3-Point shot performance analysis

Introduction

The emergence of 3-point shot is a kind of great reform in basketball development. It has been considered as the chance for some weak teams that lack of physical advantages to contend with powerful world teams[1]. Therefore, the 3-point strategy has been highly esteemed. This paper reviewed the use of 3-points shot of different teams in some important basketball games in the world and found that 3-point shot strategy had been overvalued.

Methods

Reviewed statistic data posted on NBA, FIBA, CBA official websites and data collected after World Basketball Championship for Men and 2000 Olympic Basketball Game. Analysed the 3-poit shot usage in NBA games from 1988 to 2003, World Basketball Championship for Men of 1998 and 2002, 2000 Olympic Basketball Game, European Basketball Championship of 2001 and 2003, and China Basketball Association League (CBA League) of 1995 to 2003. Compared the performance of 3-point shot of different kind of teams.

Results

Results of the study include the following findings: 1. The use of 3-point shot in NBA Games grows fast. Currently for each game in regular season the 3-point field goals attempted (3FGA) count for 18% of field goals attempted(FGA); average 3-point field goals made(3FGM) is 5, average 3-point field goal percentage(3FG%) is 35%, which is 16% of total field goals made(FGM). 2. In world level games of recent years, average 3FGA is above 30% of all FGA; average 3FGM is 8; average 3FG% is 35%, which count for nearly 30% of FGM. The average 3FGA and the proportion of FGA, and average 3FG% of weak teams are much higher than that of powerful teams; While 3FG% of powerful teams is significantly higher than that of weak teams. 3. In CBA League average 3FGA is 30% of all FGA; 3FG% is 34%, which is 24% of total FGM. Powerful teams have higher 3FG% than weak teams.

Discussion / Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that world top teams hold high 3FG%, and that interior strength continues to be the determinant of a powerful team. Only when interior strength of both sides match, 3-point shot maters. Comparing with top teams, the weaker the team, the more 3FGA; and the higher 3FGM proportion in total FGM; and the lower the 3FG%. Including 3-point shot in basketball rules didn’t change the fundamental law of basketball. 2-point shots are still the most important source of scoring. Under specific circumstance 3-point shot is effective. But a team depends too much on long range offences always has instable performance and can’t be world top team. This study suggests that CBA League should adjust its strategy. More efforts are needed to improve the three point shots Scoring Efficiency (Points/Shot), which is to reduce the attempts and to improve the 3-point field goal percentage.

References

1. Han H.(1987). Wuhan Sport Institute Translation,4, 46-47