 40% of all shots taken in the league, with more-and-more players attempting the shot at a wider pace then anytime before in the history of the league.

However, interestingly enough, although more players and teams are attempting three-point shots, the overall average continues to hold steady. On average, players in the NBA are making just a hair over .30% of all three-point shots taken.

Rather, what the three-point shot has been able to do is to create more spacing and room within the league. While the league was once a heavy two-point shooting league, by having more players take three-point shots, the spacing between players has been opened.

Now, instead of seeing players packing nearer to the hoop, more-and-more players are able to stand further away from the basket, allowing for passing opportunities, isolation towards the basket for bigger players, and open shot opportunities from the three for other players.