Three-Point Line

The three-point line is the line that separates the two-point area from the three-point area; any shot converted beyond this line counts as three points. If the shooting player steps on the line, it is counted as two points. Any foul made in the act of shooting beyond the three-point line would give the player three free throws if the shot does not go in, and one if it does.

In the official NBA rule book, Rule No.5 SCORING AND TIMING, section I SCORING, article 3 states:

A successful field goal attempt from the area outside the three-point field goal line shall count three points.

• The shooter must have at least one foot on the floor outside the three-point field goal line prior to the attempt.
• The shooter may not be touching the floor on or inside the three-point field goal line.
• The shooter may contact the three-point field goal line, or land in the two-point field goal area, after the ball is released.

During free throws, the three-point line serves the purpose of dividing players. The team taking the free throw will have 3 players within the 3-point line, one being the shooter, the other 2 are lined up along the block and will attempt to rebound the free-throw if it is missed. The opposing team, not taking the free throw, will have 4 players along the block attempting to rebound a missed free-throw. The other players must stand outside of the 3-point line.

At a maximum distance, the NBA 3-point line is 23 feet 9 inches from the basket. Its minimum distance from the basket to the nearest sideline, on each side, is 22 feet. This 22-foot shot is referred to by most as the “corner three”, and is also the closest point a shooter can take for a three-pointer.

While other leagues around the world have varying distances of their three-point line, the NBA line is at least a foot further than the next closest line. The NBA development is also known as the G-League has a line similar to the NBA, while FIBA and the WNBA have a similar line that is 22 feet and 2 inches at its maximum distance.

The literal shape of the NBA 3-point line is an arch with two straight lines, parallel to the sidelines, emerging from each end. The parallel lines are 3 feet away from the sidelines and stretch a length of 14 feet. An arc is formed to be a uniform distance of 23 feet and 9 inches away from the basket. The distance between each parallel line is 44 feet.