The game of basketball has transformed much since its invention back in 1891. In its original form, it was a rather uncomplicated game that called for using a peach basket and a soccer ball. The most basic objective was just getting the ball through the basket.
Over time, the game has changed in a number of ways, but perhaps no single element has altered it quite like the three-point shot. From redefining how teams approach the game to changing fan perception, the shift has greatly altered how the game is played. With the NBA fully embracing this era of change, huge future implications for the league seem evident.
Over time, the game has changed in a number of ways, but perhaps no single element has altered it quite like the three-point shot. From redefining how teams approach the game to changing fan perception, the shift has greatly altered how the game is played. With the NBA fully embracing this era of change, huge future implications for the league seem evident.
The Birth of the Three-Point Line
It wasn't until the late 1970s that the three-point shot finally gained acceptance in the NBA, placing the line 23 feet 9 inches from the basket.
When the three-point shot was first introduced into the game of basketball in the 1930s, many were very skeptical that players would be able to make shots from such a distance. However, as the game developed, so did the training of the players; the three-point shot started to make its place a significant constituent in the offense game.
When the three-point shot was first introduced into the game of basketball in the 1930s, many were very skeptical that players would be able to make shots from such a distance. However, as the game developed, so did the training of the players; the three-point shot started to make its place a significant constituent in the offense game.
Early Adoption and the Shift in Strategy
It wasn't until the 2000s, though, that it really became radically utilized. Coaches such as Mike D'Antoni, with his "Seven Seconds or Less" offense, showed what a running game-one that emphasized shooting over traditional post play-might look and feel like.
Teams started spacing the floor so their guys could get open looks from beyond the arc.
Teams started spacing the floor so their guys could get open looks from beyond the arc.
This was starting to change with the arrival of sharpshooters like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Ray Allen, who made teams begin thinking twice about their approaches towards scoring. It was more specifically the Golden State Warriors that spearheaded a movement in reliance on three-point shooting-a movement that completely flipped the NBA upside down.
The championship-modern success proved that, yes, teams could win championships relying heavy on the three-point shot, and franchises still have to adjust their strategy because of the NBA's new direction.
The championship-modern success proved that, yes, teams could win championships relying heavy on the three-point shot, and franchises still have to adjust their strategy because of the NBA's new direction.
The Analytics Revolution
Analytics rising to prominence within basketball also shares some credit with the three-point shot prevalence. The teams started measuring shooting efficiency and found out that though three-point shots might be more difficult to make, it often paid better dividends than mid-range attempts.
It was through data that shooting from beyond the arc led to higher points per possession, which forced teams to reconsider their offensive methods.
It was through data that shooting from beyond the arc led to higher points per possession, which forced teams to reconsider their offensive methods.
The over-emphasized three-point shot, a defining characteristic of the modern game, came with more and more teams getting into analytics. Coaches started drafting just about any player who showed an inkling of shooting skills from beyond the arc, and it changed the landscape of how players were developed.
The three-pointers are being taught to young athletes at an extremely tender age; this again is just one of the factors that has contributed towards the ever-increasing number of proficient shooters that have entered the league in recent times.
The three-pointers are being taught to young athletes at an extremely tender age; this again is just one of the factors that has contributed towards the ever-increasing number of proficient shooters that have entered the league in recent times.
A New Style of Play
But three-point shooting isn't entirely about the players. The game has taken on a different style.
The big man, that athlete who used to be able to hold his own in the paint, is today's increasingly irrelevant player. The modern-day team is all about versatility where players can shoot, dribble, and pass with ease irrespective of size.
The big man, that athlete who used to be able to hold his own in the paint, is today's increasingly irrelevant player. The modern-day team is all about versatility where players can shoot, dribble, and pass with ease irrespective of size.
This new style of play puts emphasis on heavy ball movement and spacing. Teams have adopted the "five-out" offense, with all five players taking up shop beyond the three-point line. This stretches the defense out and creates driving lanes to open up for players to attack. This allows quick, fast ball movement that results in open shots and high-scoring games that the fans love to see.
Challenges and Adjustments
While the three-pointers have become a big factor in the NBA, certainly, it doesn't come without its challenges. The reliance on long-range shooting has brought shooting percentages all the way up and down throughout the league.
Many teams have gone to an all-or-nothing approach, relying a lot on three-pointers that at times get dangerous when players fall out of rhythm. Teams such as the Houston Rockets, under former coach Mike D'Antoni, answered their critics well with three-point-heavy offenses coming with inefficient scoring.
Many teams have gone to an all-or-nothing approach, relying a lot on three-pointers that at times get dangerous when players fall out of rhythm. Teams such as the Houston Rockets, under former coach Mike D'Antoni, answered their critics well with three-point-heavy offenses coming with inefficient scoring.
Besides this, it has also raised further questions about what basketball is, with the traditionalist view holding that it has strayed way too far from its core principles since players now depend on taking three-point shots instead of driving to the basket. This has resulted in fewer mid-range shots and post play, ultimately shifting the tenor of the game.
The three-point shot is not going anywhere anytime soon.
With the way the NBA keeps changing, one can surely bet his money on the fact that the three-point shot is here to stay.
Teams are now in the business of scouting players not just for pure athleticism or traditional skills, but also for shooting from beyond the arc. The league has been filled with players who are tall and yet very proficient in shooting as positions within the game continue to be blurred.
Teams are now in the business of scouting players not just for pure athleticism or traditional skills, but also for shooting from beyond the arc. The league has been filled with players who are tall and yet very proficient in shooting as positions within the game continue to be blurred.
Further innovation in shooting techniques and methodologies in training may mean we will witness many more dazzling performances of three-point shooting in the years to come. It is a fairly safe bet that players will find new ways to enhance their three-point shooting skills as sports science and training keep evolving.
Let's keep explore more!
Let's keep explore more!
